Release Date: May 01, 2025

Momigami means kneaded paper or crinkled paper. Book and paper artists can explore incorporating texture into their work by learning various techniques working with konnyaku and washi (Japanese paper)

Konnyaku is the powdered root of a perennial plant in Japan known by any of several names, including, voodoo lily, snake palm, elephant yam, and, devil;s tongue. In this workshop we’ll be using konnyaku to strengthen and soften Japanese washi / paper for use as cloth, collage, sculpture and interesting book forms. Momigami is Japanese paper that has been strengthened by kneading konnyaku starch into the fibres of the paper.. It can be used to stiffen Japanese paper or softened with additional kneading.

This course is presented in recorded modules which approximate a full day six hour workshop. You can do all the modules at once or over time.

If I teach you well, you’ll find this is not a messy process. Konnyaku is all natural and actually makes your hands feel nice, but if you wish you may wear gloves.

The fee includes all video modules, which will be available for a year, as well as a materials kit. The materials kit includes a range of Japanese paper, a paper list and most of the supplies you’ll need for the workshop. You will also need basic items from your own studio.

What you’ll learn

· history of the use of konnyaku and Japanese papers

· overview of a range of Japanese papers / washi

· how to prepare konnyaku starch

· how to store konnyaku

· troubleshooting issues

· making basic momigami (crinkled paper)

· alternate methods

· applying konnykau as sizing

· layering konnyaku

· tinting konnyaku

· finishing techniques for papers

This workshop includes a module on the work of artists using Japanese papers and konnyaku in their work to inspire you.

You will work with a range of Japanese papers: mid weight, light weight, handmade, machine-made, natural, dyed and decorative papers to understand how to treat each. At the end of the workshop, you will have a good range of reference samples.

Workshop fee is $125.00

Paper and materisls/tools kit is $87.85

Combined this is $227.85

For a limited time I am offering this workshop at $195.00

If you live outside of the US, there may be an additional shipping fee. I will work with you to find the most cost-effective way to send to you and balance exchange rates and customs considerations.