Robertta A. Uhl - Wonderful Ways with Washi: Seventeen Delightful Projects to Make with Japanese Handmade Paper

I shall always be grateful to them for their understanding and love. Ron "Coach", my lifelong partner, has been at my side from the beginning, always assisting in designs, layouts and scripts. Putting this book together would not have been possible without his constant help, support and encouragement. The Japanese, and the people of Okinawa, in particular, have inspired me by their willingness to share their culture, traditions and heritage. Not only have they encouraged my efforts to add a Western touch to Washi crafts, but they have eagerly absorbed each new concept as I develop, adapt and create new projects. I greatly value the contribution of the people of Japan and Okinawa to this book, especially my daughter-in-law Kikue, and my dear friends Toshiko and Stanley Nakasone, Takako Taira and Kaoru Uza.

Colleagues, friends and the thousands of students I have had the privilege to teach, have also been instrumental in encouraging me to transform my informal teaching notes and handouts into book form. Their love for the craft and their continuous encouragement to write instructions for all the Washi crafts I taught was a major catalyst in preparing this book. These people are at the forefront of the Washi craft explosion in both East and West and are doing a wonderful job of improving EastWest understanding. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Uhl, Boarman and Kidder families, Elton Gray, Larry, Dru, Dee, David, DoDDS teachers and the military community on Okinawa and mainland Japan. With their help, the unlimited possibilities of Washi crafts and the beauty of its creations are rapidly becoming available to the Western world. Finally, I would like to thank the Awagami Factory in Osaka for supplying photographs of the processes of making Washi.

I close with this Washi thought: "Why not make your next gift a Washi craft created by you!" Domo Arigato. ROBERTTA A. UHL
Okinawa, Japan

Cherry Blossom Box in Two Sizes O ne of the many Japanese creative crafts made from milk cartons, this wonderful little box takes its name from the cherry blossom which it resembles. The box makes a lovely gift by itself or it can be filled with a surprise! It is also great as a candy container or jewelry box! EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS FOR ONE BOX 1 large ( gallon) or small (1 quart) milk carton, washed and dried 1/3 sheet of printed Washi for the large milk carton sheet of printed Washi for the small milk carton 1 piece of cardboard (10" x 10" x ") 1 wooden bead with a large hole in the center, if desired Cord (8" x ") (16" x " for a double knot) Transparent (Scotch) tape Small sharp scissors Cutting blade Awl Ruler and pencil Hot glue gun and glue sticks Large glue stick Decide which size box you want to make and cut out the relevant patterns from the printed Washi and cardboard PREPARING THE PRINTED WASHI AND CARDBOARD Printed Washi Large (gallon) 1 rectangle (16" x 6") 2 squares (3" x 3") 1 square (5" x 5") 1 square (7" x 7") Cardboard Large (gallon) 1 square (3" x 3") 1 square (4" x 4") Small (quart) 1 rectangle (12" x 6") 2 squares (2" x 2") 1 square (4" x 4") 1 square (5" x 5") Small (quart) 1 square (2" x 2") 1 square (3" x 3") MAKING THE LID With the glue stick, paste the appropriate piece of printed Washi to the correct size cardboard (7" x 7" Washi to the 4" x 4" cardboard; 51/5" x 5" Washi to the 3" x 3" cardboard). Glue down opposing sides 1 first. Make a handle by knotting the cord near the top. Make a handle by knotting the cord near the top.

Alternatively, use a wooden bead to form a handle. Using the awl or the point of the scissors, make a hole in the center of the larger piece of cardboard. Decide on the knot you want. Pull the loose ends of the cord through the hole. Tape the loose pieces of cord to the cardboard. Hot glue the unfinished sides of the cardboard together, centering them.

Leave the lid to dry. The top of the lid with a bead handle will look like this. The top of the lid with the knot handle will look like this. MAKING THE BOX Measure 2" up the side of the milk carton (large or small) and mark all round. Cut off the bottom with the cutting blade. Push the corners of the carton in, along the scored lines, to form additional sides. Measure 4" up the side of the carton and mark all round. Measure 4" up the side of the carton and mark all round.

Cut around the carton with the blade. Find the seamed side of the carton. Carefully pull or cut the carton apart, then cut off the extra flap.