WHAT IS CHIGIRI-E?
"Chigiri" means to tear or shred, and "e" means picture in Japanese. Chigiri-e is a Japanese-style paper collage created using hand-dyed Washi paper to create realistic or abstract images, frameable art, cards, and an endless number of modern-day crafts. The fibers of the Washi allow for ideal layering and soft textures that look similar to a watercolor or oil painting.
What is Chigiri-e?
A short video showing the 3 simple steps to Chigiri-e
Washi is a traditionally-made paper that dates back to the eighth century, and is often still made by hand today. Making Washi is a long process: kozo (mulberry), bamboo, hemp, rice, or wheat plant bark is soaked in clear river water, boiled to thicken, then beaten and filtered through a gridiron and dried in sheets in sunlight for a natural, soft finish. The beauty of Washi papers are treasured throughout Japan, and they are still used today for everything from interior design to traditional arts, letter writing, and books. Washi has been recognized by UNESCO as being a part of Japan's Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Want to know more about Chigiri-e?
You'll find all the information - from full details about each of the six motifs to how washi is made - in this guide!
Click on the button below to start downloading a Free PDF version of our guide.
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The Complete Chigiri-e Course Package
Our course includes 6 beautiful motifs, all the tools necessary, lifetime access to tutorials, and the ability to speak to our on-demand instructor via messaging.
Chigiri-e Project Kits
Our Chigiri-e Project Kits are individual motifs with various styles. They are perfect for both beginners and advanced Chigiri-e users. Each Project Kit includes Washi paper necessary for creating the motif, printed instructions, and lifetime access to our online learning center where you can learn techniques. Each motif is either a greeting card or art board size.
*tools are NOT included with our Project Kits, sold separately
DOUBLE the FUN with TWO CHIGIRI-E KITS! Anything But Scary Scarecrow & Ghosts Are Made For Scaring!
$32.00
Halloween may look different this year, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on any excitement! These fun and creative kits will keep...
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DOUBLE the FUN with TWO CHIGIRI-E KITS! Let's Carve Pumpkins! & Anything But Scary Scarecrow
$32.00
Halloween may look different this year, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on any excitement! These fun and creative kits will keep...
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DOUBLE the FUN with TWO CHIGIRI-E KITS! Ghosts Are Made For Scaring! & Let's Carve Pumpkins!
$32.00
Halloween may look different this year, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on any excitement! These fun and creative kits will keep...
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Autumn Leaves
$24.00
Card Size(L): 5.1 x 8.3 inchesLevel: Beginner There's nothing more beautiful than watching the leaves in your garden gradually change from green, to gold, to...
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Ghosts Are Made For Scaring!
$24.00
A Spooky Arts and Crafts Project with A Traditional Japanese Twist! Card Size(L): 5.1 x 8.3 inchesLevel: Beginner On a spooky full-moon night, the bats...
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Anything But Scary Scarecrow
$24.00
A Festive, Cheerful Chigiri-e Kit Card Size(L): 5.1 x 8.3 inchesLevel: Beginner A scarecrow stuffed with straw stands on a garden bed. Sewn together from...
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Let's Carve Pumpkins!
$24.00
A Traditional Washi Paper Craft With A Modern Twist Card Size(L): 5.1 x 8.3 inchesLevel: Intermediate Let's carve the pumpkins! What are your carving ideas this...
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Three Plump Pumpkins
$24.00
An Intermediate Arts and Crafts Project Card Size(L): 5.1 x 8.3 inchesLevel: Intermediate Who else is excited that autumn is coming? Crisp air, autumn leaves, cozy...
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Poinsettia
$24.00
A Japanese Paper Craft Project Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Intermediate This ornamental plant offers a lovely contrast between its red and green leaves. Because...
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Ornaments
$24.00
Card Size(L): 5.1 x 8.3 inchesLevel: Beginner Ornaments of many different colors and shapes. Take advantage of the color gradation in the washi paper to...
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Holly
$24.00
Traditional Japanese Washi Paper Project Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Intermediate Why not send a handmade Christmas card this year? Holly leaves made from washi,...
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Snowman
$24.00
A Traditional Japanese Crafts Project Card Size(L): 5.1 x 8.3 inchesLevel: Beginner A charming snowman wearing a fluffy scarf, wooly mittens, and a worn-out top-hat....
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Santa and reindeer
$24.00
Card Size(L): 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Beginner This picture was made to be used as a Christmas card, showing a Christmas tree next to Santa with...
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Christmas stocking
$24.00
A Holiday Chigiri-e Project Card Size(L): 5.1 x 8.3 inchesLevel: Beginner Santa stopped by here! Look at all the boxes and candies that are spilling...
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Plum and Bush Warbler
$32.00
Challenge Yourself With This Traditional Japanese Washi Paper Art Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inchesLevel: Advanced Since ancient times, the Japanese have regarded plum blossoms...
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Peony
$24.00
A traditional Japanese paper craft Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Intermediate This flower is so stunning that it has traditionally been used as a metaphor...
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Poppies
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A beautiful traditional Japanese arts and crafts project Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inchesLevel: Intermediate In Japan, these big blooms light up summer meadows. The...
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Gladiolus
$24.00
A Colorful Washi Paper Project Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Beginner Gladiolus blooms from the end of July through August and this piece is...
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Crane couple
$32.00
A Traditional Japanese Art Kit Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inchesLevel: Advanced This piece depicts a pair of courting cranes on a snowy field against...
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Japanese Daisy
$32.00
Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inchesLevel: Advanced The Japanese Daisy has been loved since ancient times for its refinement and scent, brightening Japan's autumn. Use...
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Noshi
$24.00
Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Beginner A kind of ceremonial folded origami attached to celebratory offerings and gifts, to express and express good tidings....
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Nandina
$24.00
Card Size: 4 x 6 inches Level: Intermediate Nandina is full of berries! By using different shades of red for each berry, you can create a much greater sense...
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Violet
$24.00
Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inches Level: Intermediate A pretty, incredibly fragile-looking little flower. Flowering from March to around May, violets swaying in the breeze is...
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Balloon Flowers (Large)
$32.00
Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inchesLevel: Beginner Balloon flowers earned their name from their balloon-like buds as depicted in this Chigiri-e motif. They open to...
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Japanese Globe Flowers
$32.00
Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inches Level: Intermediate ...
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Balloon Flowers (small)
$24.00
Traditional Japanese Arts and Crafts Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Intermediate The contrast between the purple petals and the yellow center of the flower look...
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Camellia
$24.00
Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Intermediate In the world of the Japanese tea ceremony, the camellia is known as the queen of tea house flowers. Gracing...
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Anemone
$32.00
Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inches Level: Advanced A gorgeous but gentle blossom. In the Greek legend, the anemone was the flower born from...
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Autumn flowers
$32.00
Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inchesLevel: Intermediate Flowers that brighten the autumn fields are gathered here on a splendid golden art board. The blue and...
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Bunch of Japanese daisies
$24.00
Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Intermediate Gift this beautiful bouquet on a celebratory occasion such as a wedding. The combination of yellow and pink...
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Bush clovers
$32.00
Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inchesLevel: Advanced Bush clovers swaying in the moonlight are a sight which exemplifies the wabi-sabi (quiet and subdued refinement) aesthetic...
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Carnation
$24.00
Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Beginner The carnation is characterized by its many frilled petals. Use the fibers in the washi to capture the...
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Cherry blossoms
$24.00
Card Size: 4.7 x 5.3 inchesLevel: Intermediate Japan's favorite flower. Cherry blossoms bloom from March through April, which is when graduation and entrance ceremonies are...
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Clematis
$24.00
A Washi Paper Japanese Arts and Crafts Project Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Beginner The six purple petals of the clematis bloom boldly. Draw...
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Color Your Heart Out!
$24.00
A Beginner Chigiri-e Creation Kit Card Size(L): 5.1 x 8.3 inchesLevel: Beginner Create a one-of-a-kind gift using this fun Japanese paper craft kit!Trace & tear...
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