Chigiri-e FAQs

What is a Chigiri-e "Project"?

• A "Project" is our Chigiri-e kit product. It is not a Course package, and is therefore best suitable for people who want to try Chigiri-e casually. All the materials necessary for creating the motifs are enclosed but please note that the Starter Tool Kit is not included.

How many motifs can I create from each Project kit?

• You can create one motif with one Project kit. However, since we put in slightly more Washi necessary, you will still have some Washi to make something on your own after finishing the motif.

Is the Starter Tool Kit included in a Project kit?

• No, the Started Tool Kit is not included in a Project.

Will my child find the Chigiri-e project fun and engaging? How much of the project can my child do themselves?

• Children can create the motifs, however, young children need adults' supervision and support especially when they use pointed objects such as the stylus.

What does Chigiri-e mean in Japanese?

• In Japanese, Chigiri means to tear and e means picture. The original pronunciation is Chee-gee-ree-ay

What is Washi?

• Washi is traditional Japanese paper. Paper we normally use today is made from finely chopped pulp, instead, washi is made from the fibers in the skins of a tall and withy tree called paper mulberry.. Washi is very durable because the fibers are entangled intricately. (There are even doors made of Washi in Japan!) The Washi paper Japanese Creations provide is top quality paper produced with conventional painstakingly method and then hand-dyed piece by piece. When teared, soft and warm fuzzy fibers appear.Chigiri-e is paper collage taking advantage of these fibers from Washi.

What is Yamato Starch Paste?

• Yamato Starch Paste is a glue specifically made for Chigiri-e. Well, this is not true but you will understand when you lay your hand on this wonderful adhesive.The Yamato glue won't stain the Washi or boards of any color. It won't shine the surface or leave white marks either. You can peel off the glued piece completely with a little bit of water even after many hours of drying because Yamato Starch Paste dissolves with water.The glue is non-toxic and safe for children since it is made of natural starch. It is suitable for other paper collage art as well.

Do I need the Stater Took Kit to create the motif?

• The Starter Took Kit is a set of tools that is best for creating Chigiri-e. (The Kit is included in the Chigiri-e Course package.) You can create Chigiri-e motifs without them, however, you need to prepare some tools yourself. You will need:
• a pair of tweezers
• a tool with a pointed end (such as a ball point pen with no ink left)
• a pencil
• some paperclips
• a paint brush - a cup in which you dissolve the glue
• some glue

For the glue, adhesive for paper crafts is most suitable. If you use regular glue such as School Glue, water it down two to three times as you do not need strong adhesive power for Chigiri-e. You also need to try to stay inside the lines or not to use too much because it may leave stains on washi and board.

Do I need anything else besides tools set in the Starter Tool Kit to create the motifs?

• You will also need a pencil and some water to dissolve the glue. You may find a pair of scissors handy.

How do I use each of the tools in the Starter Tool Kit?

• We'll explain the eight tools in the Tool Kit one by one.
• Stylus: A steel-tipped stylus designed just for chigiri-e. The sliver steel-tipped end makes it easier to tear any type of washi, while the rubber-tipped end is great for tearing out small circles.
• Tweezers: A made-in-Japan tweezer that you can use to pick up small pieces as fine as washi fibers.
• Glue (Yamato Starch Paste): A plant-based starch glue that is environmentally friendly and also non-toxic, making it safe for everyone to use. It is used by diluting a small amount with water. It has great adhesive power when dry, but can be easily removed by wetting the dry glue with water. It is the best glue to use for Chigiri-e.
• Brush: A flat brush that is great for spreading glue or arrange the individual strands of fibers in washi.
• Saucer: Used for keeping diluted glue.
• Water Brush Pen: Used to bring out even more fibers in the washi, or to elongate the fibers.
• Teaspoon: Used for measuring glue and water .
• Paper clips: Used to keep the tracing template in place when tracing onto the artboard and washi.

What is the difference between the Chigiri-e Project and the Chigiri-e Course Package?

• The Project is a kit. It is suitable for people who would like to try Chigiri-e casually. All the materials such as Washi and patterns are enclosed but you need to prepare some tools yourself. The Course is a comprehensive learning support service of Japanese Creations. Starting from a basic motif, the course is designed so that you will learn Chigiri-e skills gradually as you create each of the six motifs. Three of the six motifs are assignments for you to submit. Shortly after you submit each of the assignments, our instructor will give you constructive feedback to make sure you are on the right track to master the art of Chigiri-e. Once you completed the course, we are sure you are ready to try your hand at an original piece of yours.

What tools and materials are included in the course?

• In the Chigiri-e Course package, the following tools and materials are included:
• - Starter Tool Kit
• An account information with lifetime access to all of the tutorial videos and texts for motifs - Washi: 30 pieces of high-quality washi papers
• Template: Tracing paper templates that has the outline of each motif inscripted on them. Use the chalk paper to copy the template onto the washi and art boards.
• Chalk paper x2: Chalk paper to be used to copy the template onto the artboard and washi. The blue residue can be easily erased with water, so you don't have to worry about it being left on your artwork.
• Cards and Artboard: The backing board you will be gluing the torn washi onto. There are two smaller boards and four larger boards to complement each motif
• A fully colored true-to-size example of each motif: You can look at the examples to check your overall progress for each motif.
• Cardboard x3: Used for when transferring the template. It makes it easier to transfer the template by providing a softer surface, while protecting your table.

How large is each of the finished projects in the course?

• Bonsai 9.5 x 13.0 inches
• Gouldian Finch 10.7 x 9.5 inches
• Marguerite 5.4 x 4.8 inches
• Magnolia 8.3 x 5.1 inches
• Goldfish 5.9 x 4.1 inches
• Yuzu 5.9 x 4.1 inches

Please tell me about the assignment.

• You will be advised to submit the image of the designated three motifs of the six motifs once you completed each of them. Our course instructor will give constructive feedback to each of the submitted motif in order to take your chigiri-e to the next level.