If you regularly do arts and crafts as a hobby, you have likely got the skill set to complete new projects, even if you haven’t ever worked on a particular craft or style of art. Japanese Creations has a few popular Asian arts and crafts that are fun and help continually develop your skill set. Our 3 crafts have been passed down from generation to generation in Japan and are now being learned all over the world.
Learning Asian arts and crafts is a great way to immerse yourself in a cultural art form. Our particular crafts encourage fun, relaxing, freeing, flowing, work. Our products can be used for your own personal enjoyment or to give as a gift once complete. You can even buy the kits and courses for someone as a gift if you’d like to pass on the traditions that way.
Chigiri-e has a two part meaning. “E” means “picture” in Japanese and “Chigiri” means to tear or shred. Washi paper, used in Chigiri-e is dated back to the eighth century. First, kozo, bamboo, hemp, rice, or wheat plant bark is soaked in clear river water and boiled to thicken. Then it is beaten and sent through a gridiron where it is then dried into sheets. This is typically done in the sunlight for a natural, soft finish. Washi paper is still used in Japan today for many purposes including interior design, traditional arts, letter writing, books, and more!
Chirimen transforms mere scraps of this textured crepe fabric into adorable, hand-sewn pouches and ornaments. Chirimen means “shrunken surface”. It has been traced back to the Edo period of 1603, where the craft has been passed down from generation to generation. Chirimen crafts are often created with beautiful fabrics used to make kimonos. Chirimen has distinct bumpy texture fabrics that are hand sewn into modern and traditional accessories, whimsical ornaments, practical accessories and furoshikis (cloth giftware).
Etegami is an intuitive, colorful folk art consisting of drawings paired with a few thoughtful words and watercolor. The name comes from “e” which means picture, and “tegami” which means “letter. Etegami, has been around for a long time but more recently grew in popularity when Kunio Koike (who is considered the father of Etegami) grew tired of the rigorous and lengthy process of traditional Japanese calligraphy and developed a loose free hand method called Etegami. Kunio’s motto was “heta de ii, heta ga ii”. Which means “Clumsiness is no problem. Clumsy makes it better”.
Choose Japanese Creations for wonderful Asian arts and crafts that you can enjoy on your own or with family and friends. Learn about the Japanese culture and develop a skill that originated centuries ago. Our products come with guided courses, FREE eBook downloads, and all the supplies and materials you need for the most authentic result.