The Japanese Paper Place

12/01/2023

Check out these vibrant washi flowers created by Brian Kelley, available at the Washi Artists' Sale!💐

Toronto-based artist Brian Kelley has been intensely creating these "Flowers That Last" over the last couple of years. Using quality kozo papers, he brushes the washi first with gouache in order to get the desired saturation of colours. Gouache gives a great depth of colour while leaving a natural matte finish, replicating the real petals and leaves.

🛍️Washi Artists' Sale
December 2, 2023, 10am - 4pm
at The Japanese Paper Place (103 The East Mall, Unit 1 Toronto)
15 min bus from Kipling station (123B, 123C or 123D Shorncliffe, “The East Mall" stop)
Free parking available

More info 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/news/support-local-artists-washi-artists-sale-2023/

12/01/2023

Sume Orange is one of our precious handmade, solid colour washi made with 100% Japanese kozo. Because of its labor-intensive process and the cost of raw materials, many papermakers discontinued making solid colour washi, and sadly, this beautiful paper is no exception.

“Sume” refers to the laid pattern which you can see as a footprint of authentic papermaking. Excellent for covering books, box making, painting, drawing, and printmaking.

-SCK7579 Sume Orange, 80g, 25 x 37”, 100% Japanese Kozo
✅ This item is not available on our website due to limited quantity. Please DM/email us for inquiries.
email 👉 [email protected]

11/30/2023

Let’s make an Origami Dove Ornament🕊️


Items used:
-ORI13155 Tant Monotone Large, 6”
-JPP10801 Pale Gold, 87g, 31 x 43”
-CSS13336 Precision Cutter W/ Blades - Pink
-CSS13737 Double-ended liquid glue, 50ml

Find the items with the product code on our website 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/

11/29/2023

Looking for some nice music to add to your playlist? Liam Jaeger () is a Toronto based performing artist/producer, known for albums and constant touring with The Balconies (2008-2018), and recent work on Pernice Brothers’ album ​Spread the Feeling​.

You can check out his live acoustic guitar playing at the Washi Artists’ Sale happening this Saturday! Come and join us for a day of wonderful music and art 🎼🌈

🛍️ Washi Artists' Sale
December 2, 2023, 10am - 4pm
at The Japanese Paper Place (103 The East Mall, Unit 1 Toronto)
15 min bus from Kipling station (123B, 123C or 123D Shorncliffe, “The East Mall" stop)
Free parking available

More info 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/news/support-local-artists-washi-artists-sale-2023/

Video: repost from (https://www.instagram.com/p/B-DgSS9A-ag/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==)

11/29/2023

Inshu Mitsumata 001 Natural is a favourite among conservators for repairs, and with printmakers for chine-collé. Its elegant sheen and smooth surface make it an excellent choice for printmaking, layering, as well as pen and ink drawing.

Just keep in mind that mitsumata paper is less durable than kozo paper due to its shorter fiber. Plus, it's unbleached, meaning some color variations may occur from batch to batch.

The fibre is cooked in soda ash, formed into sheets by hand, and dried on stainless steel to avoid contact with acidic substances. Qualified as Heritage Washi.

-CON11823 Inshu Mitsumata 001 Natural (HW), 24g, 24 x 39", 100% Japanese mitsumata
More info 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/inshu-mitsumata-001-natural-hm-hw/

11/28/2023

Attention to Washi Drawing Club Online members! Tonight's session is canceled. Please check your email for more details. Thank you 🙏

11/28/2023

Spread your kindness and creativity! Join us for The JPP Holiday Make and Take for Second Harvest🎁✨

This creative afternoon of craft activities is hosted by The Japanese Paper Place staff, using beautiful papers from our collection. You will have a choice of activity stations such as card making, ornaments, candle lanterns, and more! Your generous donation will make a difference by supporting Second Harvest, Canada's largest food rescue charity. Let's make this holiday season extra special by giving back, and take your delightful holiday crafts home!

🎄The JPP Holiday Make and Take for Second Harvest
Thu, Dec 14, 2023 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST
at The Japanese Paper Place (103 The East Mall, Unit 1 Toronto)

More info 👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-jpp-holiday-make-and-take-for-second-harvest-registration-761390237697?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1

11/27/2023

Have you tried our newest Katazome-shi? Katazome-shi is a washi printed by hand using the "katazome" stencil method. The stunning, long-lasting colours come from soy-based pigments, carefully compounded by skilled artisans with a keen sense of design and vast experience.

This handmade paper is strong enough to withstand the process of washing off the paste resists, making it perfect for box making, bookbinding, konnyaku-treatment, and more.

Paper in the first image (from left):
1. WAZ196
2. WAZ197
3. WAZ198
All Katazome-shi, 60g, 24 x 36"
Find them on our new product page 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/full-catalog/new-products/

11/24/2023

Mino washi originated and continues to be made in the heart of Gifu prefecture. It is known for its remarkable characteristics of purity, lightness, and strength, and is considered one of the three most renowned washi in Japan, alongside Tosa washi and Echizen washi.

Our Usumino embodies this tradition — high-quality kozo fibre is cooked in soda ash, hand-beaten, and hand-formed. The formed sheets are dried on a traditional chestnut board. Excellent for printmaking such as chine-collé and intaglio, as well as conservation projects. Heritage Washi.

-CON13020 Usumino, 12g, 24 x 36”, 100% Japanese Kozo (50% Nasu, 50% Mino)
More info 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/usumino-hw/

11/24/2023

Upgrade your origami creation with the Tant series✨ These high-quality origami sheets are the favourite of enthusiasts, whether for animals, modules, or tessellations. The sheets have a slight texture and are a little heavier than regular origami papers, allowing precise folds and clean edges.

Each package contains 12 different shades of the hue and has the same color on both sides so that you can find the exact color you want🧡💚💙 Multi-colour packages are also available.

See all Tant products on our website 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/search.php?search_query=tant

11/23/2023

Attention art lovers! Our Annual Washi Artists' Sale returns on Saturday, December 2nd 🥳 This event is in support of artists who are dedicated washi users, and also provides the perfect opportunity for you to find holiday gifts. Join us at The Japanese Paper Place for a day of artistic delight & live music! All sales go directly to the artists.

🛍️Washi Artists' Sale
December 2, 2023, 10am - 4pm
at The Japanese Paper Place (103 The East Mall, Unit 1 Toronto)
15 min bus from Kipling station (123C or 123D Shorncliffe, “The East Mall" stop)
Free parking available

More info 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/news/support-local-artists-washi-artists-sale-2023/

Art images:
1. Joan Ness
2. Eric Mummery
3. Brian Kelley
4. Sandie Collins
5. Dominique Prevost

Other participating artists:
Sally Ayre
Wesley Bates
Andrés Chávez
Rebeca Cowan
Astrid Ho
Andrew Huot
Roslyn Levin
Ruth Maclean
Liz Menard
Loree Ovens
Michelle Purchase
Gabriella Solti
The JPP staff

Music by Liam Jaeger

11/22/2023

Kurotani #63 Chiri White is a naturally white kozo paper with the charm of chiri (kozo bark flecks).

It has a pleasing, absorbent surface that takes colour and impressions well. The amount of bark flecking in this paper is minimal compared to other chiri papers, adding subtle interest without a lot of distraction. Suitable for larger works of printmaking such as silkscreen, relief print, collagraph, as well as drawing, sumi-e, and shodo.

-CHR1330 Kurotani #63 Chiri White (HW), 24 x 38”, 100% Japanese kozo

More info 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/kurotani-63-chiri-white-hw/

11/21/2023

Discover the enchanting world of at the World of Threads Festival, a leading international showcase of contemporary fibre and textile art✨👀 These mixed media pieces, by Susan Farquhar, showcase the intricate use of washi in creating imaginary vegetation and flowers. The show is up until December 17, 2023!

🖼 World of Threads Festival 2023
Until Dec. 17, 2023
at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (2302 Bridge Rd, Oakville)
More info 👉 https://www.worldofthreadsfestival.com/

Art Images by Susan Farquhar
1. EPICORMIC 7, 2021
Materials: washi and western papers, sand, acrylic paint, recycled canvas
Technique: paper construct on textured canvas, shaped, sculpted, cut and assembled paper, recycled canvas

2. ALTERED 1, 2021
Materials: washi and western papers, sand, acrylic paint, recycled canvas, transferred photo
Technique: paper construct on textured canvas, shaped, sculpted, cut and assembled paper, recycled canvas, photo transfer

11/21/2023

It’s that time of year! We made a low speed version of the tutorial video from our TikTok channel. These origami ornaments are easy to make, no glue, no cutting needed. Hope you enjoy😉

11/20/2023

In-person workshop alert 📣 Found Objects - Washi Sculpture Techniques and Exploration

World recognized artist Cybèle Young will fill your day with the creative exploration of paper sculpture, offering techniques for construction and addressing the incorporation of found objects.

After starting the day with a brief presentation and discussion, Cybèle describes the workshop unfolding as follows:

🔸 I will bring a variety of found objects and encourage participants to bring along whatever inspires - be it a rock or feather or found metal objects - even a pile of dirt
🔸 We will assess the objects in conjunction with the papers and take some time to play with them and get ideas rolling
🔸 I will demonstrate the basic techniques for sculptural paper construction and address the incorporation of found objects
🔸 I will share ideas to push the medium by using non-deliberate methods and ‘destruction’ to expand sculptural and conceptual possibilities
🔸 Participants will create sculptures with an emphasis on experimentation

Sat, Feb 10, 2024
10 AM - 4 PM EST
at The Japanese Paper Place

More info & tickets 👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/found-objects-washi-sculpture-techniques-and-exploration-tickets-755652706587?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1

11/18/2023

Looking for a fine tissue with elegance? Unryu White 9g is a synthetic tissue with silk-like strands gracefully weaving through its gossamer surface. At just 9g, it's the lightest in our unryu tissue collection, yet strong enough for in-store holiday decorations and year-round creative embellishments. Also perfect as an added layer over watermark tissues for an extra lavish look.

-RYN1024 Unryu White 9g, 25 x 37”
More info 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/unryu-white-9g/

11/17/2023

Asa-no-ha (h**p leaf) has been one of Japan’s traditional textile patterns since the Heian period (794-1185). Six triangles are combined together to make regular hexagons in this pattern.

Because of the strength and fast growth of h**p, the pattern was often used on children’s garments to wish for the same for them.

Paper in the first image (from top):
All Chiyogami, 70g, 24 x 36”
-CHY958
-CHY925
-CHY1018
Search them with the product code on our website 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/
**p **ppattern

11/16/2023

In-person workshop alert 📣 Beyond the Basics of Gelli-Plate Printing on Washi with Beverly Allen

With printmaker Beverly Allen, you will learn to determine cohesive colour schemes, and discuss the best paints to use for various techniques. Discover printing from laser jet and ink jet copies as well as how to add your own marks. Experiment with wax crayons, china markers, and charcoal while printing on different types of washi from The Japanese Paper Place.

After creating a variety of images in the first half of the workshop, you will spend time in the afternoon using them to create collages (up to 3 small or one large) in the afternoon using traditional Japanese shikishi boards.

Says Beverly, "You're developing your own style while mastering techniques in a supportive atmosphere."

All paper and essential supplies will be provided.

Sat, Feb 24, 2024
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST
at The Japanese Paper Place

More info & tickets 👉 http://rb.gy/7ts0t8

11/16/2023

Taniai Kozo is a Heritage Washi, handmade in the north of Kochi prefecture. The papermaker was particular about using natural materials and crafting in a traditional way — 100% Japanese kozo fibre was hand-formed, dried on wooden boards resulting in a slight wood-grain texture on the sheets. Excellent for printmaking, brush drawing, and more.

-NAT3259 Taniai Kozo (Heritage Washi), 40g, 20 x 24”
✅ This item is not available on our website due to limited stock. Please DM/email us for inquiries, or contact your local resellers.
Email 👉 [email protected]

11/15/2023

We are popping-up at BOUND Book Arts Fair! The historic icon of Toronto's art scene, The Arts & Letters Club will again be hosting the BOUND Book Arts Fair on Sunday December 3rd, 2023.

The JPP will be there carrying many book-arts materials and stationery items. Admission is free. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy the beautiful architecture while shopping for all things book and print from more than 40 vendors! Looking forward to seeing you there.

📚 Bound Book Arts Fair
December 3, 2023, 11 am – 4 pm
at Arts & Letters Club (14 Elm St., Toronto)
More info 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/news/the-jpp-popup-shop-at-bound-book-arts-fair/

The historic icon of Toronto's art scene,  The Arts & Letters Club will again be hosting the BOUND Book Arts Fair on Sunday December 3rd, 2023, from 11am-4pm. The Club is located at 14 Elm Street, near Yonge & Dundas in downtown Toronto. We will be there along with about forty othe...

11/14/2023

Couldn’t scroll past this exquisite tapestry, made with naturally dyed kami-ito (paper thread)😍 Do you love it too?

Repost from :
"‘My New Baby Brother 1960’ handwoven tapestry.

Handmade Japanese washi paper yarns (kami-ito) in different weights, naturally dyed, were used for the weft of this tapestry with a cotton warp. Size 21 x 26cm.

Based on a tiny black & white photo of my mother and I posing with my new baby brother. It was taken against a dry stone wall outside my grandfather’s house in West Yorkshire UK. The sun was shining from the top right hand side of the photo.

It’s been a very slow but very enjoyable process - cutting the washi paper strips, making it into yarn and then naturally dyeing it."

See full post 👉 https://www.instagram.com/p/Czitjh5IO3Q/?hl=en

11/14/2023

Late fall to early winter is the kozo harvest season!👨‍🌾 Did you know that kozo — one of the primary fibres of washi — is a renewable shrub? While pulp woods are not renewable and take decades to grow, kozo stems can be harvested every year from the same trunk.

After papermakers or farmers harvest kozo, the plants quietly wait for the spring. Once the sun and warm weather arrive, the stems start growing and can reach from 2 to 5 meters by the end of summer! 😲

Learn more about Japanese traditional papermaking 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/papermaking-in-japan/

Image 1 to 3: Kozo harvest
Image 4: Kozo field in winter
Image 5: Kozo in summer
All by Oguni papermaker

11/13/2023

Do you remember the Sekishu washi papermaker, who visited us last year for the 40th anniversary? We’ve received the latest product from his studio and it’s also Heritage Washi!

Sekishu Kozogami 22g is handmade with 100% Japanese (Sekishu) kozo fibre, cooked with soda ash. Formed sheets are dried naturally on gingko wood panels.

This beautiful washi is absorbent, but not overly so, suitable for drawing and printmaking of all kinds including intaglio.

-CON14047 Sekishu Kozogami 22g, 24.5 x 39.75”, 100% Sekishu Kozo
More info 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/sekishu-kozogami-22g-hw/

11/10/2023

n-person workshop alert 📣 Washi Flowers with Linda Hamilton of Daydream Flowers

In this workshop participants will get a chance to work with several types of Japanese paper to create two beautiful spring flowers: a daffodil and an iris, under the expert tutelage of paper-flower expert Linda Hamilton (Daydream Flowers). The use of alcohol inks to colour the paper will be explored. Participants do not need any previous crafting experience, and all materials and supplies will be provided.

Sun, Mar 24, 2024
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM EDT
at The Japanese Paper Place

More info & tickets 👉 http://rb.gy/1l2l67

11/09/2023

Nancy is geared up for our pop-up shop at the Annual Sumi-e Exhibition & Sale! The event is on November 11 & 12, 12 to 5 PM at The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC). She will be carrying a variety of washi and brushes, as well as gold and silver shikishi boards that are perfect for your holiday creations.

🖼️ Annual Sumi-e Exhibition & Sale
November 11 & 12, 2023
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
at The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (6 Sakura Way, Don Mills)

More info 👉 https://www.sumieartistsofcanada.org/ref/events.htm

Last image: Nancy and Hilde Goedleven of Kozo & Co., Sumi-e exhibition in 2022

11/09/2023

Bicchu Torinoko Gampi Chiri is a rare washi handmade with 100% Japanese Gampi, the most prized fibre and one that’s becoming harder to find.

While its crisp and smooth surface makes the sheet ideal for printmaking (especially intaglio and lithography), brush/pen calligraphy, and drawing, the sparsely distributed flecks will add a unique look to your work. Also its small format is easy to frame without cutting off the deckle edges.

-NAT12351 Bicchu Torinoko Gampi Chiri (Heritage Washi), 28g, 16.5 x 21.5”, 100% Japanese Gampi
More info 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/bicchu-torinoko-gampi-chiri-hw/

11/08/2023

Oh how we adore Kozo cards😍 These small format, heavy cards are handmade and come with lovely deckle edges. Smooth and reasonably absorbent; excellent for almost any medium, pen writing to watercolour painting, printmaking even letterpress!

-NAT13868 Kozo Card (Etchu Card), 300g, 6 x 8”, 100% kozo
https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/kozo-card-etchu-card-pkg-of-50/
-STA8197 Kozo Card (Etchu Meishi), 300g, 2.25 x 3.75”
https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/kozo-card-etchu-meishi-pkg-100/

11/07/2023

In-person workshop alert 📣 Make a Chinese Thread Book with Washi

Join instructor Andrew Huot in making this traditional folded book structure, the Chinese Thread Book, using plain and decorative Washi

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Sat, Jan 20, 2024 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST
at The Japanese Paper Place (103 The East Mall Unit #1 Toronto)
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More info & tickets 👉 http://rb.gy/6y7cbk
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The Chinese Thread Book, or Zhen Xian Bao, is a traditional book structure for holding threads and other small items. It is made of stacked sets of collapsible compartments that open and close to access the items. Using origami methods of folding, under the expert guidance of Andrew Huot, we will make the individual compartments and then connect them to complete the book. We will be using the beautiful papers from the Japanese Paper Place to to construct the parts of our Chinese thread book.

11/06/2023

Ginwashi Mizutama White is a lovely, lacey roll-format paper featuring long fibres of abaca. Mizutama means “drops of water” in English, and the organic, scattered dot pattern on this paper was created by spraying water on the still-damp sheets.

Excellent for lamp making and screen making. It also creates interesting effects by layering with other paper and can be used for packaging, gift wrapping, collage, and more. Ginwashi Mizutama White was a featured paper in our recent Batik on Washi workshop.

-LRG12031 Ginwashi Mizutama White - Roll, 25g, 38.5” x 11 yds, Sulphite & Abaca mix
Custom size available
More info 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/ginwashi-mizutama-white-roll/

11/06/2023

Thank you for the product testing report 💛🙏

11/05/2023

Nishinouchi Washi has 350 years of rich history — well known for its versatility and strength even when wet, as a result of being crafted from high-quality kozo with exceptionally long fibers. In fact, it was used for the Dai Nihonshi (Great History of Japan), one of the major scholarly works in the 17th century, that remains archived to this day.

Our Nishinouch White Naka Ban is a handmade washi that inherits the same qualities, and comes in a small-format design. You can take advantage of its four-sided deckle edge for your artwork. The substantial weight makes it ideal for relief printing, while also accommodating both wet and dry media for your drawing needs.

-CON10980 Nishinouchi White Naka Ban, 56g, 13.5” x 19”, 100% Japanese Kozo
More info 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/nishinouchi-white-naka-ban/

11/03/2023

If you are a lucky person visiting Tokyo soon, don't miss out The Making of Munakata Shiko exhibition! Shiko Munakata (1903–1973) is a Japanese master of the modern print, best known for his black and white prints and his expressive, sketch-like lines.

Upon the advice of Soetsu Yanagi, the father of mingei movement in Japan, Munakata coloured his prints on washi from the back, a technique called urazaishiki which takes full advantage of washi's lightness and strength.

The exhibition is designed to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Munakata’s birth; illustrates his diverse activities to reconsider the nature of Munakata Shiko as an artist. Can't wait to see your travel report!

🖼️ The Making of Munakata Shiko
Until December 3, 2023
The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
More info 👉 https://www.munakata-shiko2023.jp/english.html

Images: all art by Munakata Shiko, Munakata Shiko Memorial Museum of Art
1. In Praise of Flower Hunting, 1954
2. Oshira-sama: The Flying Silkworm Deities, 1968
3. Poems from Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” Perfections, 1959 (printed in 1961)