There are a few models in the book that have to be folded before I can go back to the thousand crane project.
If you are lucky enough to get a copy of Ms. Fuse's wonderful book. I would love to hear about and see your attempts at folding these beautiful models.
Now if I can just get a copy of Eric Joisel's pamphlet on faces from the BOS convention years ago, I will have all the books I could ever want. Maybe.
Now that I have warmed my audience to filthy humor with Dr. Tran, I feel I should tell you about The Aristocrats.
I mention it here because it was produced by Penn Jilette, of Penn and Teller fame. Penn is a former RBB&B Clown College grad, as are several members of the production staff and cast.
What is the Aristocrats? It is the single most filthy joke you have probably never heard. It is a joke that has been around for ages. Never told in public, it is a backroom joke told among comedians. A verbal tapestry of filth and moral degradation woven by the teller in order to bring home the punchline. A comics joke, told to comics.
I first heard the joke in the Funny Bone comedy club in St. Louis, Missouri in the mid-eighties. I think everyone remembers the first time they heard this joke told well. Like the vivid mental image of your first car wreck burned into your synapses.
The only person that I think has told it in a public setting was Gilbert Gottfried, on Comedy Central's roast of Hugh Hefner. I was one long string of electronic bleeps from start to finish. I believe it was edited out in the reruns.
So why do I tell you to watch this movie? It is funny.
It is also a look into how a story can live or die by the skill of the teller. How verbal competence can make or break an explanation or image. Oh yeah, and it's funny.
It is also filthy, perverse, and at times morally bankrupt. So sensitive listeners need not apply. However, if your sense of humor isn't affected by mainstream sensibilities, and your head is screwed on straight, this movie will entertain you.
So this guy walks into a talent agents office.....
Ok, I'll admit that this has no relation to paper projects or my circus friends; but the guys at Lone Sausage Productions have a winner. Dr. Tran is a wonderful non-hero. And Beyond Grandpa is just funny and twisted. So put aside your moral sensibilites, and giggle at the rude humor of Dr. Tran and Beyond Grandpa.
I love Halloween, it's my all time favorite holiday. Probably because they never show a 24 hour marathon of "It's a Wonderful Life" on October 31st. But more likely because I get to carve pumpkins and dress like a freak. And if carving freaky pumpkins is your thing, check out my favorite site, Zombie Pumpkins. Ryan Wickstrand is a talented artist with a great eye for what would make a great Jack-O-Lantern. He puts out fresh and unique ideas every year and this year is no exception. Just remember, ONLY 19 DAYS LEFT!
Halloween is almost here. That means it's time to decorate and figure out how to make your local six year olds wet their pants when they set foot on your doorstep. Ravens Blight has all your Halloween paper model needs. Just check out the toy shop section to download a spooky mansion (pictured) and other ghoulish goodies.
I present to you dear readers, (both of you) the juggling talents of Mr. Joel Heidtman.
A multitalented performer, Joel Heidtman has performed in over 125 different cities in over five different countries. His easy demeanor during his show belies the difficulty and many hours of practice invested. His well choreographed, free flowing act moves through a gauntlet of juggling props. Balls, clubs, yo-yos, diablos, and rings fly with equal talent on the stage. As a man who has worked with Joel, I can say that he is a gentleman, and a professional in every sense of the word.
Feared by men, loved by women, Joel Heidtman - Bon Vivant, Juggler, World Traveler, Linguist, Clown, Stiltwalker, Animal Husbandry Expert, and the man that I am proud to call my best friend.
Dave
PS Actually, animal husbandry is more of a "hobby" than a profession. <80)
For all the circus fans out there, here is another wonderful blog. This one from Buckles Woodcock . Dozens of beautiful photos from circus days of the past. Even if you are not a circus fan, the pictures and bits of Americana are worth checking out.
Mamiko, very thoughtful friend, and wife of Reid Belstock. Sent me a wonderful box of origami paper over two months ago. In this box was a brick of 1000 two by two inch sheets for folding cranes. I now have a hundred. Jerk that I am, I have yet to send her a note of thanks. Now that I mention it, I think I'll do that now.
Huh? A hyper what pair of what? The beauty of Origami is how well it lends itself to geometry. The irony of this is that I have all the mathematical skill of a drunk monkey. I will however attempt models that have been folded for mathematical reasons, if they are visually appealing when they are finished. Like this model.
In Kunihiko Kasahara's book Origami for the Conniseurshe has many geometric models to fold. On page eighty I could have folded a semiregular decahedron with some reentrant corners, but why would I want to? If I am going to fold a complicated model and waste half my day, I want to be able to have it sit on a shelf and have my kids say "Wow, dad you folded a piano!" not "What is it?"
That being said, I found site that gives you the instructions on how to fold a Hyperbolic Parabola. Which, if you do the math, they tell me actually has a greater surface area than the sheet of paper that you folded it with. Cool huh?
Sorry, my geek was showing for a minute there. Fold stuff, have fun, send pictures.
Well it took about twenty years, but I have been reunited with my best friend from high school, Jonathan Levit.
A talented actor and magician, we had lost touch after college kicked in. His website is wonderful. I think you should at least give the videos on his magic page a look. I gives you a glimpse of the personality and talent that this guy has.
Well, amid the flurry of vacations, funerals, and job seeking, I have managed to let my blogs go untouched. For the rare few of you who do check in on my rantings, I apologize. For those of you new to the site, congratulations, you have missed nothing.
Now for the good stuff. For those of you wasting your brain on summer vacation, or are afraid that your children might be, here is a little educational paper model.
This DNA model from a japanese site is easy to assemble and looks really good when finished. It even shows you how to make your own pseudo-glass dome using a one litre bottle.
Fellow circus clown, Patrick Cashin, has a wonderful blog on the clowns of circus past. Called most fittingly, Great Circus Clowns of the Past. Catchy, is it not?
If you happen to be one of those poor souls with a clown phobia, this page is not for you. Come to think of it, this blog isn't very good for the clown-phobic either. <:0)
The pictures and video clips truly give you an idea of what circus life was like in the canvas and sawdust days. Pat does a wonderful job of seeking out the names and histories in the photos he posts. An up and coming circus historian if ever I saw one. Greg and LeVahn you have one right behind you.
Want a to do a paper project, but are just to lazy to really put any effort into it? Then try this paper box generator. Pick your color, tweak your design, and then print it out. Great media for advertising a free box generator.
That dragging your kids to see things that , at the time, they didn't think were "cool" will give them a better appreciation for those things later in life.
Yes your kid screwed up. Be mad but don't kill him.
When he turns 21, go have a drink with him. And then keep your mouth shut when the kid mentions that he knows of this great bar with specialty beer.
How to cook outdoors.
An appreciation for nature, both camping in it, and just looking at it.
Men volunteer.
They also will help you move.
Routine car maintenance and lawn care are a part of the package.
If your son is too young/old for Boy Scouts, you can still help out.
Find a woman you love who loves you back, marry her, and stay married.
Shave on the weekends.
To appreciate the best qualities in something; whether lumber, cities, or people.
Talk to your children like people, not children.
Patience, patience, patience.
Tell the kids what you learned from your dad.
How to joke around without being offensive.
The art of compromising.
How to have a discussion without it becoming an argument.
How to be a Father.
This list gets longer every year. It just takes some lessons longer to realize themselves.
Thanks for everything Dad. I never tell you enough or nearly as often as I should. Thank you.
I have such wonderful friends. Last week I received a gift from my friends in Atlanta, several large sheets of beautiful Yuzen Washi. Thank you Jon and Yvonne! Then today, from my friend Mamiko, came a shipment from Japan. A huge box of beautiful origami paper, including a 1000 sheet package for folding cranes. Domo arigato gozaimashita! So this evening, I embarked on the daunting task of folding one thousand cranes from a rainbow of 7cm squares. For those who wish to try, the instructions are here. When the chain is finished, I will send them to Hiroshima to be placed at the Sadako Sasaki Peace Memorial. Well now that I know what I will be doing on vacation this summer, lets hear what creative projects you have planned.
There will be a service for Ryder tomorrow (Thursday) at the Riverbend Church in Austin at 2:00, as well as a memorial Sunday, at Esther's Follies on 6th Street in Austin from 5 to7.
Here is the obituary, written by his father, from the Austin Statesman:
WARREN "RED RYDER" SCHWARTZ The sweet, gentle soul of Warren “Red” Ryder Schwartz was taken from this world in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 28, 2006. Born September 6, 1966, his special gift was evident to many even at a very young age – he loved to entertain people. Longtime Crestview residents remember the young boy, already an accomplished gymnast, who labored for hours in the yard off of Woodrow, tossing ball after ball into the air, learning at last how to artfully catch each one in the lyrical dance of juggling. Starting as a young boy at the Renaissance Festival, Ryder practiced his self-taught art, gathering a following with his playful banter and skillful artistry.
He made his first appearance at the International Jugglers Association championships at the age of 14, where he was named “Most Promising Performer.” In 1988, he was the silver medal winner at the same prestigious competition. He performed with the national cast of television’s Fame at the Paramount Theater at the age of 18. He joined the eminent comedy troupe at Esther’s Follies in 1987, a move that gained him a second family, as well as a lifelong professional home.
Early in his career, he trained at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum Bailey Clown College in Sarasota, Florida, and went on to perform for audiences worldwide, including England, France, Monaco, Switzerland, Germany, the Mediterranean, Argentina, and Japan, earning him international acclaim as one of the very best at his craft. At home, he delighted audiences with his juggling, clowning, unicycle riding, and comedy vaudeville routines as the warm-up act at Esther’s. He was a tireless perfectionist in his craft, working on his act for hours on end. He entertained children the best, and they loved him, surrounding him at local festivals and at the Magic Camp, where he was a perennial favorite.
A one of a kind vaudeville performer, Ryder liked to stand out on Sixth Street between shows, entertaining people walking by with his tricks and his infectious smile. Those closest to him, though, knew of his private, lifelong struggle, a dependence on substance that kept much of what he cherished most about life unattainable.
He dearly loved his parents, his sisters, and his daughter, but his illness often kept him out of their reach. He loved tradition, family, and holidays, and struggled with a most extraordinary resiliency and youthfulness to find normalcy in his life. Predeceasing Ryder were his grandparents C. H. and Emily Lester and Geneva Vessels, all of Austin, who loved him dearly. He is lovingly survived by his family: daughter Estelle Sarmiento of Galveston; sister Shelly Schwartz and her son Canyon Schwartz of Houston; sister Julie Hershberger of Houston; mother Beverly Lester and her partner Martha King and her daughters Kelly and Lauren Shugart, all of Austin; father Bill Schwartz and wife Paulette Schwartz of Austin; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends and acquaintances who will miss him dearly.
Also surviving Ryder is the loving cast of Esther’s Follies, in particular owners Shannon Sedwick and Michael Shelton, who since the beginning have given him an unconditional love and exceptional support. The family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to the Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research at the University of Texas at Austin, P. O. Box 7458, Austin, TX 78713-7459. A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 1, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. in the Smith Chapel at Riverbend Church, the Reverend Gordon Smith presiding.
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I just recieved word that Ryder Schwartz aka Red Ryder was murdered here in Austin, TX. Ryder was an extremely talanted juggler, and from my brief experience with him, a nice guy.
In Austin, he was a regular at Esther's Follies. Those who saw him perform aren't likely to forget his great talant, and happy, goofy smile. RIP Ryder.
Rik Gern
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Friends,
I only met Ryder a few times.
I was absolutely blown away by his originality and juggling technique.
I also thought he was a very humble and very kind person.
I cannot get the image of Ryder smiling and juggling out of my mind... and I hope I never will.
I remember Ryder as a very strong juggler with a great character. He also was a practice machine. While the rest of us were learning all sorts of clowning skills, he was happy to stay to the side and do marathon runs of 4 and 5 clubs while listening to a walkman. He also made all sorts of cool sounds while he juggled....all part of his character. When asked why he preferred to practice juggling over learning new skills he wasn't going to be able exposed to anywhere else, he politely explained he had come to clown college primarily to be discovered as a juggler. He wanted to be a juggler in the circus and figured that this was as a good a way to get the gig as any.
I also remembered he had one of the coolest tattoos I had seen up till then...a skeleton wearing a top hat. The caption was 'Mr. Lucky Stumbleton.'
I saw Ryder just a few years ago at an IJA conference...not sure if it was Buffalo. Don't think it was Davenport. I think he even competed in the Seniors. If anyone remembers, set the record straight. He remembered me and we chatted. He still was performing the same character and many of the same tricks. He was even better than before which was pretty good already. His stage character was always very likeable. He smiled the whole time he was on stage. He reminded me of a big kid up there just loving every second of his time on stage.
I don't think anyone of us was very close to him. He wasn't that type of guy. He didn't ever say much. Very sweet guy but one you were not going to mess with. Clown College was filled with 'characters' and he truly will be remembered by me to be one that made it so.
I have thought of very little besides Ryder since first seeing the posting by Rik.
Rik, please keep us posted on what you hear/read. Can someone get the video from Lee Jarrett and put it up?
Michael Rosman Class of '88
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Ryder and I never met. We only spoke through email and on the phone. He worked with me on 5 or so occasions over the last 3 years and always pleased a very discerning client. They were impressed by his talent and how willing he was to do anything they asked. I was impressed by how laid back and easy he was to work with. His interactions with me were always some of the most professional of any entertainer that I have worked with. His promo videos were always top notch and his hat/cane juggling routine is something I put in to emulate when I decide to get off my ass and practice.
A great entertainer is gone and I'm left to look at my life and what I have and haven't done. It's all so fragile, I'm going to make sure I let some friends and family members know how I feel about them and how important they are. Rest in Peace Red Ryder!
Tyler Bechtel
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Ryder will be missed by all that knew him. I do have a tape (practice and promo) received by Ryder early after CC. I do not have the capability to duplicate it, but if anyone out there does and if folks want to see it, I'll gladly get it to them to send to anyone interested. Again, he will be surely missed and treated everyone I know of with kindness.
Lee Jarratt CC '88
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Ryder was in the '88 class and blew us all away with his polished and yet free spirited juggling act He really did put us all to shame with what he brought to Clown College Sorry to hear about this sad and untimely demise Condolences to his family
-Adam Auslander CC '88 Red '89 Kscape '00
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Ryder was one of us. It was funny though, Im here in Baraboo this season and another one of our classmates is too. Stephine Knox. I passed on the news to her yesterday and both of us were remembering Ryder. We also watched our graduation performance on video at Happy the clowns house last night and the juggling display came on. Stephine said that she had forgotten what a talent he was (Ryder) and I interjected that was 18 years ago --can you imagine how much better his juggling had gotten! We watched further in the tape and I said, remember he would go to mime class and juggle or arena choreogrophy and juggle etc. or---lol Rest in Peace Ryder!
Bob Kelmer Clown College 1988
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I met Ryder a few times on my first contract in Japan in '92. I was arriving and he was just finishing up a contract. He was a very interesting mix of laid back and focused. He practiced his show all the time. He taped every single performance and honed it until it was super tight. He had the quiet, slow-talking way about him that is the typical texas southerner. I was scared to death to be in another country for the first time, and (with 12 other variety acts at this park, and 60 singers and dancers, and Japanese comedians) feeling a bit nervous about hanging with some really talented people. Ryder always had a word of encouragement for me. He also talked a lot about his show and the direction he was heading professionally. He talked about the future in a way that made me want to get excited about my own show. A generous man indeed. I hope someone can get a hold of some of the many videos that must exist of his amazing show and archive them as well make them available. Goobye Red Ryder. You live on in the hearts and minds of your friends and audiences.
steve patient cc '90
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I used to see him do shows at a summer camp that we both performed for, and he always left me amazed and laughing. About two and a half years ago I had a chance to share a venue with Ryder. It was a pseudo street performing situation and he could have easily blown me out of the water, but instead he was completely laid back and as generous with space and time as any performer I've ever seen. Austin has just lost a piece of it's heart and soul.
Rik Gern
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When I knew him, Ryder was always very intense about things he wanted to learn, and he was obviously driven to be the best at what he was doing. He was always nice to me, and we frequently spent time outside the pie car door (just feet away from the big trash can that we powdered our makeup over) talking about all manner of things. He always held the door for me when we walked back inside, and was never condescending when talking to me despite my obvious lack of suitability for performance (not to mention my complete lack of direction). A lot of very talented people dismissed a lot of very NOT-talented people at CC, but Ryder was not one of them.
One of my favorite Ryder-memories is that, for some absolutely insane reason, Ryder and Lottie Brunn, who spent a lot of time huddling and discussing and jackpotting together, both seemed to like me and would sometimes call me over and ask ME (ME?!) what I thought of something Ryder was practicing. ME??? Anyway, Lottie and Ryder were funny to watch - her talking fast-and-furious, just like she juggled, and he was the quiet, precise, slow-talking Texan in response. You didn't even have to hear what was said to understand their exchanges - at some point, Lottie would point or gesture, Ryder would step back and juggle for a second, and she would either beam at him or nod or shake her head a little and they would huddle back together and continue talking.
At age 21, Ryder seemed to have an unusually good grasp of the concept of not sweating things that don't matter. His heart wasn't entirely "into" clown college the way it was for so many others - I remember his explanation being that he had a plan, and if Ringling didn't want to hire him, he wasn't too heartbroken about it because he knew that he could make an entire year's clown pay in just a couple of juggling shows (if I'm not mistaken, he had several lined up for the fall even before he came to Venice). He was very secure in his talent, because he worked for hours and hours perfecting everything.
Anybody who never got to see him juggle really missed out - his skill was awesome. He was kind, and I am just so sad today. I will miss knowing he's out there.
-katie costello clown college 88
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I didn't know Ryder Schwartz, but if he is one of our Brothers in Arms, he deserves a good farewell. Rest in Peace Ryder!!!! Keep up the comedy quest in another time and another realm!!!
Kip Reynolds '82
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He and I worked on a couple of gags together and because of Ryder I can now balance many different things on various parts of my face and head. I remember his never ending 5 club juggling. It seemed as if he never stopped. It was also very cool to see him in his impromptu performances at the lounge in the bowling alley with many of us tossing couple of bucks at his feet to help start his tip. I lost touch with him after graduation and am very sorry to hear of his passing. Joe Vecciarelli Class of '88
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First of all, thank you, Katie, Rik, Joe, Mike, and all the other members of the CC Grad List for sending in all the links in regard to Ryder's death. Rik, I hope you will be able to find some information as to his parents location, or some family member, and Post the address if possible. I remembered Ryder when he first came into the costume shop at Clown College. At first my memory of him was a little vague, until one of you wrote in and mentioned the tatoo! Then all the visuals clearly popped into my mind and I instantly remembered one small incident that made me laugh. I believe Ainsley Bruneau was the person who was assigned to design Ryder's costume. If you'll remember, each designer met one on one with the students to discuss their likes and dislikes in regard to their completed clown costume. My table sat directly across from Ainsley's. My table was also know as 'the smoking spot'. I wish I were as popular as my table was...but that's another story! So I'm watching out of the corner of my eye as Ryder juggles his clubs over to Ainsley's table and sits on the stool across from her. He then picks up his clubs (he was always juggling as I recall), and Ainsley says to him, "Excuse me, Ryder, but you can't juggle those clubs in here while I'm trying to talk to you." He was always, always so polite and calm. "Okay," he said, and set the clubs on the floor. Ainsley starts her series of questions and Ryder is responding to them. All is going well, and then he notices some spools of thread on top of the table. In the blink of an eye Ryder was performing the neatest juggling shower of multi-colored spools I'd ever seen. I thought to myself, "This kid's got talent!" and, after reading so many wonderful Postings about this guy, I guess I wasn't wrong. Guess this wasn't such a great Posting on my part, but I am certainly happy that his memory brought back that smile he gave me so many years ago. Remembering is a good thing! -r.f (Richard Fick, 70's graduate of Clown College and head of the costume shop for Clown College 1988)
I saw this online the other day. I thought that it was very fun to watch, however I also thought that it would be a rotten prop to be saddled with. Hard to travel with a seven foot tall lucite cone.
Although it's been around for a while, I have just found out about Bookcrossing.com. What a wonderful idea brought to fruition.
Let's say you have just read a book. You liked it, but don't really plan on reading it again. So you slap a label on the book and leave it in public (a waiting room, plane terminal, cafe table, bus stop). Now another person finds the book, takes it, reads it, follows the label instructions and tells book crossing where the book is and reviews the book. Then they leave the book in public again for someone else to read. And the cycle continues.
This appeals to my inner idealist. My exterior realist says that it's just a complicated way to get someone else to throw out your old books. But the idealist won in the end, and I have released some captive books out into the wild.
It's free, it's fun, it's worth a shot. So go sign up and see what happens. I'll keep you posted on what happens to my books. If you release any books, let me know what happens.
I know I have been delinquent in my postings. But here is a fun little project. Folding Chinese Lucky Stars is fun and a great way to keep your hands busy while your mind is occupied. Great for waiting rooms, DMV lines, road trips. Works great with paper or ribbon. Give 'em a try. Have fun. Send a picture.
I know it's been ages since I last posted. And I know what I'm about to show really has nothing to do witht his blog, but I was playing with Photoshop today and made a web banner just for giggles. I thought it was kinda edgy and funny all at the same time. Now I just need a site to go with it.
May first is the traditional day for circuses to pull their wagons out of winter quarters and head out on their route for the year. Circus perfomers who are on the road for the first time, are called "First of May". Usually spoken with the same inflection of freshman, or noob.
So to all circus perfomers past, present, and future. I wish you a happy First of May! Where's the party?
To all the greats who have gone before us.. Happy First of May.
Never to early to start planning for Halloween. Here at Raven's Blight it's Halloween 24/7. With a bunch of cool little morbid toys for download, and a host of other creepy tidbits, it will keep your inner goth-club-kid happy for hours.
Richard Sweeny posted this pic on Flickr. Man is it beautiful. Round folds in paper are so elegant. I made an attempt at a round folded model from Kunihiko Kasahara's Extreme Origami. I am an origami retard, folding paper for years and I still haven't come up with a model of my own. I just like to sit and fold paper. Once again, art therapy in the day room. I would once again like to state that this model of Richard's is friggin' brilliant.
I have seen many talented paper artists in my brief time playing with paper, but this Joel Cooper has talent in spades. I had never heard of him or seen him and I just randomly stumbled on his work posted on the Flickr photo site. Here are two pics of his work; one finished, and the other in progress. From what I understand, he spends several hours folding a triangular grid into a piece of paper. Then when the grid is finished, he tessellates the paper and folds the face in the middle of the tessellation! Holy Cats! I guess it's like the polygons that the computer graphics programs use to create three dimensional figures in the video games. My brain starts to hurt just trying to get my head around designing such a piece. You can view his pictures of his work here.
Here is a nifty little box that I found on the Paper Toys website. I used the original as a template and made my own box out of cardstock and Yuzen Chiyogami. My very favorite Japanese washi. Tied for second in the favorite paper category, Aizome Chiyogami, and Ginburi Momigami. Ok now I'm getting way too geeky about paper, I'll stop. Make a box. Have fun. Send a picture.
The geometry site, Whole Movement.Com has models folded from nine inch paper plates. It has a few basic diagrams, but after the basics, it leaves the rest of the artistry up to your inner geometry geek. AV clubs of the world unite! The theories presented are not only important in math and science but in art as well. In both two dimensions and three. The whole site is pretty neat. If you are just looking for diagrams, click the "how to " section.
I found a site called Ninjatoes' Papercraft that has many paper models available. But this, in my opinion, is the top of the heap. A model of The Going Merry, from the odd pirate anime One Piece. A very cool model with what looks like a very straightforward build. Check it out. Have fun. Send a picture.
Yamaha's papercraft site, has a new model of a Hyacinth Macaw for you to build. I have too much on my plate right now so if anyone puts one together I would love to see a picture and hear how well it went together.
NASA has paper models! You can build your own space armada. They conveniently label the difficulty of the models so you can know what you are getting into. Definitely worth a look.
For another paper modeling fix, try Homespun Magixx. This fella has a mess of fun stuff that he has created. Some from TV and cinema. Some from his own head. If you're not up to putting anything together, just stop by for a look to appreciate the craftsmanship.
Make a dinosaur. Make a pet dog. Make a town with a railroad. Make a giant dinosaur and gargantuan dog destroy a peaceful town with a railroad. The possibilities are endless.
Heaven help me but I love making containers out of paper. Boxes, bowls, envelopes, I love them all. In an effort to look like I have been doing something progressive on this site, (Other than shamelessly plug my friends.) I made these six from patterns I had lying around.
-The top three are pretty standard, a little takeout box, a pillow box, and a truffle box. The first two i got from Mirkwood Designs, and the third from Flying Pig.
-Of the other three, I have no idea where I got the pattern for the first (if anyone has a clue, let me know). The second Star Box came from Sanwa Supply. And the third, with the nifty little closure, I got from Stampington.com
Partly because I love my friends and the work that they do. And partly because I have been too lazy to do any projects lately. Today I am promoting the Jumbo Shrimp Circus. Operated by the talented duo of Phil and Heidi Briggs. Located in sunny California USA. Give 'em a call when your next company shindig needs entertainment. Or if your youth organization needs an activity for the month. Or heck, if you just want a circus style show to show up at your house and give you an alternative to TV for the night (pricey, but it's a thought).
Thought I'd drop this in for anyone who might be looking for definitions. That and I needed a new blog post. I found many of these definitions helpful. The only downside is I have no way to get a hold of most of these wonderful types of paper. At least not the size that I would like to get them in. If anyone has a line on getting washi paper direct from the makers in Japan,(especially by the full sheet) let me know. Chronology 300 B.C. - Earliest evidence of a writing surface made from silk floss in China.100 B.C. - Paper was probably produced in China105 A.D. - Tsai Lun, a Han Dynasty official, is generally credited with inventing the first true paper. The basic papermaking methods he developed are still used today for many Japanese papers.300 A.D. - Paper made in cases in Central Asia.500 A.D. - Spread of paper making techniques to Korea by paper artisans.610 A.D. - A priest by the name of Ramjing travels to Japan, from Korea, to teach the art of making brushes, ink and paper.
Naming Structure The names of Japanese paper generally refer to the fiber base utilized, papermaking technique, papermaking family, paper description, or the purpose for which the paper was originally used. A part of the name often includes a term denoting paper. These terms include kami, gami and shi.
Aizome Literally, indigo (ai) dyed (zome). Traditional aizome came in shades of pale blue (asagi), light blue (hanadairu), and dark blue (kon). Today, aizome are still dyed with natural colorings but are not limited to shades of blue. Much of the aizome produced comes from the Tokushima, formerly known as Awa, area of Japan.
Aizomeshi Literally, indigo (ai) dyed (zome) paper (shi).
Chirigami Literally, rubbish (chiri) paper (gami). This is a decorative paper generally made of kozo fiber with added bits of dark outer bark. Chirigami is valued for its tone and texture. Other papers made with dark bark may include the term chiri in their name.
Chiyogami Literally, thousand generations (chiyo) paper (gami). Chiyogami is a highly decorative stenciled or printed paper often used for craft purposes. This paper was originally printed using wooden blocks. Current methods also include silk screening. Traditional prints are often emblems of long life and happiness (cranes and tortoises) or auspicious symbols of good fortune (pine trees, flowering plum trees and bamboo). Chiyogami designs may also symbolize every day life, events and activities. Many of these traditional designs trace back to the Edo period (1603-1867).
Gampi A type of fiber from a various related plants in the Daphne family. Due to the papermaking technique utilized, these plants are generally harvested between February and May when the water content is high. Gampi fiber is known for its fine texture and glossy sheen and produces a very strong, translucent lustrous paper.
Ginburi Literally, silver (gin) speckled or random flecks (buri).
Hanshi Literally, half-sized (han) sheet of paper (shi). Hanshi is known for its durable, thin and light (weight) qualities. Traditionally used for calligraphy writing and accounting activities. Every province of Japan has its own style of hanshi.
Hosho This is a traditional high quality kozo paper that is named after its original use. Hoshogami (hosho paper) was originally used by government officials to document the oral commands of the Shogun. Hoshogami is often used for wood block printed-paper. The Echizen area in Fukui Prefecture has specialized in hosho paper since the 14th century.
Ichimatsu These Papers are known for their square patterns and translucent qualities.
Irodorino No literal translation is available but iro does mean color.
Kinzuri Literally, gold (kin) ??? (zuri).
Kirigami Literally, cut (kiri) paper (gami).
Komon An emblem or symbol embroidered or applied onto apparel or clothing.
Kozo General name of the fiber from various types of mulberry plants that is utilized to make paper. Kozo fiber is known for its strength, flexibility and length. Traditional kozo paper is naturally colored and made from 100% kozo fiber.
Kurafuto Japanese pronunciation of the English word “craft”.
Kuretake The name of a paper manufacturer based in Nara, Japan.
Momigami Literally, wrinkled, crumpled (momi) paper (gami). This is a thick, high-quality kozo paper that is often treated with root of DevilÂ’s Tongue (konnyaku) before being wrinkled, rubbed and stretched. This paper is often used for Kamiko (paper clothing).
Origami Literally, folding (ori) paper (gami). The art of paper folding was introduced from China in the 6th century. The first origami, a frog, is generally credited to a member of the Fujiwara family.
Rokoan Rokoan style origami is a technique used to fold several connected paper cranes from one piece of paper. This style was originally created by a Buddhist priest, Rokoan Gido (1761-1834).
Shibori Paper produced by Japanese tie-dying art. The art of tie-dying is also known as shibori.
Shikishi Board Literally, ceremony (shiki) paper (shi) laminated onto a board. Usually the size of the board is 9 ½” x 10 ¾”. Types of paper most often used are Hosho, Gasen, and Torinoko.
Shoji-gami Literally, partitions (shoji) paper (gami). Traditionally, this paper was used on the wooden framework of partitions, sliding screens, doors and other household elements. Shoji-gami is known for its translucent quality and the resulting soft glow when light shines through it.
Sumi InkSumi Ink Stick Literally, ash or soot (sumi). Sumi Ink or Sumi Ink Stick is a carbon based permanent black ink that is used in calligraphy writing and painting.
Suzuri Stone Literally, to rub (suzuri) stone. Suzuri stone is used to make sumi ink for calligraphy writing and painting. Water is placed into the well of the suzuri stone, the sumi ink stick is rubbed against the suzuri stone, and water is added to create various shades of black ink.
Torinoko Literally, child of the bird or egg (torinoko). This is an ancient type of thin, strong paper known for its lustrous, eggshell like finish. Traditional uses include stationary and cards, art printing and semi-official documents. Unbleached torinoko is a pale yellowy brown color. Torinoko may be made from pure gampi fiber or a mixture of fibers. Echizen, a town in the Fukui region, is the primary producer.
Washi Literally, Japan or ancient Japan (wa) paper (shi). This is a general term for Japanese hand made paper produced using traditional techniques. Washi is known for its strength and beauty. A more complete term is Tesuki Washi, which translates to handmade (Tesuki) Japanese paper.
Yuzen This is a general name for stenciled, dyed paper, often with intricate designs, using kimono (yuzen) patterns. Most yuzen is now produced in the Kyoto area of Japan using screen-printing techniques.
Here's a site with a couple of talented folks. Baud et Bui is a wonderful site if you, like me, mix your media. (Or, like me, you are borderline ADD and can't stick to any one media long enough to develop any real talent.) Paper models, origami architecture, painting, sculpture, and whatever else they come up with.
I love this concept. The Tiny Ninja Theatre is a puppeteer moving tiny action figures around a small stage and having them act out Shakespeare. Just like all kids did with their toys (but instead of the Bard, we acted out the finer plot twists of Mighty mouse and Sesame Street). From friends who have seen the show, they tell me that you are amused for the first few minutes, and then you forget about the guy moving toys around and get into the play, when finally at the end you realize, "Damn, not only did he memorize all the roles, but he can act his butt off."
Nestled snugly between Dallas and Austin Texas is the little town of Salado. In that little burg lies The Salado Silver Spur Theatre. A one screen movie house that combines classic films along with live vaudeville acts. Owned and operated by the talented duo, Grainger & Penny Esch. If you live out that way, or are ever passing through, stop in for a visit. It's well worth it.
Having survived the Ides of March, my thoughts turn to the first of May. This is the day that, traditionally, the circus would leave their winter quarters and embark on tour for the year. New clowns are referred to as a "First of May" like being called pledge, or freshman, and generally treated as such. But I digress. With the first of May approaching, I thought I would give a shameless plug for the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus. A beautiful little show owned and operated by my friend Trey Key. Check the site for their route information. If you haven't seen a circus in a while, the by golly it's high time you did. It's the least expensive live entertainment you are going to find. And live, unfortunately, is a dying thing.
For those of you unfamilliar with his work, Check out Pino's site. He is a truly talented paper artist. His automata are wonderful. Talent like this should be encouraged.
In another attempt to give my wife a reason to freak out over a paper lamp, I folded this beauty out of handmade Japanese masa rice paper. The folding for this I got in a rather round about way. I got the link from the wonderful Paper Forest blog. This link was to the Yasutomo paper site. A beautiful design by one of my origami heros, Tomoko Fuse. Give it a try, you'll be pleased with the results.
I have no idea where I got the layout for this lampshade. I know I sure as hell didn't come up with it on my own. But it has been stuck in the back of my brain as something that I needed to do sometime. So now it's done. With just twenty sheets of cardstock and a handful of fifth grade geometry, you too can have one of these Atomic-agey retro type thingys
Twenty circles. Score equilateral triangles (geometry) on the circles. Fold the three flaps. Glue 19 of the 20 circles flap to flap to form a icosahedron (ain't geometry grand). Add velcro tabs to the flaps of the last circle. (So you can get to the bulb.) Mount to some lampy kind of device.
This beauty is headed directly for the shredder. I am married to a fire chief's daughter, so there is no way that this lamp will stay.
Here is a pop-up card I did a while back. Directly inspired by the work of Marivi. If you haven't seen her origami achitecture site, it's worth a look. She is a truly talented paper artist. She is also kind enough to share some of her designs with the world. Her daughter Vanessa also has a site that you should check out.
Midwestern, started as a young street perfomer, dropped out of college to join the circus, became a professional magician, ran away to join the circus again, moved to Las Vegas to perform, the show closed, joined another circus, returned to Las Vegas and in desperation I got a job in a casino.
