Toronto Craft Alert

Piano Hinge Bookbinding

Thursday, Feb. 16; 6:30-8:30 pm; $50

Piano-hinge books look very complex but they are really quite easy to make.  In this class you will learn how to fold, cut and assemble the pages for this flexible book form and will make a book the perfect size to hold photographs.  Complete written instructions will be given and examples of ways to make a variety of functional and fine art books with this book form will be shown and explained.  With piano hinge books the design and embellishment possibilities are practically endless.

Paper Dyeing

Wednesday, Feb. 17; 6:30 – 8:30 pm; $45

Handmade papers, in particular Japanese handmade papers have incredible wet strength making them ideal for dyeing.  Spend the evening experimenting with liquid pigments to achieve custom colours and patterns on Washi.  Once Washi is dyed, it can be treated with konnyaku starch to add wonderful textures, strength, and durability.

Sign up for both “Paper Dyeing” and “Konnyaku” workshops for $70.

Invitations 101

Tuesday, Feb. 23; 6:30 – 8:30 pm; $35

Making your own invitations, from design to execution, can be an overwhelming process.  Whatever event you are planning, join us for an evening with the experts.  Local invitation designer Emma Kirk, of Ingledew Invites, will be sharing tips and tricks to demystify the whole process.  The Paper Place staff will be available to answer any of your paper questions.

Origami Boxes

Wednesday, March 3; 6:30 – 8:30 pm; $40

In this workshop you will learn some basic origami skills and master the techniques to complete 3 folded paper boxes.  The Pinwheel top box is an ideal design for giving small gifts and baked goods.  You will complete this style in two sizes.  The third project is a box with complementary lid.  Never again will you have to scramble for the perfect container!

Experimental Mark-Making on Washi

Tuesday, March 9; 6:30 – 8:30 pm; $45

In this workshop you will be encouraged to experiment with pencil and ink, paints and chalks, and collage and image transfer to create beautiful works of art on Washi — handmade Japanese paper.  Everything you will need will be provided; however, feel free to bring along your favourite mediums.

Konnyaku

Wednesday, March 17; 6:30 – 8:30 pm; $40

Best known in Japan as a food, konnyaku–or Devil’s Tongue Root starch–has also been used for centuries to make kamiko (paper clothing).  Applied to washi paper and worked by hand, this starch allows you to add wonderful textures, strength and durability.  Papers treated with konnyaku can be used to make momigami for use in book covers and other projects where tough paper is needed.  Papers coated with konnyaku are also suitable for stitching and dyeing.  In this workshop you will learn the preparation of konnyaku, techniques for applying starch to a variety of papers, as well as be inspired by examples of what creative projects become possible with momigami.  Before treating paper with konnyaku, papers can be custom dyed.

Sign up for both “Paper Dyeing” and “Konnyaku” workshops for $70.

Washi Talk

Wednesday, March 31; 6:30 – 8:30 pm; FREE

Join us for an inspiring evening with Nancy Jacobi, owner and founder of The Japanese Paper Place.  Through images taken recently in three papermaking areas in Japan, and through examples of artwork from her collection, Nancy will share her extensive knowledge, experience, and love of Japanese papers.

Washi–traditional handmade Japanese paper.  At first glance, undecorated kozo, gampi, and mitsumata washi may not seem very inspiring, but once you get to know what they are capable of, this 1400-year-old material can make your creativity sing!  Made still by a dwindling number of tenacious craftsmen unwilling to compromise, these labour-intensive papers deserve the attention of those who care about keeping the tradition of fine craft–and its resulting practicality–alive.

The fine print

Interested in a workshop or two?  All you need to do is register!  Payment is required upon registration for all workshops to guarantee a space.  You may register in person at the store or by phone with a credit card.  Withdrawal allowed up to three days before the workshop.  No refunds after that time.

Please note: Due to the renovations, we are unable to provide access to washroom facilities.  We can only accept adult participants for these workshops.

Contact info:

www.thepaperplace.ca

judith@thepaperplace.ca

887 Queen Street West

(416) 703-0089