Workshop: Japanese Papermaking – Valentine’s Day Washi Workshop

Japanese Papermaking Workshop for Beginners with Mami Takahashi

February 14th , 2025

10:15am – 12:15pm

Celebrate Valentine’s Day through the gentle, meditative art of Japanese papermaking. In this hands-on workshop, participants will create their own sheets of washi—traditional Japanese paper made from natural fibers such as kozo (mulberry bark) and hemp. You’ll also have the opportunity to compare Eastern and Western approaches to papermaking by experimenting with cotton and other pulps, discovering how different fibers shape texture, strength, and translucency.

Using seasonal, Valentine-themed watermarks and decorative materials, each participant will craft uniquely expressive papers perfect for cards, artwork, or keepsakes. The workshop includes an introduction to the history of washi, its cultural significance, and its everyday use in Japan—from shoji screens to folding fans.

All levels are welcome. Come explore the beauty of natural fibers, slow craft, and handmade expression.

About Mami Takahashi:

Mami Takahashi is a Japanese multidisciplinary artist and a scholar working in multiple cities including Chicago and Tokyo. She earned her MFA in Contemporary Studio Practice from Portland State University in 2013 and a BFA in Japanese Painting from Joshibi University of Art and Design in Japan.

With ongoing artistic research, practice, and teaching, Takahashi explores different approaches to actualize Japanese aesthetics to enhance cultural perspectives in many U.S. communities. Takahashi also aims to connect Japan and communities in Chicago by teaching traditional and modern art-making techniques.