Japanese Waterfall Card

If you have never made one of these , they are a lot of fun and make a great Special Occasion card. The tab at the bottom pulls out to flip up 4 panels and reveal a message on the long tab.

My friend Karine came over and reminded me as we made these cards that her favorite papercraft theme is Japanese.... I showed her my stash of real papers from Japan and plan to show her the Kimono and fan template that I use for iris folding (which works wonderfully with oriental papers.)

Papers are from the Caprice Level 2 collection by Close to my Heart.
Stamps are Vintage ctmh circa 2003-4.

Japanese Iris Folding

Three of us got together Tuesday night to fold some kimonos and fans. Here are the results!

Japanese Kimono

This is one of the patterns we will be doing with authentic Japanese papers in upcoming classes in April . It can be used for a variety of occasions. I love the authentic indigo papers. They are quite soft, and feel almost like a cotton texture on top.
I visited Japan in 2004 and picked up some paper odds and ends. I found out that the colour Indigo (a deep rich navy) is popular in traditional work not only in paper but in linens and clothing. The Kyoto artisans wear clothing made from Indigo patterned fabric. Hopi coats, short overlapping belted robes worn over shirts and pants, are also in this colour.
The kimono is both comfortable and elegant, dont you think?