Furoshiki: And the Japanese Art of Gift Wrapping Review & GIVEAWAY

Good-bye paper wrap and plastic bags! This is Furoshiki: And the Japanese Art of Gift Wrapping by Tomoko Kakita. Learn how to make beautiful wraps and bags simply by folding and knotting a single piece of fabric. Both the art and the cloth are known as furoshiki. These cloths may be used and reused to wrap and/or carry almost anything from an envelope to a futon. Some popular choices include books, plants, flowers, food, wine bottles and gifts. The art or technique of furoshiki is not difficult. To suit the size and shape of the contents there are options for fabric, size, color and pattern. Making the possibilities endless! This stylish little guide is divided into two sections, an introduction (answers any questions) and the tutorials (show how to do it). In her introduction the author touches on a number of points - gift giving in Japan, the origins of furoshiki and its history. This is followed by furoshiki material, sizes, designs and the significance of color in Japan. It concludes with the decline of furoshiki, its revival and the joy of using it. The bulk of this guide is its 30 tutorials. In the first one the author shows how to tie the 2 key knots - a square knot and its release and the single knot. This is followed by 29 furoshiki wrap tutorials complete with step-by-step diagram instruction with text, notes and color photos. I'll let you in on a little known detail. Included with this book is a link to a library of videos in which the author demonstrates how to do all 30 knots and wraps. I watched several of these instructional videos myself and found them straightforward and easy-to-follow. All videos are less than 2 minutes in length. One of my favorites is the book bag wrap. It's très chic for book club meetings. I also love the cushion wrap. It's ideal for quick and easy decor changes. With summer nearing I'd like to try the watermelon wrap. It looks like a cool way to carry and present a melon. This book serves as a handy furoshiki reference. Its compact size 13.72 x 18.67 cm (5.4 x 7.35 inches) makes it easy to carry. It's so lovely you'll want to leave it out. You'll return to it over and over again. It would make a wonderful gift alone or paired with a furoshiki. Interest in furoshiki has exploded likely because of its sustainability, versatility and elegance. Have you tried furoshiki? See excerpts and the complete table of contents below. Laurence King Publishing released this 144 hardcover on November 16, 2021. Get your copy below!

 

INTRODUCTION

Basic Knots

Everyday Wrap

Hidden Knot Wrap

Flower Petal Wrap

Gathered Wrap

Pom-Pom Wrap

Double Knot Wrap

Bow Corner Wrap

Twin Wrap

Gathered Bottle Wrap

Bow Bottle Wrap

Pleated Bottle Wrap

Paired Wrap

Pole-and-Loop Wrap

Fancy Wrap

Banana Wrap

Finger Loop Wrap

Rolled Wrap

Watermelon Wrap

Double-Handle Wrap

Book Bag Wrap

Tote Bag Wrap

Bouquet Wrap

Simple Drop Bag

Basket Wrap

Orchid Wrap

Twist Wrap

Ritual Wrap

Cradle Wrap

Cushion Wrap

Acknowledgements

Pole-and-Loop Wrap.

Pole-and-Loop Wrap continued.

Watermelon Wrap.

Watermelon Wrap continued.

Banana Wrap.

Page 9 of my copy. The beginning of a section on furshiki sizes. 

Raincoast Books Canada has generously offered to giveaway a copy of Furoshiki: And the Japanese Art of Gift Wrapping! One winner will be selected at random. Open until May 22, 2022. CANADA ONLY. Good luck!

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