Sunday, February 22nd, 11am-5pm
Instructor: Sigrid Blohm
Konnyaku powder, made from the tuberous root of the Devi’s Tongue plant, has been used in Japan for centuries to coat paper, especially for use in making kamiko )paper clothing). Washi (Japanese paper) treated with prepared konnyaku paste is called momigami (kneaded paper) or kyoseishi (strong paper). Paper is made stronger, more flexible and more abrasion-resistant than untreated paper, making it suitable for a wide variety of creative applications from bookbinding to stitching to sculpture and more.
You will learn:
• how to mix konnyaku
• how to apply it to various weights and types of washi
• how to apply different textures to the treated paper
• how best to dry the paper depending on how you plan to use it
• how to stitch konnyaku-treated washi
Sigrid will bring a variety of samples of work made using konnyaku to give you an idea of possible creative applications. In the afternoon you will hand-stitch a small pouch and, if time allows, play with the sculptural qualities of the prepared papers.
