Rice paper, Chiyogami, and Chinese paper cut cards (photo by Mary Barrios)
Marlene D’Ambrosio
On July 20 Mary Barrios led a Fun Shop entitled “Japanese and Chinese Paper Crafts.” Mary explained how these papers are made, and then she displayed several examples and styles, including Jianzhi (Chinese paper cuts), Japanese rice paper (actually made from the paper mulberry bush), and Chiyogami/Yuzen papers (designs copied from kimono prints).
Mary Barrios presented to 20 participants (photo by Marlene D’Ambrosio)
Many of these rare papers are silk screened, have many different layers, and take days to make. The Chiyogami patterns were originally designed for the textile industry in Kyoto where the production of cloth for kimonos reached its zenith. Chiyogami/Yuzen is a specific word developed to describe the graphic, repetitive designs applied to paper in the Edo period. These designs were very elaborate and included a lot of gold. The patterns in this type of paper often symbolize specific meanings; for example, cranes representing long life and bamboo representing flexibility. Other types of paper such as Lotka, Kozo, and Japanese lacy paper were displayed.
In addition to the paper samples, Mary showed examples of several different cards that she had made using these unique papers. Everyone who attended the Fun Shop had the opportunity to use Japanese rice paper, Chiyogami/Yuzen paper, and Jianzhi to create three unique and stunning cards to take home.
Thank you, Mary, for teaching us about these interesting and beautiful papers and fascinating techniques.
SaddleBrooke Paper Crafters Fun Shops are held the first or third Saturday of each month and are facilitated by a fellow club member who volunteers to teach or lead fellow club members in learning a new technique, introducing a new product, or just offering members an afternoon of fun card making.
To find out more about our club, you may visit our monthly meeting held on the second Wednesday of the month in SaddleBrooke One Craft Room 4 at 1 p.m.