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Japanese-Style Wrapping

PHOTO

Wrap gifts Japanese style with colorful handmade papers, ribbons and fabric.
Artist Karen Toda demontrates to Kitty Bartholomew the ancient Japanese art of gift-wrapping, called tsutsumi. Toda says that the Japanese culture is discreet about gift-giving and decoration. Packages are wrapped plainly on the outside; however, inside, the gift is presented with colorful papers and fabrics.

Steps:

  1. Wrap the box in colorful paper.
  2. Cut another piece of paper for the sash, also known as the obi. Fasten on the box with tape.
  3. Wrap a piece of cord or raffia in the middle of the obi. This element can be off-balance on the box, like a one-sided bow.
PHOTO

Figure A
  • The nushi, or cardholder, is made from a square piece of paper folded to create a wide top and a narrow bottom. Fold the left side in to the center point, fold the right side in off-center and fold the right side back on itself (figure A). Place the gift card inside and tuck in between sash and obi.

    • Guests
    Karen Toda
    Artist, The Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC)
    Phone: 213-628-2725
    Email: toda@jaccc.org
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