Читать книгу Making Wow Jewelry - Ghylenn Descamps - Страница 4

PREFACE

When my publisher suggested I do a book on kirigami, I literally jumped for joy! It’s everything I love – beautiful papers, cutting and folding – sprinkled with a generous dose of Japanese inspiration. I couldn’t wait to get started on some new creations . . .

But what exactly is kirigami?

Kirigami, from kiru, to cut, and gami, paper, is inspired by one of China’s oldest traditions, “jian zhi,” the art of paper cutting. Once reserved for the religious elite for use in rituals, it gradually spread to all levels of society. Jian zhi is still practiced during the Chinese Springtime Festival and New Year celebrations.

Jian zhi eventually made its way to the shores of Japan, where it was enriched by the paper-folding art of origami and evolved into what we now call kirigami.

A new dimension unfolded quite unexpectedly while I was working on my models. As I quietly cut and folded, I became very centered. I felt as though I were taking a quiet stroll down a path that soothed my spirit. It was an interior journey very much like meditation, an opportunity to breathe in a turbulent world.

It is this same Japanese-inspired creative journey that I invite you to experience as you make your way through this book and discover the marvelous art of kirigami.

Breathe, and be inspired by the papers of the Far East . . .

Ghylenn

ghylenndescamps.com

For a printable PDF of the patterns used in this book, please contact Fox Chapel Publishing at customerservice@foxchapelpublishing.com, quoting the ISBN and title of this book, as well as the pattern or patterns required.