SHIFU is the process of spinning Japanese paper into threads. This ancient technique of making thread allowed Well Used, Well Loved participants a way to safely and secretly share their responses to the project prompts.
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| beautifully decorated kozo paper |
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| Fold and Cut |
The process begins with the writing and drawing on kozo paper.
The paper is folded and cut into thin strips. Then it is torn at alternating ends to create one long, continuous strip of paper.
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| Kozo paper is all cut |
Each place where this continuous strip makes a turn needs to be pre-spun. Using a little moistness on my fingers, I give this corner a little twist to make the spinning process more smooth. This turning juncture in the paper strip makes a small "seed" and gives Shifu threads their unique character.
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| Tearing the edges to make a long continuous strip |
Once all the seeds have been pre-twisted I begin to spin the paper into thread - either with a drop spindle or on the spinning wheel.
I will upload a video of spinning in the next blog posting! Happy Shifu!!
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| From paper to thread |
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