Translucent. Varied. Strong. Textured. Malleable. Stitchable. Ancient. Renewable.

Best known by artists who love its absorbency, washi ­ traditional Japanese paper ­ is perfect for contemporary applications off the wall: on windows, in screens, dyed, textured and stitched into jewellery and bags, as wallpaper, furniture coverings, placemats, cushions and clothing.

This month - June 2011 only - The Japanese Paper Place partners with other creative businesses in Toronto and special guest Linda Lundström to take washi into new realms of possibility. Living with Washi: Japanese Paper Inspiring Daily Life is the result!

Continue on this site to explore the possibilities -  exhibitions in storefronts you can check at any hour, gallery exhibitions, workshops, lectures, stores selling washi merchandise. Don't miss the remarkable Floating Washi Walls and other inspirations still up from our gala presentation on June 3 with Linda Lundstrom, and the washi garments of her protégé  Lei Li! This exhibition, the epitome of creativity, is on view for the month of June along with "Let there be Light", handmade lamps by Canadian artists.

Click on the images below to learn more...

Why take the time to visit? Jen Anisef of Toronto Craft Alert phrased it beautifully in a recent post:

As a hand-craft form threatened by mechanized production, it is vital that the awesomeness of washi be more widely appreciated.  Many of us are familiar with the colourful shazaam of chiyogami and katazome, but the variety of types and and applications of washi are truly amazing ­ attend a few of the June 2011 "Living With Washi" Summit happenings and this will become clear.

View press release PDF here.