Description
a handwritten note is always in style
Meet “Washi”
(our leading lady)
The paper used in this note card set is our most beloved washi from Japan! Washi literally translates to “Japanese paper” and is commonly made from kozo, mitsumata and/or gampi natural fibers. Chiyogami (sometimes referred to as “yuzen”) is a specific type of washi highlighted by a beautiful pattern that is silk-screened by hand, one color at a time. Here’s a little clip of the silk-screening process that we were able to capture when we were graciously invited to see how the magic happens! We think every type of washi is an undisputed “gem” when it comes to handmade paper!
The Love Story
(why we fell in love with this washi print)
In addition to a pretty floral print, there’s nothing that catches our eye faster than a vibrant color! When we saw this design peeking out from the shelves of one of our valued paper suppliers in Japan, we couldn’t tear our eyes away from the delicate plum blossoms (ume) set against this stunning background. There was just something special about the golden clouds sitting on the bold wash of red that absolutely captured our stationery-loving heart. We named this print “Akane” which means “deep red” in Japanese.
Real Life Inspiration
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein
In Japan, ume blossoms typically mark the end of winter and beginning of spring. They generally bloom during February and March across the various prefectures and range in color from white to dark pink. While ume and sakura blossoms are both springtime stunners, a couple of easy ways to tell the difference between these flowers is by the petals and the scent! Ume blossoms have more rounded petals and a sweet fragrance.
We were lucky enough to see ume blossoms up close and personal during one of our visits to Japan! Here are a few of our favorite images captured in Hanegi Park (Tokyo) and Atami Plum Garden (Shizuoka).
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