Etsy Shop for carriekei

Katazome Lotus OBI Set of 5 Lined Envelopes and Cards

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:44:20 -0500

$9.00
PART OF THE "OBI" SERIES.

For my OBI series of cards, I've used Japanese decorative papers that are meant to reflect the exquisite craftsmanship and design sensibilities of the Edo Period (1630 - 1868). This paper is printed using the Katazome technique: a laborious technique that uses a stencil (kata) and gelatin paste to print the first layer, then the remaining colors are printed and the entire sheet is then washed to remove the paste layer underneath and reveal the pattern.

This set of five "rhubarb" 4-Bar sized envelopes (measuring 3 5/8" x 5 1/8") has been hand-lined with Katazome paper featuring lotus flowers in dramatic red, black, chartreuse and dark green which were silkscreened on handmade Kozo paper. I've then torn a small strip of the same paper (the rough edges reveal the gorgeous fabric-like texture of the paper) to evoke the sensibilities of an obi sash on each matching blank card.

This is a complete set of 5 cards and lined envelopes. Each card and envelope is slightly different, as each is handmade, and due to the vagaries of the paper used.

100 Origami Cranes

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:44:20 -0500

$150.00
One of the first books published on origami was "How to Fold 1,000 Cranes", released in the late 1700s. It is no coincidence that the crane was chosen as the subject for the book. For thousands of years the Japanese culture has treasured the crane as a symbol of honor and loyalty.

The crane is a majestic and graceful bird which mates for life and is extremely devoted to its partner. Both males and females work together to build their nest and care for their young. Throughout Asia, the crane is a symbol of peace, happiness and eternal youth. Crane motifs are therefore often used in Japanese weddings, on wedding kimonos and in the wedding decorations.

Now you can have 100 origami cranes for your wedding, a baby shower, or just to decorate your home! Use them as favors or just decoration. My cranes are made from beautiful 6" square washi and chiyogami papers; the paper selection is the artist's choice, and depends on my suppliers, but I promise I will ALWAYS use beautiful and authentic Japanese papers, and will choose watermarked rice papers or patterned papers unless a solid color scheme is specifically requested and custom ordered.

In the final photo you can see one of my cranes perched as decoration on my wedding cake -- the possibilities are endless!

Each set of 100 is made to order, so your order will ship approximately one week from the date of purchase. Looking for a larger or smaller order, or have a special request about the size and colors of the paper? Feel free to ask me about pricing and availability. Origami cranes are perfect for good wishes at a wedding, baby shower, or just to put in a bowl to decorate your home.

Cranes ship folded flat with instructions on how to gently open them. Price of shipping is for Priority Mail.

PLEASE PURCHASE BY CHECK OR PAYPAL DIRECT TRANSFER WHEN POSSIBLE. I do not have a professional PayPal account, so I can only accept 5 credit card purchases per year. YOU MUST ADD $7.50 to the cost of this item if purchasing by credit card, to help defray the credit card fees. THANK YOU.

Something Blue -- 11 Origami Cranes in a Keepsake Box

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:44:20 -0500

$25.00
The perfect "something blue" for your wedding (or as a gift for a soon-to-be-married friend or family member).

The crane is a majestic and graceful bird which mates for life and is extremely devoted to its partner. Both males and females work together to build their nest and care for their young. Throughout Asia, the crane is a symbol of peace, happiness and eternal youth. Crane motifs are therefore often used in Japanese weddings, on wedding kimonos and in the wedding decorations.

Now you can make the crane a part of your wedding, or the wedding of a loved one. I've chosen some spectacular patterned 6" square chiyogami washi origami papers, all imported from Japan, and folded 11 cranes, each in a different blue-toned pattern... check out the gorgeous iris on the wing of the open crane in photo #3!

The keepsake box is an A7 mailer box -- if you're giving this as a gift, you could put standard postage right on the gift box and mail it like a standard letter! (Just make sure to double-check the appropriate postage for weight.) Measuring 7 3/8" x 5 3/8" and 3/4" deep, this cool "pool blue" box has been hand-stamped with an origami crane nestled in the center of a large cottage bloom. I've used a watermark ink to create a rich yet subtle tone-on-tone effect, then embossed the stamps to create a raised image with a little bit of shine. The final effect is 渋い (shibui) -- simple, subtle, and unobtrusive beauty.

Origami cranes are a thoughtful and creative way to symbolize good wishes for a couple's future together, and after the wedding these cranes can be tucked neatly away in their box along with other wedding memories, or can be displayed in the couple's home; opened cranes look so good sitting together in a glass bowl.

Why 11 cranes? Some cultures give odd numbers of candy-covered almonds at weddings, to show that the couple cannot be divided. I've chosen a prime number for these cranes for the same reason.

I will send the cranes with instructions on how to gently open them. These cranes would look lovely at your wedding, perhaps decorating the guest book table, or even perched on your cake! (See my listing for 100 Cranes to see an example of some of my cranes on my own wedding cake.) The possibilities are endless.

Yuzen Koi OBI Set of 5 Lined Envelopes and Cards

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:44:20 -0500

$9.00
PART OF THE "OBI" SERIES.

For my OBI series of cards, I've used Japanese decorative papers that are meant to reflect the exquisite craftsmanship and design sensibilities of the Edo Period (1630 - 1868). This paper is a chiyogami paper, using small dense patterns that were originally wood block prints but are now typically silkscreened. Yuzen is one of the finest methods of paper- or kimono-dyeing, to obtain vivid and vibrant colors, and detailed and precise designs.

This set of five "strawberry" 4-Bar sized envelopes (measuring 3 5/8" x 5 1/8") has been hand-lined with yuzen chiyogami paper featuring swimming koi in reds and whites on a sea green water, which were silkscreened on handmade Kozo paper. I've then torn a small strip of the same paper (the rough edges reveal the gorgeous fabric-like texture of the paper) to evoke the sensibilities of an obi sash on each matching blank card.

This is a complete set of 5 cards and lined envelopes. Each card and envelope is slightly different, as each is handmade, and due to the vagaries of the paper used.

Kanji Japanese Newspaper Set of 5 Lined Envelopes -- SPRING YELLOW

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:44:20 -0500

$4.25
PART OF THE MIX & MATCH COLLECTION.

These hand-lined envelopes are the perfect accompaniment to any of my blank cards.

This set of five "butter" yellow 4-Bar sized envelopes (measuring 3 5/8" x 5 1/8") is hand-lined with repurposed pages from a Japanese newspaper. (Don't ask me which newspaper, or what the text says, my Japanese isn't nearly that good.)

The envelopes here are representative examples, and may not be the exact liners you receive.

I think these envelopes would look fabulous paired with any of my Japan-themed Just Because cards, or my Japanese Thank You (ありがとう) cards, shown here in orange. Of course the choice is up to you! (Don't forget to request the image and ink color of your choice at checkout.)

My mix & match cards and envelopes cost between $6.25 and $7.75 for a complete set of five, depending on the materials used.

Love Themed Set of 5 Blank Cards -- Kanji and Stamp