Washi Workshop / North Country Shifu (Paper Cloth) with Velma Bolyard October 2022
$725.00
North Country Shifu + Washi
This October, join us for a rare workshop with paper artist Velma Bolyard in conjunction with Linda Marshall of Washi Arts. Learn to mark, spin and weave handmade Japanese washi into paper cloth using Velma’s unique techniques.
North Country Shifu will introduce you to a version of shifu making. You will learn how to mark, cut and prep a beautiful piece of handmade Japanese paper for spinning, spin it into thread (kami-ito), fabricate a simple ‘stump’ loom, then using the loom and needle, weave your kami-ito into shifu (paper cloth). This workshop will also include demonstrations of different types of Japanese papers and techniques for treating and decorating them including konnyaku, kakishibu and marking and staining with sumi, indigo and persimmon. There will be many side trials to explore as we deepen our shifu experience which will include all sorts of delicious extras.
Location: Blaine WA
Workshop Date: Friday October 28, Saturday October 29 and Sunday October 30, 2022
Hours: 10:00am — 4:00pm each day
There will be an opportunity at the end of one day to visit the Washi Arts studio to look at Japanse papers, tools and supplies. Lunch will be provided each day. If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know. Typically vegetarian and gluten-free options are provided.
Registration fee includes one piece of each at least six different Japanese papers as well as shared materials such as kakishibu, konnyaku, sumi ink, brushes, pots and spindles. You can bring your own brushes and containers if you wish. Additional paper, materials and supplies will be available for purchase.
General Workshop Description
Additional details will follow upon registration. If you have questions, contact linda@washiarts.com
During these three days your shifu sojourn will include:
Presentations by Velma Bolyard and Linda Marshall about the history and background of Japanese papers and shifu, as well Velma’s own work and ‘spin’ on this traditional craft.
Working with color and mark making and perhaps personal texts on papers that will be spun up into secret-keeping, message bearing textiles.
Using traditional Japanese dye, kakishibu, and konnyaku starch, you'll experiment with ways of strengthening and marking papers to enhance your workshop portfolios. This will include demonstrations as well as hands on work.
You’ll construct a small stump (pin) loom and discuss other styles of simple looms suitable for this work
You’ll cut paper using a variety of handmade Heritage Washi sheets. You’ll prepare and begin spinning with drop spindles and Swedish bobbin winders. Then you’ll weave your kami-ito into morojifu, shifu made with your paper for warp and weft.
You’ll make at least one book structure to house your workshop samples, and will have options of where your books will continue thier journeys.
