Anyone who spends even a little time in Japan will have a few good stories to tell when they get back home. But rubbing elbows with the Japanese, on their own turf, is good for more than just a laugh. The experience can give you a lot of insight into yourself. And that's not the kind of thing you can pick up in any old souvenir shop. This illustrated Japan travel culture guie is for anyone who can read English (and even if you can't, you can always look at the pictures) and especially for those who already know a little something about Japan (I guarantee that it will confuse you even more). But it is dedicated to all those trailblazing expatriates who have been crazy enough to actually try and live alongside the natives in this very (insert favorite stereotype here) country. I like to think that the mere presence of we foreigners in their Montana–sized enclave is a spur to Japan's own efforts to «internationalize». That's a holy grail of an objective that the Japanese seem hell–bent on realizing. Problem is, they haven't yet defined for themselves what it means. But they'll figure it out someday. And when they do, with luck, they'll realize that they have more in common with the rest of the world, i.e., gaijin, than not.
Learn to build and fly your own authentic traditional chinese kites with this user-friendly crafts book. Kites and China are practically synonymous, since these childhood toys were originally invented there before becoming popular around the world. For over 2000 years, kites have been a common sight in China, from the imperial court to the common people, and over that time period the craftsmanship of the kite has been perfected—and includes a diversity and richness of styles.In Chinese Kites , you'll learn not only the history and varied forms of the Chinese kite, but also how to produce, step-by-step, a beautiful Chinese kite of your own! Learn how to: Create the kite's framework Paint colorful designs Master the techniques of putting the painted cover on the framework Fly your creation!With Chinese Kites , you will be able to experience firsthand the joy of seeing a kite you made soaring across the sky.
Create simple and elegant papercraft models with this classic origami book.The ABC's of Origami is the ideal educational origami paper craft book for children. Arranged in the traditional A–B–C book sequence, this charming book displays a key word in English along with an origami folding exercise. Japanese translations of each featured word teach some Japanese language, as well.This easy origami book contains: 31 page, full-color book 26 (of course!) origami projects Step-by-step directions Colorful diagrams and picturesThe ABC's of Origami is the perfect book for kids and parents to work on together, as well as an educational origami art tool in the classroom. Use it to craft eye-catching origami for your friends, to beautify your home—or as a wonderful gift for paper craft lovers. All of the folds are simple enough to be origami-for-kids projects and are a great way to learn origami. None of the projects require paint or glue so just grab some origami paper and start folding right away!Origami projects include: Albatross Boat Crow Deer Elephant Flamingo And origami projects G-Z!
Learn all about bonsai tree design and care with this comprehensive Japanese bonsai gardening book.Japanese miniature landscapes and, particularly, dwarf trees-"bonsai," as they are frequently called even in the West-have long been admired throughout the world. It may come as a surprise to inexperienced gardeners but the creation and care of bonsai is a comparatively simple art which can actually be systematically taught rather than, as in earlier books on the subject, just talked about vaguely. Now, given a reasonably green thumb and a modicum of patience, anyone in any country can create his own bonsai.The Japanese art of Miniature Trees and Landscapes contains detailed instructions, together with many helpful diagrams and charts and a treasury of photographs, on every phase of the art: propagation and training, with hints for those in a hurry and for small-apartment dwellers; daily and seasonal care, and treatment of pests; how to judge, select, and exhibit bonsai, with emphasis always upon the untold enjoyment they can provide. Included also, for those who want still more detailed information, are invaluable appendices concerning tools and equipment, soil analyses, and precise data on the more than three hundred species of plants used in making bonsai.
Japanese Obi or «sashes» are colorful pieces of fabric that can be used to great effect in interior decorating as well as traditional Japanese dress. In Design with Japanese Obi , the authors present the obi as it is being used in interiors today, demonstrating simple yet striking techniques for making these exquisite kimono sashes the centerpiece of any room's decor. The focus is on seven key uses for obi that are applicable to nearly any setting imaginable, such as: Artistic table arrangements Dining room accents Framing enhancements Fabric coverings These and other dramatic and innovative uses of obi in interior design and decoration are presented along with such essentials as color coordination, fabric shaping, and accessories for hanging obi. The vivid photographs in this book present some of the most elegant interiors the authors have found, from Tokyo to Washington D.C., and show the obi being used in today's homes to create a sumptuous, refined, and modern ambiance.
Take your paper folding to an advanced level with this user-friendly origami book. From shimmering hummingbirds to magnificent bats, from a stunning panther mask to graceful sea turtles, Michael G. LaFosse's complex and beautiful origami projects are well known around the world. Focusing on models from nature, Advanced Origami provides unparalleled instruction on how to create master-class level 3D origami paper folding projects. The origami designs are challenging—they require some folding experience—but the results are more origami art than craft. Paper folders will create projects that can be displayed or given as gifts.Sophisticated origami or paper crafts fans will appreciate the unique origami designs along with complete detailed instructions and easy-to-follow color photos and diagrams. Advanced Origami also features information on paper selection and preparation, advanced techniques such as «wet folding» and making your own paper. This origami book contains: 128 page, full-color book 15 original and challenging projects Step-by-step instructions Colorful diagrams and photographs Advanced techniques and tipsIn recent years origami has evolved beyond simple folding and creasing into a true art form akin to sculpture. For those seeking to learn origami at such a level, Advanced Origami provides all the essential information and techniques. Soon you will be able to design and fold your own origami sculptures! Origami projects include: North American Cardinal Koi Fish Origamido ButterflyPond Frog And many more…
Japanese netsuke—miniature carvings—are profiled in this wonderful Japanese arts book.These tiny masterpieces of sculpture (mostly in ivory and wood), of lacquer, and of metalwork captivated collectors with the charm of their conception, the intricacy of their detail, and the sheer tactile pleasure of handling them. Basically they were utilitarian in purpose, serving as toggles or pendants to support medicine boxes, tobacco pouches, and similar articles suspended by a cord from the obi. Originally primitive in design, they soon became more and more sophisticated, and their makers turned increasingly to the legendry of Japan for their subject matter.It is with these masterpieces in miniature that author-collector Raymond Bushell deals in The Wonderful World of Netsuke picturing one hundred of them in color and offering a delightfully informative description of each. In so doing, he provides not only a visual treat but also an absorbing commentary on Japanese manners, customs, history, legends, and superstitions. Mr. Bushell, besides being an avid collector of netsuke, sword furnishings, and jade, is widely known for his adaptation from the Japanese of The Netsuke Handbook of Ueda Reikichi.
Learn the art of palm weaving with this fun Hawaiian craft book.Based on years of meticulous study and practice, the book explains in clear, easy-to understand instructions how to obtain and prepare coconut palm fronds suitable for weaving into hats, baskets, epergnes, mats, birds, and various decorations. More than 100 easy-to-follow diagrams and sketches give the reader exact, detailed instructions on weaving procedures, and provide countless ideas to inspire the imagination of the creator. After mastering the basic principles of frond weaving, the reader will be able to duplicate almost any woven object or execute his own designs, whether in coconut palm fronds or with fronds from other types of palm trees and palmettos.The weaving itself takes no unusual physical prowess. In fact, frond weaving is well suited to the needs of both recreational craft and physical therapy programs, as well as the general hobbyist. With a little patience and effort, a novice weaver can acquire the skills of an ancient art which is as uncomplicated as it is beautiful.This economical and delightfully presented volume will be a valued addition to the literature of traditional handicrafts, a book that recreation libraries and all craft enthusiasts will welcome.
Written for both beginners and experienced collectors, this antiques guide provides descriptions of some of the more prized antiques and collectibles, and explains how to find them and how to resell them.How can you recognize depression glass? How do you find valuable antiques at garage sales? And how can you get into the antiques business yourself? Buying & Selling Antiques is the perfect resource for the antiques dabbler, the garage-sale lover, the knick-knack admirer. Written for both beginners and experienced collectors, this guide provides descriptions of some of the more prized antiques and collectibles, and explains how to find them an how to resell them. The authors offer insiders' tips on cleaning and repair, auction strategies, how to set up displays and how to find the best markets for your wares.Buying & Selling Antiques and Collectibles is the indispensable guide for those who plan to start their own antiques business or who hope to make a little money from their hobby.
Learn kirigami—the Japanese art of papercrafting with this fun craft book. You'll be amazed at the intricate and beautiful projects you can create with just a piece of paper and a pair of scissors. Kirigami Home Decorations features 25 original paper cutting projects including Wall Flowers, Papered Eggs, May Baskets, Napkin Rings and Place Cards. Crafts expert Florence Temko provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions and step-by- step diagrams that make learning kirigami fun and simple. Kirigami projects inlcude: Butterfly Window Pi Picture Kirigami Sun Paper Quilt Basket Treasure Box Napkin Rings And many more…/li> Crafters who like origami will love kirigami—it's just like origami, but you can make paper designs that are decorative and often functional too!