I'm currently working on an oriental theme. I just ordered some Japanese paper from
Stone House. Their
Yuzen Chiyogami papers are so beautiful, they make my mouth water! I can't wait to get my hands on them:) I'll use them as accents and backgrounds on cards, origami and Hina Sama Ningyo. What's that you say? It's the name for Japanese paper dolls, Ningyo means “human shape.” A few years ago when I was teaching gifted and talented, I got a new student from Japan. Her family was here temporarily as her Dad was an executive at a local company. This adorable ten-year-old taught me how to make them. I was preparing a magazine submission on an oriental theme at the time and she was flattered that I was so interested in her culture. She spoke fluent English, was absolutely brilliant, and utterly charming. I've rarely met a more self-effacing child. I’d bring art stamps to school, and after class she’d tell me what the characters meant and which way was ‘right-side-up.’ The book containing the dolls (Hina Sama Ningyo) is pictured below.
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| The dolls inside the book. | |
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| This paper is from Stone House too, and it folds like a dream. Which is good cause that origami kimono is a tiny little thing! |
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| Asian box with African beads and embellishments inside. Who says I'm not multicultural? lol |
