Dear Everyone ~
The BZS paper cabinet is a constant inspiration to me: 20 shallow drawers measuring 26" x 40" x 2½" high. A handful of them get far-and-farther the most use. Japanese Yuzen has become my catch-all drawer for larger scraps of Cambridge Imprint, Wanderlust, hand-marbled papers—basically everything that’s been part of a recent project—in addition to full sheets of Chiyogami. This drawer is in a constant state of flux. Three more drawers are opened, perused, and closed almost every day: Japanese Crinkle, Katazome, and Vintage. Whenever I’m percolating about a workshop theme or a custom project, I delve into several drawers—knowing what is in them, but with a fresh intention, to see which patterns & textures spark an idea.
The most recent addition to our Japanese paper repertoire is a vintage Kikkō sheet measuring 14" x 20". It is truly luxe, not crinkled quite like the Kodai’s are, but when I glue them, I use the same technique. I’ve recorded a 15-minute video showing step-by-step, stroke-by-stroke how to glue Kodai papers, and I will share the video with you immediately upon purchase of the Crinkly Non-Kodai Kikkō. Three sumptuous tortoise shells (traditional Japanese hexagonal patterns): a ⅜-inch repeat in black & gold, a 1-inch repeat in red & gold, and a 1-inch repeat in black & gold. We have larger reserves of the large black & gold pattern than we do of the smaller black & gold and of the red & gold. Seeing as how the patterns mix & match rather elegantly, you could make two boxes with interchangeable lids, or even a petite pair of nesting boxes.
Also, as we combed through our Kodai scraps, Ruby was able to assemble eight more Crinkly Kodai Scrap Bundles. Eight pieces per bundle, ranging in size from 5 x 7-ish to 8 x 6-ish. They are perfect for making small books, wrapping gifts, or deluxe-ifying a collage. They behave a bit like fabric—supple yet sturdy, and sensuous to the touch. These are truly the last of the lot. (We won’t hold a lottery, but the early kestrel gets the Kodai.)
In other paper-related news, we are gleeful to report that mini bonefolders are back in stock. They measure ¾" x 4" and register high marks in adorability! They are also a model travel companion as they weigh next to naught and take up negligible room. Handy for smaller hands, hand-folding small envelopes, origami, and basically anything you’d want your standard size bonefolder for. To demonstrate its diminutiveness, we’ve snuggled it up against a mini Rivoli Rose enclosure envelope (2½" x 3¾"). You could even tuck it into an elegant evening bag.
