Workshops at The Japanese Paper Place

To help celebrate our June “Living with Washi: Japanese paper inspiring daily life” events, we offer a series of workshops at which you will make items, as advertised, for daily life! Spend an evening or afternoon gaining some skills you can use again and again to make items of practicality and beauty with washi.

Ink, Paper, Stone: weighty inspiration $45 + 5.85 hst
with Noriko Maeda
Thursday June 9, 6:30 – 9 pm

Bring an inspirational word or two in English, learn how to write it in Japanese with brush and sumi ink on washi, and then adhere your word to a small rounded stone (supplied). This simple and elegant paperweight can then become your daily reminder of what motivates you! See more of Maeda-san's work on her site at www.norikomaeda.com

Samples of work with konnyaku treated paper: a Loree Ovens print and a sewn bag by Sigrid Blohm.

Konnyaku is the powdered starch of Devil's Tongue root. Most Japanese people know it as a food, but some know it as a material that can magically transform paper. Used for centuries in Japan to make kamiko paper clothing, konnyaku is non-toxic, requires no cooking and is easy to use. Konnyaku strengthens washi, can act as a sizing, and makes the paper wind- and water-resistant.

In this workshop you’ll learn how to mix the starch, apply it to different types of washi and add texture to the paper to make it malleable. Once dry, the paper you treat will be ready to be put into service to piece into quilts, stitch into bags, sew into cushions, embroider, and much more. You won't be stitching today but Julia will show you lots of exciting examples of what you can do!

Flower decorations by Corinna. The central floral pick will be made in the class.

Make flowers even more beautiful by combining them with fine Japanese papers. Using run-of-the-mill flowers from the corner store, as well as lovely stems from local florist Coriander Girl, we will demonstrate several easy-to-make projects. Discover how to “wrap” flowers as a gift, adorn wrapped gifts with flowers, and dress up vessels to create one-of-a-kind vases and centrepieces. Learn how washi can turn cellophane-wrapped flower bunches and potted plants from the corner store into bouquets and centrepieces that look like they came from a high-end florist.

Plus, in a hands-on segment, you will have a chance to make a few decorations to add to your own floral arrangements. Say goodbye to mini mylar birthday balloons and plastic get-well wishes, and say hello to personalized, hand-made messages. Whether for gift-giving, wedding centrepieces, party favours, or just to dress up your own home, paper and flowers can complement each other to spectacular effect.

Sample portfolio.

Don't stop collecting wonderful art on paper just because you have no more room on your walls: make a portfolio to protect your acquisitions! In Japan, where wall space is at a premium, it's common practice to store paper art treasures away to be pulled out for viewing at social gatherings.

Today, experienced bookbinder Don will take you through the steps to make a modestly sized portfolio (approx. 9" x 12" / 23cm x 30cm). It will be made with bookbinders' board covered with beautiful washi, have three hinged flaps to protect its contents, and ribbon tie closures to keep it all in place. This elegant portfolio – a treasure in its own right – will have your friends eagerly anticipating their next private art viewing...

The book to be made; some colour choices available.

The medieval-style book that you will create in this workshop has what you need in a journal that you can throw into your kit and go, with the added bonus that you can make another one on your own once its pages are filled. The soft paper cover will fold around the fore edge of your text pages and close with a tie, protecting the contents from dancing shoes and casual prying eyes alike. And as if that's not enough your book will have a gusseted pocket in the back for used tram tickets, peeled beer labels and other picturesque local ephemera.

With professional bookbinder Don's guidance you'll make it all from scratch and learn how to repeat it again at home with minimal tools. From large, full-sized sheets you'll slice the text pages of the book, and from another large heavier sheet you'll cut and fold the cover, tailored to fit your text block. Sew it all together with long stitch exposed on the spine, add a tie closure and you're ready to go – medieval-style!

TO REGISTER:

• Unless noted, all materials supplied at no extra charge. For all workshops, we suggest you bring (if you have them) your own basic 'paper tool' kit: bone folder, scissors, exacto knife, pencil, metal ruler, notebook.
• Payment is required upon registration for all workshops to guarantee a space.
• Withdrawal allowed up to three days before the workshop, subject to a 15% administration fee.  NO REFUNDS AFTER THAT TIME.