Kitebuilder.com

[Spence602]

I have a friend here in Houston who wants to build some traditional Japanese kites and is looking for a source for Washi or a good replacement material.

Most of the Washi he's found on the web is either pre-printed for decoupage or is in cut sheets for printing. The standard size of Japanese Washi paper is 60cm x 90cm.


Any suggestions for something suitable to build traditional kites?
Name brands, manufacturers or sources all welcomed
_________________
Spence
www.kiteshark.org

Air: Refreshing when stirred up and served cool on a hot day.

[kiteguy]

How close to Washi does freezer paper come? Or Tyvak?

Not the same for sure, but.................
_________________


Dave Ellis
Kites + Kids = Education

[Grant L]

Hi Spence,
THIS place in Chicago has it for sure. I have been in there store and spent lots of time just looking at all of the cool papers. I have a sheet of paper with actual butterflies in it that I plan to make a kite out of, ( Once I learn to bend bamboo ) Have your friend contact them and they should be able to advise him.

[KiteSquid]

Why don't you contact jka@tako.gr.jp

This is at Modegi San's kite musieum in Tokyo and here is an expert from an e mail back in YEN in 1999 were


Japanese handmade papers(Washi) are sold in the Kite Museum.
We're pleased to infrom the price as follows;

Washi paper(No.2) for mini kite 550
Washi paper (No.3) for small kite 400
Washi paper (No.4) for middle kite 450
Washi paper (No.5) for middle kite 550
Washi paper (No.6) for big kite 650

As the way of payment,postal money order will be accepted.(No check) Please let us know shipping way(Air,Sal& Sea) when you're going to order.
The Kite Museum is same address of Japan Kite Association.
Thank you.
_________________
VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA


P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Doesent he ever shut up???

P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

[dpb]

I wanted to note that "Washi" is a generic term for traditionally produced mulberry paper. There are some washi that are light enough to be used for tracing paper and others that are so heavy they make window panes from it. There is some so soft that it can drape, and some crisp enough to make complex origami boxes with sharp edges.

A friend visiting London, went to a major paper supplier and asked to see their washi paper. He noted that he was going to make a purchase of about 500 quid. They took him into a room about the size of a library wing, containing hundreds of weights, colors and sizes, and said "This is the washi room. What type did you have in mind?"

Buying from Modegi's museum is an excellent suggestion as then you know you will be getting washi which is appropriate to kite making.

Dave
_________________
Cherry Blossoms fall like rain,
A lively kite steals the sky,
Paradise in a moment.

[CJQ]

Hi Spence, I purchased washi paper localy at an art supply store called Dick Blick's . They are a chain store , dont know if in your area. I believe it's also called Unuri Paper. ???

CLIFF

[Spence602]

I just got a follow-up from my friend. He found what he was looking for at [url="http://www.rice-paper.com/"]http://www.rice-paper.com/[/url]

He said he "Didn't know which to get so I got a few different types. Time to split some bamboo."

I'll try to remember ot get an update on it while/after he builds whatever he's going to build.
_________________
Spence
www.kiteshark.org

Air: Refreshing when stirred up and served cool on a hot day.

[Spence602]

I just got a follow-up from my friend. He found what he was looking for at http://www.rice-paper.com/

He said he "Didn't know which to get so I got a few different types. Time to split some bamboo."

I'll try to remember to get an update on it while/after he builds whatever he's going to build.
_________________
Spence
www.kiteshark.org

Air: Refreshing when stirred up and served cool on a hot day.