Bonsai tree: Bonsai Bark Weekly Wire #3

This photo of Kobayashi Nursery comes from Soh-Ju-En Satsuki Bonsai. I assume it’s Kunio Kobayashi (he’s won awards for Satsuki bonsai), but my research team (that’s me) is a little over-worked right now and is having trouble finding time, so we’ll have to leave it at that.

Do your tools look like this? If not, then here’s a hot tip on how you can make it happen: visit Cheng, Cheng-Kung’s most excellent website (he’s one of best) and then go to his Simple Sharpening Tools Method. I won’t say Mr. Cheng is on the cutting edge of tool care (that would be too easy), but I will say that it just might revolutionize your approach to the business of keeping your tools sharp.

Craig Coussins’ bonsai collection is up for sale. Craig is the author of Bonsai Master Class, Bonsai School, Totally Bonsai and other now out-of-print books (in the US at least). Craig has been an important teacher and friend to many in our bonsai world for 40 years.

The BCI Grand Bonsai Tour Japan is coming up soon (Nov 17-27).

Hinoki Cypress at the Chicago Botanic Garden Permanent Collection. Featured on the Midwest Bonsai Society website. In addition to a wealth of other useful information, they have an excellent regional calendar. Not to mention (to mention) one of the best designed bonsai sites on the web

The Phoenix Bonsai Society is hosting a Ben Oki workshop Nov 12-13 & Kathy Shaner Dec 3-4.

You don’t have to live in one of their 19 member countries to enjoy The European Bonsai Association website.

Here’s a site that that you might find useful. It features a few bonsai blogs (including this one).

Nothing new under the sun? How about this brand new wiring technique by Mr. Ken Fujiwara? It’s from the latest post on Peter Tea’s blog, Journey of a Bonsai Apprentice at Aichi-en, Japan.

Wabi Sabi by Dan Barton. One of a whole bunch of great pots (and other stuff) on Dan’s website.

Foliage clean up by Michael Hagedorn. Has Michael finally gone off the deep end?

Twit bonsai? Going even further off the deep end, here’s how you can use Twitter to grow bonsai.

Speaking of Kobayashi (top of this page), we found this photo of his book cover on Bonsai Network Japan. Is anyone out their familiar with this book?

Stone Lantern (that’s us) recently purchased Haskill Creek Publishing from our friend and colleague Dennis Howke. It has been a pleasure working with Dennis the last couple years, and, the good news is, he’ll still be in the picture – he’s working on magically transforming all six titles into eBook format for us. We’ll keep you posted as the process unfolds. Meanwhile, we do plan on bringing the two out-of-print titles back soon.


 







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Bonsai tree: Takeo Kawabe’s bonsai garden

Source: Bonsai Tonight
Takeo Kawabe’s bonsai garden

When I saw the following photos from Boon’s visit to Japan, there was no doubt about whose garden they belonged to. I simply do not know that any other garden contains comparable material.

Carving project

Ichii

Bob King offered me additional photos from the same visit, and again, the photos were unmistakable.

Shimpaku (Bob King photo)

Satsuki – massive trunks! (Bob King photo)

The toolshed, while not a giveaway, offers yet more evidence.

Bonsai wire and tools (Bob King photo)

More bonsai tools – note array of power tools throughout

The garden belongs to Takeo Kawabe. Kawabe studied with Kimura for 12 years before heading out on his own in 1989. He is the creator of many famous bonsai tools, including grinders, chain-saw like devices and most recently, a line of bonsai scissors. His garden contains some of the best “wood” anywhere. His impressive carving and grafting skills have combined with great artistic vision to produce some truly outstanding bonsai. He is, in many senses, where good bonsai comes from.

Kawabe Takeo (Bob King photo)

If you get the chance, I highly recommend visiting his garden or checking out his book – Bonsai Craftsman (His Soul and Footsteps). If anyone knows where the book might be available outside of Japan, do share!

Kawabe’s famous Shimpaku – it twists like a tornado

Beautiful deadwood

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Bonsai tree: Suzuki’s bonsai workshop

Source: Bonsai Tonight
Suzuki’s bonsai workshop

It’s always fun to see other people’s workshops. Shinji Suzuki’s was well organized when I visited in 2009 – and that was when it was still under construction. Now fully completed, the place is one of the tidiest I’ve seen. Here are some more of Boon Manakitivipart’s photos from his visit to Suzuki’s garden in February, 2011.

A plethora of root hooks

There’s a tool in there I did not expect to see

Basic bonsai tools – why the second pair of scissors?

Handy wire holder with plenty of copper wire

A far cry from my workshop

Seriously

Awesome material with crafty stand to hold the tree in the new potting angle

Deadwood detail

Funny that such beautiful trees come from such a beautiful workshop – or is it? Maybe cleaning up my workshop will lead to better trees in my garden. It’s worth a try!
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Bonsai tree: Bonsai Today Back Issues 60% off

A tribute to John Naka, the Dean of American Bonsai is featured in Bonsai Today issue 93.

Bonsai Today, the benchmark English language bonsai magazine

Bonsai Today magazine has long been revered for its depth, range and quality of bonsai articles. For years it was the benchmark English language bonsai magazine, with each issue full of tips and instructions from the masters, dramatic cutting-edge bonsai, and bonsai news from around the world.

Making space

We’ve decided to sell out our remaining back issues to make space in our warehouse for a host of new products we are introducing. Some issues are almost gone. Eventually they will all be gone and you’ll have to pay inflated prices on eBay if you want their invaluable information. This is a great opportunity to put together your collection of some of the most useful bonsai information anywhere. At 60% off, no less.



Our shipment of Bonsai Aesthetics wire is in from China and the prices are amazing. The rolls that are pictured here are actually Japanese bonsai wire, which we still offer, and at reduced prices.

Bonsai wire for only 1.90 per roll

We have lowered the price on our Bonsai Aesthetics 100 gram rolls of wire to only 1.90. This is good quality anodized (copper colored) aluminum wire. We lowered the price because we’ve run out of most sizes of 1 kilo Bonsai Aesthetics wire (in less than two weeks), so we decided to make ten rolls of 100 gram wire the same price as a 1 kilo roll.

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Bonsai tree: New Products, New Low Prices

Bonsai Soil Sieve Set (3 screens). Not exactly new, but back after two years. Was $39.25, now $29.70.

New, nearly new, or back after a long break

This post is to let you know about new products at Stone Lantern. It’s also a way to let you know about products that were gone (for whatever reason) and are now back.

Also new; low prices

As you may know, we’ve been lowering prices on almost all of our products to near wholesale levels. We’ve learned that in this age of digital shopping, you want our quality products, service, information and the lowest prices. So feel free to compare. We may not have the lowest price on every single item, but we’ll be close. And you’ll still receive quality products, friendly service and a wealth of free information.

Myconox mycorrhizal inoculant. Don’t even think about transplanting without it. Myocnox contains mycorrhizal fungi, which grow on (sometimes inside) roots and help make the following possible: water and nutrient absorption, loosening of compact soils, increased winter hardiness, antibody production, decreased transplant shock, flower production and more. Suggested retail $12.95, your price $9.80





Koyo Transplanting Sickle. We used to have a much more expensive Koyo transplanting sickle, but then they came up with this perfect (and perfectly affordable) little tool. Retail $12.05, your price $7.70





Moss Milkshake. Moss fragments for growing your own. Just add water. Covers up to 20 square feet. Original price $26.00, now $17.15.

Flexcut Draw Knife. Draw knives are the most useful hand carving tool for bonsai and this is the sharpest, most versatile draw knife we’ve ever used. We sell a much less expensive Chinese draw knife (it’s very good for the price), but this one is pure butter. Was $34.25, now $25.60

Bonsai Pro fertilizer (7-9-5). Blended to provide all the known essential elements for plants. Low in soluble salts and urea free so you can use it without worrying about root burn and salt build up. Highly concentrated. $7.70

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Bonsai tree: Pushing the Limits

This wild and gnarly yamadori (collected bonsai) exhibits some classical flaws. Two of the most obvious are the long straight taperless section of mid-trunk and the cluttered roots around the base. However, that’s the way this tree grew and those flaws tell part of the story of its struggles to survive and thrive in an inhospitable environment. Without them, the story might not be so interesting.

Classical vs Eccentric

There have always been classical bonsai (ones that conform to accepted norms of an earlier time) and there have always been more eccentric bonsai that push classical forms and norms into new territory. Many of these more eccentric bonsai aren’t that noteworthy, they are just eccentric. However, there are those that maintain some relationship to classical notions of bonsai beauty (an evolving concept) while charting new directions.

Exposicion Nacional de Bonsai Alcobendas Madrid 2010

I found these photos on facebook (where else?). The were posted by Xaime Parada. I picked several that maybe push some limits a bit. Here’s a couple to whet your appetite.

Too eccentric? Aside from the jammed top of photo, what do you think of this tree?

Bonsai shears (off topic, but essential)

Koyo heavy duty stainless bonsai shears. Was $69.25, now $48.45 (the ring around the adjustment nut isn’t really green; it’s just a little photoshop joke). More stainless bonsai shears.

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Bonsai tree: The Facebook Dilemma & Japanese Tools

Nice tree. From facebook; Liang Lim’s photos. Beyond that, we know nothing. Except that we are swamped (it’s corporate tax time and etc….).

The Facebook problem

We receive several bonsai photos every day on facebook. Almost none mention the artist, unless the artist happens to be the same person who posts the photo (you’d be surprised how often this is NOT the case and how difficult it can be to determine whether or not it is the case). When we have time, we try to track down the owner/artist, but often, this is easier said than done. Beside, who but teenagers and retired people have time to spend hours every day on facebook? So that’s our dilemma and the tree above is a perfect example of this dilemma; we know the Liang Lim posted it, but beyond that, we know nothing.

Japan and our next tool shipment

As you know, the situation is horrible. especially in the northeast. But as you might expect, the quake and tsunami’s effects have spread throughout the country; rail service is halted, roads are clogged, phones are down and so forth. Among other much more important things, this means that our current tool order will be delayed. We don’t know for how long, but we do know that many of you are waiting for your orders. Hopefully it won’t be too long and thank you for hanging in there. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Speaking of Japanese products

We are donating 10% of all sales of Japanese products to the Japanese Red Cross. It’s not much, but hopefully someone will benefit.

Koyo Standard 8″ Concave Cutters: was $43.25, now $30.50. Designed to cut and cut and cut. All Japanese tools are good, and this one is no exception. However, if you like to pay a bit more for the highest quality, then you might consider this one: Koyo High Quality 8″ Concave Cutters: was $55.30, now $40.90 Either way, the price is right and the quality is excellent.

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Bonsai tree: Talkin ‘Bout Tools: Shears

Koyo Masters’ Grade Sword Shears. If you try them, you’ll love them. I do a lot of field growing, so a tool like this that allows for quick work (but can make surprisingly fine cuts) is perfect for the job.

Was $144.55 now $109.20

Compare our prices

Competition on the web is fierce and the old days of 100% markups are over. So we’ve been steadily lowering our prices at Stone Lantern. Now they are virtually at wholesale levels and we intend to keep them that way.

Koyo 8″ Kiri Bonsai Shears. Another of my favorites. It’s almost a bud shear and standard bonsai shear rolled into one: the blade is fine enough for your delicate work, yet strong enough for good sized cuts.

Was $25.40 now $17.35





Okatsune Masters’ Grade Pine Thinning Shears. If you ask gardeners in Japan, they’ll tell you that Okatsune makes the best hand tools anywhere. This one is designed to allow you to cut pine candles and small branches without crushing needles. Beyond that, I find it to be perhaps the best all around light weight (amazingly light weight) pruning tool I’ve ever tried.

Was $69.00 now $52.55

8″ All-purpose Scissors. Chinese cutting tools are getting better and better, as witnessed by this surprisingly sharp and durable little tool. If you are a beginner who’s just testing the bonsai or flower arranging waters, this is tool provides you and excellent and very affordable way to start. Was $7.20 now $4.70

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Bonsai tree: Bonsai Journey by Lo Min Hsuan

I was just reminded (on facebook, where else?) that Lo Min Hsuan has a new book. I don’t know to much about it, except that the cover makes me want to know more. Well, the cover and the fact it is by Lo Min Hsuan.

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Bonsai tree: Holiday Sale: The Party Is Almost Over

Stone Lantern’s Holiday Sale

Ends Thursday December 16th

Professional gardeners in Japan know that Okatsune Shears are simply the best production shears in the world. I use mine for bonsai and in the garden and have friends who use them for Ikebana (flower arranging) as well.





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Bonsai tree: Jinning: A Tidy Two Tool Tecnique

The type is almost microscopic, so we’ll synopsize a bit (see below for a slightly magnified version): 2. Use a concave cutter to score around the base of the branch you are jinning. 3 and 4. Crush the bark with pliers. 5. Pull the bark off with your fingers. 6. Create a natural shape by using concave cutters to apply small cuts and to pull of the resulting wood threads (you can use pliers to pull the threads if you want). From a article by David Benavente in Bonsai Today issue 85.
I use a draw knife for jinning and carving. It’s a great tool; the more you use it, the more you realize just how versatile it can be. And of course, there are a host of other hand tools and power carving tools you can play with and achieve great results. Still, using just two very common tools (pliers and concave cutters) is an elegant solution, especially if your tool box is sparse.

This box of Flexcut carving tools includes a draw knife (on the left), an indispensable tool for a range of tasks. The other five tools all come in handy as well.


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