Tips for enjoying traditional Japanese crafts like tsumami zaiku (folded fabric flower making). Cherish the feelings of the person who will wear it or give it as a gift.

Last time, I talked about Couturier's new tsumami zaiku kit.We spoke with Yoshie Mahiko, who also creates custom-made pieces. She said that she creates her works while cherishing the feelings and preferences of the person who will wear them or give them as gifts. In the final installment, we asked Yoshie Mahiko, who values ​​feelings so much, for tips on how to enjoy tsumami zaiku (traditional Japanese fabric flower making).

We imbue each piece with the feelings of the wearer and the giver into tsumami zaiku (traditional Japanese fabric flower making).

Yoshie Mahiko creates pieces tailored to each individual's wishes. While tsumami zaiku (traditional Japanese fabric flower making) is generally associated with a Japanese aesthetic, she says that recently she's also been receiving orders for pieces that would go well with Western clothing. When this is the case, the customer chooses their favorite flower and she makes suggestions to match any outfit. She sometimes creates pieces while listening to the customer's thoughts and feelings about the flower they ordered.

Choose your favorite flowers and color combinations to match the atmosphere.

When it comes to kimonos, overall balance is crucial. The image comes from the kimono's pattern, the obi and accessories to be paired with it, and the wearer's favorite flowers. We consider the wearer's height and overall style when choosing colors, so that each color fits perfectly. Sometimes, colors that you might not normally think would suit you can look stunning in a kimono.

If you're going to use it every day, choose your favorite color.

So, what are some tips for enjoying tsumami zaiku (traditional Japanese fabric flower making) in everyday life? When asked about this, they replied, "If you want to use it for everyday wear, the best thing to do is choose your favorite colors. In our tsumami zaiku workshops, we have participants choose their colors first, and then they can create something that perfectly matches the clothes they're wearing that day. Most people finish their tsumami zaiku and attach it to their clothes as soon as they leave."

I want to spread the joy of tsumami zaiku (traditional Japanese fabric flower making) even further.

Finally, we asked Yoshie Mahiko about her future plans. "I hope to hold an exhibition someday. I'd also like to try holding tsumami zaiku workshops that people from overseas can experience," said Yoshie Mahiko. Because she knows tsumami zaiku inside and out, she wants to spread its joy to the world. Why not experience Yoshie Mahiko's passion for tsumami zaiku with a Couturier tsumami zaiku kit?