The Japanese Paper Place

How exciting to think that all of this washi will soon be in the Arctic🤩 This shipment is on its way to Kinngait Studios, the artistic hub of Kinngait (Cape Dorset) in Nunavut!

These quality papers will journey over 1,400 miles to reach talented Inuit artists. Can’t wait to see their work in the next Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection!

Check out Inuit art 👉 https://www.dorsetfinearts.com/

Learn more about the studio 👉 https://www.westbaffin.com/

The deadline is fast approaching! Don't forget to submit your art by September 13 🏃🏃

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲! 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭: 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐞

In Japan, each year of a twelve-year cycle is represented by a different animal. 2025 is the Year of the Snake, and we invite you to submit a single image inspired by this theme.

Qualified entries will be juried, and the selected image will be featured on our limited-edition washi broadsheet calendar, hand silkscreen printed at Smokestack Studio in Hamilton, Ontario.

The chosen artist will receive 5 calendars and a $200 gift certificate from The Japanese Paper Place. Submit your artwork today!

Deadline:
Thursday, September 13, 2024 at 12 midnight EDT

More info & Entry 👉 https://rb.gy/cm2cyn

Looking for a solid colour washi in a heavier weight? Moriki Kozo Plum is a high-quality, richly-coloured handmade paper. The long kozo fibre makes Moriki Kozo durable, ideal for relief printing, silkscreen, book covers and end papers. It is also used for leather repairs in conservation.

-SCS13819 Moriki Kozo Plum, 45g, 25 x 37", 80% Chinese kozo 20% sulphite, 14 colours available
Find it on our website 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/moriki-kozo-plum/

Check out these stunning works by Canadian artist Alanna Baird, using Ginwashi for her print and paper sculptures 👀✨

"I use Linocut printing to explore. This seemingly simple process allows me to understand three dimensional imagery while carving into a two dimensional surface. I use layers of individual prints to create depth on sculptural paper objects."

More about the artist 👉 https://www.tinfish.ca/

About the paper used:
-TRN1408 Ginwashi, 48g, 25 x 37", 100% Philippine Abaca
find it on our website 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/ginwashi-new-lighter-version/

Images: by Alanna Baird
1. Mackerel Bowl - papier-maché using Ginwashi paper, laminated lino block print layers, reed structure
2. Pink Seahorse Bowl - papier-maché bowl, Ginwashi paper, lino block prints laminated, reed structure
3. Green Urchin - rainbow roll lino block print on Ginwashi paper, wet laminated onto Kozo. Open edition.
4. Floater - Sea Urchin lino block print on paper-maché form, Ginwashi paper

On August 1, Nancy (Jacobi) posted a photo of an artist's work that he had shown us at the JPP many years ago. We hoped that someone might recognize the distinctive style and know the name of the artist so we could be in touch. That didn't happen, but something wonderful did! # Peggy Bell in Victoria BC did see it and sent a link suggesting in a stroke of genius that this could be who we were searching for. The resemblance of Dallas Segno's use of chiyogami to the piece she posted was startling. Here is one beauty and you can see others here: www.dallassegno.com

Toronto-based graphic artist and The JPP staff Daniel shared his insights on working with washi 👀✨

Image 1 & 2:
Kinari Chiri (Watercolour, Pigma Pen, Acrylic Paint Pen)
💬 Colours are vibrant, and inks remain dark. Hard to work with pen on the delicate surface when applying a lot of pressure.

Image 3 & 4:
Gampi Smooth (Pencil, Copic Marker, Brush Ink Pen, Pigma Pen, Acrylic Paint Pen)
💬 Great for applying pen/marker, very smooth and takes layers of media well. Image feels sharp, remains visible and crisp on the paper.

Thank you, Daniel for sharing your feedback!
More of his works 👉 https://linktr.ee/DapperDanSays

-NAT1208 Gampi Smooth, 32g, 25 x 37", 100% Philippine gampi (salago)
https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/gampi-smooth-salago-mm-43/
-CHR2137 Kinari Chiri, 16g, 25 x 37", 100% Thai kozo
https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/kinari-chiri-mm/
,

Although Fukunishi Udagami is popular for printmaking and drawing because of its receptive surface, the washi has a very specific use in Japan as a layer in scrolls.

Clay is mixed with the kozo fibre for insect repellent and dimensional stability in changing humidity levels. The fibre is cooked in water with wood ash and hand beaten. Sheets are formed with noriutsugi formation aid, dried on wooden boards.

Fukunishi Udagami is produced in Yoshino, Nara prefecture. The maker has been certified as a preservation of cultural property papermaker by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Heritage Washi.

-CON1206 Fukunishi Udagami Long 40g, 12 x 57", 100% Japanese kozo
25g is also available
More info 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/fukunishi-udagami-long-40g-hw/

Secure your tickets before they're gone! 🏃 Japanese Bookbinding with Big River Bindery's Andrew Huot

Join us at the Japanese Paper Place as we explore traditional Japanese bookbinding techniques! You will make a stab bound book with a Tortoise-Shell Binding, and a Receipt Book, instructed by Toronto-based bookbinder, conservator, and book artist Andrew Huot from 📚

Sat, Sep 14, 2024
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM EDT
at The Japanese Paper Place

More info & tickets 👉 Eventbrite (https://rb.gy/h4e09n)

New product alert 🌝 Two floral patterns added to our katazome-shi collection!

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 images:
-WAZ199 (blue)
-WAZ200 (pink)
Both Katazome-shi, 60g, 24 x 36"

See them in our New Products section 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/full-catalog/new-products/

Textile artist Sabrina Sachiko Niebler specializes in shifu (paper cloth) & kami-ito (paper thread) using washi.

"Each paper thread has been formed by hand through the stages of folding, cutting, rolling, separating and spinning, finally to be woven into cloth. Inch by inch, my energy is intertwined with the fibres and accumulated into a form that becomes autobiographical. The portrait of a multifaceted and dualistic person in conversation with themselves."

Her recent piece, “In Conversation,” has been featured in the De fil et de papier exhibition in Québec for nearly a year. Next, it will be at MUMAQ starting September 4th — Don’t miss the chance to experience her intricate work up close!

🖼 𝐃𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐋 𝐄𝐓 𝐃𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐄𝐑: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞-𝐉𝐨𝐬é 𝐆𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞
September 4 to October 27, 2024
at MUMAQ
615, avenue Sainte-Croix
arrondissement de Saint-Laurent
Montréal

More info 👉 https://www.mumaq.com/en/de-fil-et-de-papier-ang/

Images: Sabrina Sachiko Niebler, “In Conversation”, もろじふ Morojifu, paper x paper weaving and natural indigo dye
Photo by Marie Jo

Our popular Paper String is now available in colours!🌈 Made flat with the same technique used to make crepe paper, Paper String is gentle on your hands and easy to tie, yet very strong and non-slippery.

A great alternative to plastic string or polyester ribbons, it is excellent for bundling, making handles for paper bags, gift wrapping, and also for crafts like basket weaving.

Products in the second image (from left to right):
All Paper String 20m
-CSS14167 Walnut
-CSS14170 Green Tea
-CSS14168 Indigo
-CSS14169 Mustard
-CSS14171 Wine

Find all Paper String on our website 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/search.php?search_query=string

Only a few spots left 🏃🏃 Lifelines: explore the beauty of branches, veins, and waterways

Join artist/instructor Kim-Lee Kho () for a day of creative exploration and learning.

Using special image transfer film, printed and supplied by the instructor, along with hand sanitizer gel (note: not suitable for anyone sensitive to isopropyl alcohol), you will make image transfers of branches onto washi paper to form the basis for mixed media explorations. Visual references of other branching examples will also be available, including photographs, maps and antique anatomical drawings.

Sat, Oct 19 2024
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM EDT
at The Japanese Paper Place
(103 The East Mall, Unit 1, Toronto)

More info & tickets 👉 Eventbrite (http://rb.gy/fmzkam)

New chiyogami alert 🥳 Our popular firework chiyogami pattern has a new colour: white! The perfect addition to your bookbinding, card making, paper crafting project and more!

Papers in the first image (from left to right):
All Chiyogami, 70g, 24 x 36"
-CHY412 (Black)
-CHY598 (Red)
-CHY1085 (White)

See all New Products 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/full-catalog/new-products/

Have you ever felt that the back of your print is as interesting as the front? Toronto based print artist, Kurt Pammer created this "Connections” by utilizing both sides of the paper.

Kurt is taking advantage of the key characteristics of washi, its light weight, and the long fibres of kozo which give it strength and the absorbency for the ink to travel through the paper.

Images:
1. Connections (Front)
2. Connections (Back)
Kurt Pammer, 2008, Lithograph and silkscreen on kozo washi

Elevate your projects with our high-quality metallic papers!🌟 These finely textured Japanese papers are backed with plain white, yet their light weight and flexibility set them apart from the typical metallic options.

The richly-coloured surface doesn't crack, even with precise folding. Perfect for advanced origami, paper sculpture, box making, and adding a special touch to cards and invitations.

Paper in the first image (from top):
-MTL1123 Metal Midare Silver, 120g, 31 x 43”
-MTL1136 Metal Kikkou Silver, 90g, 31 x 43”
-MTL1133 Metal Momi Silver, 120g, 31 x 43”

Check all Metal papers 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/paper/metallic/

New Workshop Alert 📣 Japanese Bookbinding with Big River Bindery's Andrew Huot

Join us at the Japanese Paper Place as we explore traditional Japanese bookbinding techniques! You will make a stab bound book with a Tortoise-Shell Binding, and a Receipt Book, instructed by Toronto-based bookbinder, conservator, and book artist Andrew Huot from Big River Bindery 📚

Sat, Sep 14, 2024
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM EDT
at The Japanese Paper Place

More info & tickets 👉 Eventbrite (https://rb.gy/h4e09n)

Ready to raise your artistic vision to the level of a masterpiece?👨‍🎨 The Seikosen Mitsumata 55" is a premium Heritage Washi that offers a large format and unparalleled quality.

Crafted by a fourth-generation papermaking family in the mountainous village of Kochi, this washi embodies a deep connection to nature and tradition.

Made from 100% Japanese mitsumata fibre, it’s naturally bleached by sunlight in a running stream, then cooked in lime. The sheets are dried on pine boards, giving them a subtle woodgrain texture.

The warm white tone and density of the mitsumata fibre make this washi excellent for all media, especially woodcut, sumi-e, and shodo.

-CON9745 Seikosen Mitsumata 55", 40g, 29 x 55", 100% Japanese (Tosa) mitsumata
More info 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/seikosen-mitsumata-55-hw/

Add a natural look to your creations🌿 Tatami is a machinemade paper with rush-straw-fibre inclusions, available in 5 earthy tones.

This beginner-friendly paper has a texture that resembles washi, yet the sized surface gives you easy control of mediums such as: pen, watercolour, drawing, printmaking, calligraphy and letterpress.

Paper in the first image:
All Tatami, 50g, 25 x 37", kozo sulphite blend
-NAT1723 Tatami Blue
-NAT1724 Tatami Green
-NAT1722 Tatami Yellow
-NAT1725 Tatami Orange
-NAT1721 Tatami Natural

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

Image 2-4: Testing results from Washi & Water Media Wednesdays, by various participants

The JPP pop-up shop at Print Expo & Fair 2024 👀✨ We are excited to join the event again at Howard Iron Works Printing Museum with many other printmaking and letterpress pals — Check out our exceptional washi, bookbinding tools and more!

🛍️ Print Expo & Fair
Sat. Sep. 28, 2024 10:00am-4:00pm
at Howard Ironworks Printing Museum
(800 Westgate Rd, Oakville, Ontario)

More info 👉 https://howardironworks.org/assets/img/news/hiw-news-2024-pef2024-01.html

Nancy Jacobi is giving an in person talk at Embassy of Japan in Canada 🇨🇦

Curious to learn more about Japanese washi paper? Attend our talk with Nancy Jacobi, founder of The Japanese Paper Place, on September 12 (6:30 PM) to learn about the ancient technique of making washi paper and its use by artists!

📆: Thurs. Sept. 12, 2024 (6:30 PM, doors open at 6 PM)
📍: Embassy of Japan (255 Sussex Drive)
💴: Free, first-come, first-served basis
ℹ️:https://www.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/2024_shared_images/Washi-event-flyer.pdf

Knowing the stories behind your chiyogami patterns makes them even more special🧡 In Japanese culture, patterns and motifs are deeply connected to the seasons, and selecting one that anticipates the upcoming season is often considered "chic."

Some of the favoured motifs in August are the plants of early fall, such as bellflower, dianthus, bush clover, and silver glass — can you spot them in these chiyogami?

Paper in the first image (from left):
All Chiyogami, 70g, 24 x 36”
-CHY1077
-CHY755
-CHY754
Search the items with the product code on our website 👉 link in bio

Ai Kozo is one of our precious handmade, solid colour washi made with 100% kozo fibre. 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.

“Ai” refers to indigo in Japanese. This sized paper is excellent for covering books, box making, painting, drawing, and printmaking.

-SCK1639 Ai Kozo, 48g, 25 x 37", 100% kozo
✅ This item is not available on our website due to limited quantity. Please email us for inquiries 👉 [email protected]

Introducing our new Edo Theme Poster, featuring Hiroshige's famous ukiyo-e prints from the Edo period👘🏯 This unique sheet includes four hand-silkscreened images that can be used separately for wall decor, crafts, or bookbinding projects.

Need some inspiration? Check out these gorgeous lamps using the poster created by The Creation Crafts, available on her Etsy shop (THECREATIONCRAFTS) and at https://www.thecreationcrafts.com/✨

-CHY14114 Edo Theme Poster - Hiroshige, 70g, 24 x 36"
More info 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/edo-theme-poster-hiroshige/

Image 3 & 4: Table lamp, 32 x 15 cm, by The Creation Crafts

Secure your tickets before they're gone! 🏃 Paint on Washi & Create a Small Pouch workshop

Konnyaku, paint, stitch, create! Spend a day with artist/instructor Loree Ovens and learn how to make your own painted washi pouch.

Sat, Sep 28, 2024
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM EDT
at The Japanese Paper Place

More info & tickets 👉 Eventbrite (http://rb.gy/d7hspq)

Summer is the kakishibu-making season! 🍯🌻 Kakishibu is a tannin extract produced from fermented persimmon juice; has been used in Japan for centuries as a natural coating and dye, for strengthening, adding water-resistance, and insect repelling effects.

Harvested unripe persimmons are crushed and soaked in water for a few days, and then squeezed in cloth to extract all of the liquid. The liquid is then bottled, without sealing completely (otherwise it may explode!), and allowed to ferment for at least a year.

You can skip this simple yet time-consuming process by using kakishibu powder — try it on your next washi project to enhance the beauty and power of nature✨

Last image:
-CSS2282 Kakishibu Powder 25g
More info 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/kakishibu-powder-25g/

Bored of uniform papers? Oguni Sugikawa is a mix of kozo fibre and cedar (Sugi) bark (kawa)!

Even with all the fibre inclusions, Oguni Sugikawa has a wonderfully smooth surface, which makes it a perfect choice for drawing and all types of printmaking. You can also take advantage of its beautiful deckle edges and convenient format of 11 x 15 inches.

-NAT11646 Oguni Sugikawa, 54g, 11x15", 100% Chinese kozo & cedar bark mix
More info 👉 https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/oguni-sugikawa/