TUTORIALS: FUROSHIKI (DHARMA TRADING; STAFF)

IF by chance, you don't have all your gifts wrapped, take a peak at this.  Dharma included a tut for coloring the fabric, in addition to tuts for a couple of wraps.  I'll let you decide what you'll use, and I'll let you decide if you want to stick this in your Favs.

VIDEO: FUROSHIKI WRAPPING (JENN PLAYFORD)

One of the many joys I experienced when teaching in California was the large number of native-born Japanese women who took my classes. When all was said and done, I learned far more from them than they learned from me. I never ceased to be amazed at their talents, their attention to detail, their determination that all of their creations were beyond error, their eagerness to learn, and their willingness to share traditional Japanese techniques with me.

Of the numerous techniques they taught me, Furoshiki wrapping will always be one of my favorites. It's as easy as can be to learn, and no special equipment is required. The edges of the fabric can be hemmed (stitching, fusible tape or glue) or left raw. Many of the wraps also can be created using scarves. Try it, you're gonna like it!

Click VIDEO (above) to see six basic Furoshiki techniques.