Welcome to the fun and fascinating world of Momigami! What is that you ask? Momigami is the Japanese word for “kneaded paper.” At its core, Momigami transforms ordinary paper into a fabric-like material. The process is quite simple.
What is Momigami?
The ancient Japanese technique uses Konnyaku (koh-nee-yah-koo) Starch. The starch mixture is painted on one or both sides of the paper, dried, and the paper is gently kneaded to create a fabric-type material. Adding the Konnayaku starch helped strengthen the paper, and as a result, the fabric-type material was often used for clothing.
Here are three different ways for the Momigami techniques to create a high-quality and beautiful fabric-like paper for all your projects.
- Konnyaku (koh-nee-yah-noo) or Tapioca starch painted onto one or both sides of your paper
- Oils such as Olive, grapeseed, or coconut oils applied to your hands
- Lotions such as hand lotions, hair conditioners, or even shampoos applied to your hands
However, what I will be demonstrating is the hand lotion technique. I found the oils to leave a slight odor and darken the papers I am working with. The hand lotions did neither. I loved the outcome with the benefit of softer hands.
I am not one for overly complicated projects. Momigami has proven to be one of the most enjoyable and relaxing types of creative process. It is almost meditative as you start the process of paper kneading.
Materials Needed
Let’s gather our materials:
- A variety of paper (e.g., half sheets, full sheets, scraps)
- Your favorite hand lotion (I used Aveeno for its gentle formula)
Personal Insights and Applications
I am a paper lover. I especially love to dye all types of different papers. I use the decorative papers as backgrounds for my hand-drawn Mandalas, gift wrapping, gift bags, book covers, bookbinding, etc. The Momigami techniques have opened up a new opportunity to use the papers I created. I’ve been able to use my sewing machine to create fun, small letter-size tote bags. Using affordable machine-made papers allows me to experiment with the process and then transfer the process to the more expensive or one-of-a-kind papers I’ve created. Oftentimes, I will photograph my dyed paper or unique designs and print them on my home printer. This digitizing allows me to keep the original design and create multiple projects with the same design.
Step-by-Step Momigami with hand lotion
- Gather Your Papers: The size and type of paper can vary from a packaged assortment of paper, a samplers section, copier paper, or whatever you have on hand. To a high-quality selection of Japanese paper, including Mulberry paper, washi paper, tissue paper, kozo paper, and solid color dyed papers. It is about experimentation. Test the process before working with highly valued papers, designs, images, etc.
- Lotion Up: Apply a small amount of hand lotion onto your hands. Rub it in slightly. I used a standard Aveeno hand lotion.
- Start Kneading: You will begin slowly and gently rolling in the corners of the paper to the center of your paper. This action will help to protect the corners and edges of the paper from ripping, especially the translucent tissue weights of paper.
- Feel and Listen: Notice how the paper feels and sounds as you begin rolling in the corners of the paper and crinkling the paper in your hands. It will start off crisp and gradually become softer and more fabric-like. This is telling in the Momigami paper process. The sounds and the feeling of the paper will change and become softer and more malleable.
- Continue to Knead: There’s no right or wrong way to do this. The goal is to achieve a texture that pleases you, so feel free to knead and crinkle the paper to your heart’s content.
Project Time
Once you’ve transformed your paper, it’s time to let your creativity flow. Whether you’re into bookbinding, unique gifts, or sewing, Momigami paper brings a unique texture and aesthetic to any project.
Conclusion
Momigami is a unique way to transform paper into something special. I hope you enjoy the process in your own creative endeavors.
Now that you’ve created your Momigami papers, check out this post for a cool project to make with your Momigami papers: https://creativerise.art/how-to-use-momigami-japanese-kneaded-paper-you-make/
Stop back, as I will continue to share the projects I’ve created using the lovely papers in this tutorial and others.