Week 50--Christmas3

I have struggled over the years to make an ornament cut out card but this year is the first time that I have been able to make one that I truly liked. The difficulty with this type of card is that there are so many possibilities of needing connectors that just don't make much sense. I was very happy with the way that this card turned out. I will probably make this in black and then place colored vellum as the liner.

On My Bookshelf

Today's book is a continuation of my stencil and Japan discussion. The Art of Decorative Paper Stencils by Kanako Yaguchi isn't a book really about stencils; instead, it really is a book about Kirigami (which is Japanese paper folding and cutting).

The author provides patterns based on designs from her worldly travels. She then presents 6 projects that use these "stencils." The book is divided into three sections: tools and techniques; designs, folding and cutting; and projects.

The beautiful of these designs is that the author provides folded and full sized patterns. A great book for reference material and for playing with paper.

Card #49 Redux

Not all of my cards turn out the way that I want. The card above on the left (which was this week's card explained here) just didn't seem right to me. I really couldn't place what I didn't like about it but I kept on looking. When I woke up this morning, I realized that the tree seemed lopsided.

I added an extra branch and provided a little more separation between the branches and the ornaments to get the card on the right. I think I solved the problem.

More Japan Goodies; From My Stash

What many Americans don't realize is that celebrating Christmas in Japan is very popular and lucrative. Although less than one percent of the population claim to be Christian, Japanese people love to celebrate the occasion rather than the religious significance of the holiday.

On my latest trip to Japan, I came across these "snow stencils." Snow stencils used to be popular during the 50s, 60s and 70s here in the United States. These stencils are used when spraying "fake" or "canned" snow when decorating on windows or glass. Smaller versions are used when crafting with etching cream. These stencils measure about 8.5 inches by 12 inches.

Each stencil package contains two stencils. There appear to be 14 sets of which I was able to purchase 5 sets. I will not be using these for window decorations but will use them for a different purpose and I will share how they are used in a later post.

Christmas Card 2013

Here are the basics of my personal Christmas card this year. This is the part that I hate--assembling multiple copies of a single item. In other words--I have doing the trained monkey work. I love the design phase but putting it all together--over and over again--gets me bored.

This year I am doing the sixth day of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

Week 49--Christmas2

Here is another in my cut out Christmas card series for 2013. This is based on a very popular stencil that has been making the rounds over the past several years. I always enjoy making business sized holiday cards because they are so unexpected.

I usually don't use red card stock but this is a fun shade of red so I thought about using it. I still haven't found a nice shade of green to use this year but I am still on the hunt.

On My Bookshelf

Today's selection is a new book to my library. I couldn't continue my discussion of my crafting haul from Japan without a Japan Craft Book to add to the mix. I have collected Japanese craft books ever since I lived there while in the military. I started collecting origami books because you really didn't need to understand the text because the diagrams were enough (Japanese folders where the first to develop the diagram system that is now accepted worldwide as the standard). I then started to collect books on Japanese Mizuhiki (Japanese Paper Cords) and finally I started collecting books on Japanese gift wrapping.

As I was in the airport in Sapporo for my return trip home, I realized that I hadn't had a chance to visit any of the bookstores while in Tokyo. I happened upon an airport bookstore and asked for origami books. Within the selection of books the attendant brought me was this book (roughly translated as Wonderful Disney Cutouts) by March Sakura (I am sure that is a nom de plume).

The book contains 41 cutout projects based on Disney characters. The author provides templates for artwork, ornaments, greeting cards and candle screens. Most of the designs are self explanatory and the cover shows two framed examples of the type of projects available (note: since most of the templates are full sized models, I chose not to share any of the patterns to protect them from being used/distributed online without purchasing the book).

I might have to start collecting a new type of Japanese craft book.

(Disclaimer--I do not speak or read Japanese. I had one of my coworkers translate the title and profile for me).

From My Stash

Today, I wanted to continue my discussion regarding my trip to Japan. While there, I was able to visit Nagoya, Sapporo and Tokyo. I was very lucky to be able to stay in Tokyo for several days. Because my down time was severely limited, I wasn't able to explore the craft scene like I normally do. Also, I had to visit with some paper vendors while I was there so most of my time was spent doing business.With what little down time that I was able to use, I found this book very helpful in navigating my way very efficiently. 

I believe that Japan has to be the leader in making, marketing, and using tape in a meaningful way. Washi tape has been around for quite a while but they still manage to update/renew its properties in such a way as to make it intriguing. I did notice some different trends in deco tape (decorator tape), though.

The first product is actually from Germany and is called "paper loop." It is a stylish decorated packing tape. It has more adhesive on the back than washi tape and therefore can be used for more permanent closing of boxes/packages. There is a slight sheen to the paper used but it can be used in a variety of uses. The pattern repeats every 40cm. I used it to decorated a package wrapped in plain white craft paper. The tape can be used in parallel (shown below) or it can be used perpendicular and since the design is symmetrical, it appears as if there is a single large bow on the package. There are four options: large red bow on white, small red looped string on white, large blue bow on brown (craft paper brown) and small red looped string on brown. There are about 50m of tape on a roll so you get a lot of bang for your buck (about 55 yards). 

paper loop from German

Basic package with tape

Big Bow (image from www.abodee.nl)

Red String Loop
(image from www.abodee.nl)

Blue Bow (image from www.abodee.nl)

Blue String Loop
(image from www.abodee.nl)

Washi tape is changing as we know it. While the patterns and colors are widening, the interesting changes are due to the width of the tape. Now, the tape is coming in much larger widths. The width shown below is the 3" width but there were 6", 9" and 12" widths available as well. The trend now seems to be plaids and checks. Older trends tended to be horizontal and vertical stripes and polka dots.

Another new development in tape is Mylar stenciled cut reflective tape. While similar Mylar tapes have traditionally been used for the holidays in past seasons, the new variations are these cut out tapes that are appearing for the holidays. They are being sold in a four pack of tapes with a variety of Christmas designs. They are a little costly so I would use them sparingly (e.g., small packages) and for decorative purposes only. There isn't enough structure to the tape to use them for closing or securing packages. The tape is adhered to a mylar backing strip and you simply release the tape and place it down on the spot where you want to use it. Once it is placed, you will not be able to move it without damaging the package or tearing the tape. The product is very finicky but the impact is pretty amazing. I saw four color choices for this series of tapes: red, green, silver and gold.

New Washi tape and
Mylar tapes

Mylar tape detail

I will continue to share with you some more of the products that I was able to find on my shopping journeys.

From My Stash

Today's post is the first in a series that illustrates what it is like to do crafts in Japan. Following the guidelines from this book, I took one of the adventures to FabricLand to try and find some fabric that I could use for book cloth. To be able to do so, it really helps to start with cotton fabric. I also wanted to something kid friendly because I wanted to use the book cloth to recover composition books to sell in my Etsy shop.

Here are three of the fabrics that I found that foot the bill. The pieces of fabric measure about 44 inches in width by 12 inches in height as measured parallel to the selvage edge (this is about the same as a regular 1/3rd yard in the U.S.). The middle selection costs about $4 and the other two cost about $4.50 each.

Iron Craft Challenge #24--Miniature Christmas Tree

For the 24th Iron Craft Challenge, we were given the theme of the holidays. According to the challenge, "So, we are just going to go with the flow here at Iron Craft and tell you to make something for the holidays for this challenge. Let's face it, that's what most of us are working on right now anyway."

I had the additional challenge of being away in Japan for most of the preparation time. I arrived home on Saturday before the deadline so I decided to work with materials that I could find while in Tokyo. I went to a local florist and found this miniature evergreen plant.

Bare Evergreen Plant

Using materials found at one of the famous Craft Stores in Tokyo (Tokyu Hands), I decided to decorate the tree with: a miniature paper chain (made from quilling strips), miniature Origami cranes (made from traditional Japanese washi), battery operated colored lights, holiday stickers, and imported miniature wooden ornaments.

Angel stickers and paper chain

The tree topper is made from two angel foam stickers that are placed on either side of a top branch of the evergreen. Other foam stickers were used to decorate some of the other branches as well (candy canes and wreaths).

Origami Cranes

Origami cranes (flying crane model) were made from traditional Japanese paper.

Wooden ornaments

Miniature wooden ornaments from Hungary were draped around the plant. After the tree was decorated with miniature battery operated lights, the tree was finished.

The tree was left for the housekeeping staff after I left the hotel. I received a letter of appreciation from the hotel after I left. Apparently, the housekeeping staff took pictures with the tree.

Week 48--Starting Christmas

Today, I wanted to share one of my holiday cards with you. I don't know how many of these I will make but I like the stencil used for the card. While the cutting is a little finicky, it takes a little longer than I would like to complete the cutting. Maybe, I can simplify the design.

I hear the sleigh bells ringing . . .

On My Bookshelf

As you read this, I will returning home to the United States from spending 10 days in traveling Japan. I will have visited Nagoya, Tokyo and Sapporo. Last week, I mentioned an ebook that I purchased as a guide to fabric and notions shopping while in Tokyo. The second book that I purchased was the Kindle version of Tokyo Shopping Guide by Marceline Smith.

This guide is very similar to the Tour Guide Books that are available for any major city but the beauty of this book is that it highlights the craft stores of Tokyo and other major cities in Japan. The book highlights the major, and many minor, craft stores in Tokyo. There are also shopping guides to Tokyo areas for shopping and sightseeing. The author also provides many opportunities for other non-shopping excursions (many of which have the possibility of buying souvenirs). The primary excursion that I tried to fit into my itinerary was the Ghigli Museum.

The author also provides a limited mini-guide to Osaka and Kyoto. Finally, the author provides very insightful tips to make your trip to Japan even more meaningful. Highly, highly recommended.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. As part of my friend's Thanksgiving Dinner, she asked me to create a "Give Thanks" Card for each person that is attending the dinner. The card is backed with white card stock. On the card stock is mounted ecru linen paper with the words: "I am thankful for  . . ." Each person is to write 10 things that they are thankful for and as dinner progresses, each person will read through their list to share with everyone. This has been a holiday tradition for her family but this year, my friend wanted to formalize the process so that each person can take their Give Thanks home as a hostess gift.

So, Happy Thanksgiving everyone and please be grateful for all that you have.

Menu Card

Sample Menu Card

This is the beginning of the menu card that my friend will be using tomorrow for her Thanksgiving Dinner. Unfortunately, I won't be there since I will still be in Japan but I have been preparing everything for her while I have been away. I will send her these menu cards in a PDF format and all she will have to do is print them out. This is the prototype and I will fill in the actual menu while I am overseas.

This post was actually schedule a week ago before the menu was finalized.

Thanksgiving Place Card. Week 47

So after weeks of trying, I have finally been able to cut a miniature version of the turkey that I have been working on. This turkey was glued to a pumpkin colored card stock and will be used for place cards for the holiday table. This turkey almost made me lose my mind.

UPDATE: This is a makeup card for the card that I missed on March 25th.

Week 46

This is the invitation for my friend's Thanksgiving dinner. The theme of the party is Turkey Pardon where we will not have a single turkey dish. The theme of the party was decided when a local newspaper mentioned the limited supply of fresh turkeys this year.

The menu will include pork, beef and fish. The turkey stencil was purchased at stoneykins.com and is adapted from one of their pumpkin carving designs.

On My Bookshelf

By the time you read this post, I will have spent almost a week traveling in Japan. I decided to get two e-books to research some of the craft shopping in Tokyo. The first book is Tokyo Craft Guide (available here) by Frances Arikawa and Angela Salisbury. Although the primary topic of crafting is fabric and notions, there are a variety of other crafting supplies presented in the book.

Rather than featuring specific stores, the authors highlight "shopping adventures" that are condensed into 6 shopping excursions. Within each area, the authors list stores of interest as well as other tidbits of information that turn a shopping trip into a shopping excursion. The authors provide information about cafes and eateries, other interesting places to shop, parks and rest areas, kid friendly areas and those secret spots to find air conditioning, dry spaces and heated areas when the weather isn't cooperating.

This is a well researched book and is presented in a concise, friendly manner. A must have guide for those fabric shoppers out there who are visiting Tokyo.

Paper Ribbon

I wanted to finish the discussion of the Iron Craft Wrapping that I did this week. Today, I wanted to share with you the paper ribbon that is featured on the package. I simply took a piece of white craft paper and cut it into long strips that were two inches in width.

Taking strips of paper cut from security envelopes, I glued the strips in alternating patterns onto the white craft strips. I varied the width of the strips and their orientation.

Horizontal stripes

Diagonal stripes

Horizontal stripes

Once the glue is dried, you simply cut the length of the ribbon to size and use like you would a regular ribbon, although you can't loop it or tie it in any fashion.

Handmade Wrapping Paper

Finished project in
White and Silver

Today, I wanted to share with you how I made the handmade wrapping paper that I used for my Iron Craft Challenge this week. I wanted to use recycled products to make this paper. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I didn't want to take up too much floor space for this project so I decided to place the blank paper on the wall so I could access it more readily.

For this project, I used paper packing sheets that were recovered from my office before it was going to be thrown away. My co-workers are used to seeing me digging through the trash to recover items that should be recycled or in my case, paper products that can be reused for other purposes. The paper used here was a rolled thin craft paper made from perforated sheets.

Step One: Secure the sheet of paper.

You want to secure the paper so that it doesn't move while you are painting it. Since the paint will be applied with a dry brush technique or with a paper-blotting technique, you don't want to pull the paper from the wall or other hard surface that you are using.

Step Two: Applying first coat of paint.

Using a wide brush, dip the tips of the bristles in the acrylic paint that you are using. Brush most of paint off onto scrap paper (I used old newspapers). Lightly brush the paint across all sections of the paper and be sure to use a light touch.

First coat of paint

Step Three: Take paper down and wrinkle it.

Wrinkle the paper and tape it down again so you can add the second coat of paint.

Wrinkled and Re-positioned

Step Four: Add another layer of paint
Using the same dry brush technique, add another layer of paint. Try to highlight the new wrinkles and crevices made by wrinkling the paper. I used another layer of white paint since I was doing this for the color challenge in Iron Craft Challenge #23.

Second Layer

Step Five: Add third color of paint

Taking a plastic shopping bag that is crumbled up and placed in your hand, use this to dab paint onto the paper. You want to use an up-and-down motion to add paint. Do not use a wiping motion because you will smear the paint.

Step Six: Let Dry and Iron

When you are ready to use your paper, take it down and let it dry. Once it is dry, place a piece of newsprint or waste paper on top of the painted surface. Take your iron (without using the steam/water setting) and iron the pieces of paper. Be sure to use a lower heat setting (cotton blends setting works for me) and make sure that you iron directly on the waste paper. Also, be sure that the painted paper is face up when you place the waste paper on top. You don't want to ruin your iron or your ironing board.

Iron Craft Challenge #23--Wrapping Paper

White Themed Wrapping

For this Iron Craft Challenge we were given a color challenge--WHITE. According to the instructions: "So, your challenge for this week is to make something white. White doesn't need to be the only color in your project, but it should be prominent."

For this challenge, I knew that I wanted to do a recycled/upcycled project. I have a friend who has hired me to decorate her house for the upcoming Christmas season. Her theme this year is a "Recycled Christmas." They have vowed to donate all unused clothes and toys to those in need. They will be exchanging homemade gifts to each other and family and have vowed not to buy any gift--only to buy the materials to make the gifts they decide to give.

To decorate the gifts, I came up with this idea of taking pre-used package stuffing materials and painting it. The brown paper was packaging paper from work that I have been collecting for several years. My co-workers are always making fun of me since I will hoard/collect any paper product that I might be able to upcycle.

The paper was painted with acrylic paints in white and silver. 

I then made paper ribbon by using the interior of security envelopes. Once again, I have been waiting for the right project to use these security envelopes. I have been saving envelopes for many years. I have always been infatuated with the different patterns that appear.

Paper Ribbon Detail

I am very happy with the way this package turned out and my friend has signed off on the decorating scheme. More importantly, this gift is actually a gift for my boss' wife as a Hanukkah gift. Both the paper and the ribbon can really be adapted to any type of holiday/gift.