Toronto Craft Alert

Even though I don’t end up making it out to as many workshops and shows as I’d like to, I am truly grateful that the Washi Summit exists in Toronto. Since 2008, The Japanese Paper Place has been hyping the wonders of fine Japanese paper (washi) to Toronto via workshops, exhibitions, and special events in partnership with a variety of galleries and institutions across the city. As a hand-craft form threatened by mechanized production, it is vital that the awesomeness of washi be more widely appreciated.  Many of us are familiar with the colourful shazaam of chiyogami and katazome, but the variety of types and and applications of washi are truly amazing – attend a few of the June 2011 “Living With Washi” Summit happenings and this will become clear.

I am posting about this a bit early to give you a heads up for the workshops (which take place from June 2-18), as these can fill up quickly. I am eyeing Cozy with Kozo: Paper cuts to embellish your home and Endless Possibilities: Konnyaku + Washi = Cloth (pictured above).

Visit http://www.washisummit.com/workshops.htm for the full list and registration details.