Small Art, Big Heart: The Making of My Watercolor & Sumi-e Bookmarks

By Hansheng Lee – Lee Hansheng Studios | Art Collective International

There’s a quiet kind of magic in small things. A well-worn book spine. A cup of tea at just the right temperature. A tiny piece of art that marks your place in a story.

That’s what inspired my series of watercolor and Sumi-e bookmarks~ to create something intentional, beautiful, and personal in a form that travels with you. Each one is hand-painted, one-of-a-kind, and meant to be more than just a placeholder. They’re small works of art, infused with breath, ink, color, and a little stillness.

Let me take you through my process~ and why these bookmarks matter to me.

🖌️ Why Bookmarks?

I’ve been an avid reader my entire life and now have a mini library of sorts. Books raised me, challenged me, softened me, and sharpened me. But as much as I love a good story, I also love the ritual of reading~ the tangible experience. And bookmarks? They’re an intimate part of that experience.

Creating bookmarks allows me to share small pieces of my art with people who value the quiet moments. They’re accessible, affordable, and infused with care.

🌊 The Watercolor Bookmarks

My watercolor bookmarks often explore natural forms~ landscapes, skies, florals, and elemental abstracts. They’re intuitive in nature and fluid in process.

The process:

1. Paper selection: I use high-quality cold press watercolor paper, sometimes handmade or textured stock with deckled edges for that organic, imperfect beauty.

2. Cutting: Each sheet is cut by hand~ measured, torn, or trimmed into bookmark size (typically around 2" x 6"). Occasionally, the edges and corners will be decoratively cut as well. 

3. Painting: Using layers of professional-grade watercolors, I create miniature scenes or abstract pieces with rich gradients, atmospheric transitions, and tiny details. Some are calm, others fiery or surreal.

4. Details: I may add metallic touches, splatter effects, or inked accents once dry.

5. Finishing: Once complete, each bookmark is sealed lightly in a vinyl sleeve for protection, then paired with a hand-tied ribbon or tassel~ either silk, cotton, or naturally dyed twine.

These bookmarks are painted one at a time, with no mass production. No prints. No shortcuts. Each one carries its own energy.

🖋️ The Sumi-e Bookmarks

Sumi-e (墨絵) is the Japanese art of ink painting, rooted in Zen, simplicity, and brush discipline. While my training is personal rather than formal, I approach Sumi-e with deep respect and reflection.

These bookmarks lean into minimalist expression~ a single branch, a ripple of water, a cluster of petals, a bird in flight.

The process:

1. Ink prep: I use traditional sumi ink—sometimes freshly ground, sometimes bottled—and Japanese or Chinese brushes suited for delicate linework and controlled motion.

2. Brushwork: Each stroke is intentional. There's no erasing, no overworking. It’s a meditation—timed breath, steady hand, ink to paper.

3. Batch creation: Like watercolor, I work in small, focused batches. A few at a time or singular, centered in theme or intention.

4. Papers & fibers: I use washi paper, rice paper mounted onto cardstock, or heavyweight watercolor paper, depending on the desired effect.

5. Final touches: Some bookmarks feature red seal (chop) stamps, while others may include watercolor washes or metallic touches to elevate the contrast.

These are bookmarks for the reader who cherishes stillness and the beauty of imperfection.

🎁 What Makes Them Special?

• They’re functional, but also meaningful.
  Each bookmark is made in a small batch or individually, usually 5–10 at a time. Even within a set, no two are ever alike~ each one carries its own character, brushstrokes, and energy.

• They’re still handmade, not mass-produced.
  Every batch is an intentional session in the studio. I create based on mood, season, theme, or inspiration~ letting color, movement, and breath guide the work.

• They’re eco-conscious.
  Many bookmarks are made from high-quality offcuts from larger artworks or prints, reducing waste and extending the life of every scrap of paper.

• They make meaningful gifts.
  Affordable, beautiful, and one-of-a-kind~ each bookmark is a piece of art meant to be used and cherished.

• Each bookmark comes protected in a clear vinyl sleeve and is finished with a hand-tied tassel~ a thoughtful detail that makes it perfect for gifting, collecting, or keeping close as a small daily ritual.

✨ Where to Find Them

I release these bookmarks in limited batches at vendor markets and online through our website.

Each drop may include:

• Watercolor bookmarks – atmospheric, vibrant, elemental

• Sumi-e bookmarks – quiet, elegant, brush-led

• Hybrid styles – combining ink, watercolor, or layered paper effects

They often sell quickly~ so if you see one that speaks to you, grab it while it’s still there.

🌱 Final Thoughts

Creating these bookmarks feels like a breath between larger projects. A moment to return to basics. To remember that even in a world obsessed with size and scale, small things still hold incredible meaning. 

Each bookmark I make is a whisper of art~ a quiet companion for your journey through the pages.
And I hope, in some small way, they inspire you to pause, breathe, and reconnect~ with your book, your self, and the stories still waiting to unfold.