Paper Vessels - Momigami NEW! In-Store Class Apr 27

Momigami is a traditional Japanese paper that’s prized for its decorative qualities as well as its flexibility and strength. It’s made by treating paper with a starchy substance called konnyaku and kneading it until the paper becomes soft and super flexible. The result is something that feels and handles like fabric. It can be sewn, either by hand or a sewing machine, and has been used to make containers, bags, and even clothes in ancient Japan.

Through experimentation, mixed media artist Janet Strickler has learned to make her own momigami. She’s drawn to the technique because of its versatility, but also because it’s simple, fun, and inexpensive. Janet has made paper vessels for this class as examples of how momigami can be used. She describes the different construction and decoration techniques she used, then sets you to work folding, gluing, and stitching a vessel of your own. It’s hard to believe that the papers provided in class have been made from items like discarded security envelopes, used wrapping paper, scrapbook papers, brown paper bags, maps, and fragments of more traditional Japanese papers. 

Toward the end of class, Janet demonstrates the momigami process and passes around the material being kneaded. That way, you can experience how it feels and be confident about making momigami on your own. If you’re interested, Janet has small containers of konnyaku powder available for you to take.

Besides the momigami vessel you make, you’ll leave class with an appreciation for the unique qualities of momigami and with a good foundation for doing more with it. Enjoy the fun!

An email will be sent to participants the Monday before the class. Classes with homework may receive pre-class info earlier.  No email? Double check the email address you entered when you registered and your SPAM folder. Due to SPAM filters and inbox settings, we cannot guarantee you will see, read, or open these emails. Two Hands Paperie assumes no responsibility for non-attendance of a class. Contact twohandsclasses@gmail.com with any class questions and see our Class Policies page for more information. 

Please bring the following materials:

• Optional: favorite pair of small scissors
• Optional: scraps of favorite paper to stitch on your vessel

Class Materials Include:

• Treated paper to use for vessels and/or stitching
• Thread, needles, glue, applicators, pencils, tools, etc to use in class
• Small sample of konnyaku powder for students to have

Cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the first class meeting will be refunded or, at the participant's option, used to pay for another class. Two Hands Paperie will retain a $10 processing fee for EACH class cancelled by a participant. After 14 days, there is no refund or credit. In addition, the fee for a class cancelled within this 14-day timeframe by a participant cannot be transferred to pay for another class. These policies are to ensure that teachers are compensated for their investment in materials and in time spent preparing for the class. We reserve the right to cancel a class if fewer than 3 students enroll 48 hours prior to the scheduled class time. If for any reason Two Hands Paperie cancels a class, students will be called at the phone number on file and refunded the FULL class fee.

Janet Strickler, a mixed media artist living and working in Colorado, calls her work Art of the Ordinary. In truth, there’s nothing ordinary about what she creates. What is ordinary is what she uses: recycled and reclaimed objects, construction leftovers, discarded magazines, candle stubs, coffee grounds, natural materials, and even old paper clips. She loves to explore different media and will attempt to make art out of nearly anything. You can often find her in the Art Parts Creative Reuse store in Boulder, softly exclaiming to herself, “I could make art out of that!”. She enjoys the challenge of turning ordinary materials and cast-off items into objects of beauty.

Much of Janet’s work involves a spiritual element. It’s no surprise, given that the goal of her own art making is to create a beautiful, harmonious, and peaceful environment. Woven throughout her work is a deep love for geometry and pattern. She’s made a lifetime study of art history around the world and has been influenced by works as diverse as ancient manuscripts, medieval architecture, American quilts, Australian aboriginal paintings, Byzantine mosaics, and the decorative traditions of India and the Middle East. Their patterns are a starting point and don’t necessarily result in a predetermined layout. For her, art making is about beginning and then finding out where the piece leads.

True to her personal approach to art, Janet’s classes are fundamentally about exploring and experimenting. Rather than teaching students how to make a particular piece of art, she likes to demonstrate what can be done with a set of materials and then turn students loose to play with them. It’s both astonishing and instructive to see how different the results can be. Classes with her are delightful adventures in discovering the unexpected! Learn more on her website: artoftheordinary.net

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