Paper Use: Library Program Series with Japanese Paper Crafts

by Michelle Will, Kitsap Regional Library

As a librarian and a paper artist, I plan a lot of paper crafts for our library programs, but I was running low on ideas. So, when our library acquired Creativebug I was excited to start using it. In the past, I taught classes like altered books, book folding, artist trading cards, and junk journalling. My mission was to find new experiences that would take less than an hour to create. I also wanted to utilize the expert skills of the Creativebug artists to promote our library’s new, cool database.

Pretty quickly, I found several projects that would work for library programs. I began thinking about how I could incorporate Creativebug videos into in-person craft programs for adults. My goal was to show the Creativebug video to the class, then assist them in recreating that craft. The video needed to be short and keep the students engaged. Most crafters I know want to get started right away.

I noticed several Japanese-inspired paper dyeing techniques that looked perfect. The first was Shibori-Inspired Snowflakes with Mia Semingson, followed by Orizomegami and Suminagashi Ink Marbling, both with Jody Alexander. We could learn the techniques and create our own papers to use in the future.

These three programs fit my plan perfectly because the videos were under 30 minutes, were easy to follow, and offered tips that were essential to the process and valuable to the students. This was important because I knew that if my students did not find value in the video, then they would start to grumble – and nobody wants that! I did not want to let them start the processes until the video was finished. If we wanted clarification, we could easily rewatch the bit that was needed, since Creativebug clearly separates the videos into chapters.

I was ready to go. I purchased all the supplies using Creativebug’s print resources, taking cues from the artists in the video. Often, the artists mention less expensive options during the video, which is helpful when you are working with a limited budget. I took notes and watched the videos several times. I also created flyers for my programs using the Creativebug images provided in the Gallery section of each project.

Since our program space is small, I had to limit the snowflake and orizomegami classes to 15 people. However, the suminagashi class was not only more difficult, using more concentration, it also required a large workspace for each participant. For this class, I decided to offer it twice, once on a Saturday and again on a weekday, limiting each class to 6 participants. I set up tables in a U-shape with the TV at the front of the class.

We started out the series with Shibori-Inspired Snowflakes in December. It’s a lovely option for adults heading into the holiday season and reminiscent of cutting out snowflakes as a kid. As the video played, I pointed out the tools that we would be using, which included both the rice paper and the coffee filters, as well as India ink. My original plan was to watch the video all the way through before starting. However, we ended up following along with the artist, pausing the video as needed.

In the video, Mia uses a protractor to get exact angles for the folds. This ended up being too difficult for some of us creatives. We tried our best and ended up making some pretty snowflakes. Also, since the snowflakes were very wet after dyeing, participants brought them home to dry and then iron. Below you can see one participant’s results.

Next came the orizomegami class, for which I used the same rice paper from the previous program and food coloring. This class proved to be much easier. In fact, one participant mentioned that she was going to try it with her grandchildren. The rice paper I had was a little thin, so you had to be very careful unfolding it, but the results were stunning.

Finally, we were ready for the suminagashi marbling technique. Many of the same students came to all three classes, and they were as excited as I was. I tested each of the dyeing processes prior to the class, so I knew this ancient technique was special and unique. Not only has suminagashi been around for centuries, but the process is also slow and meditative.

We watched the video straight through and I pointed out significant parts and processes along the way. Like I mentioned, the workspace is rather large, utilizing 2 large pans of water, and the process is intricate, using both hands at the same time. Look at the pictures below to see the process and the beautiful result.

This series turned out better than I could have imagined. Students enjoyed learning about all three dyeing methods, and I appreciated that we could offer a series of programs that displayed Japanese culture. It was so beneficial to use Creativebug to bring paper crafts to our library programs. We were able to partner with their artists to bring their special skills to the library and share them with our community, without having to hire an expensive, in-person expert.

Thank you, Creativebug!

---