Inventive Itajime Paper 2023

Event Info

This four-hour in-person workshop takes place at CBA on Sunday, March 26 from 12:00–4:00pm Eastern time.

Complete Schedule:

  • Sunday, March 26, 12:00–4:00pm ET

Please Note: Registration for this workshop closes on Sunday, March 19 at 11:59 pm.


About the Workshop:

This in-person class at Center for Book Arts is taught by Susan Kristoferson.

The excitement of a child ‘opening a holiday package’ occurs with the unfolding of each bundle of itajime (Japanese for fold and clamp) dyed paper! Learn to create intricate traditional Japanese patterns, then explore different dye and coloring possibilities. Itajime can be highly skilled and controlled and always offers a collaboration between your hands, the paper qualities, colorants used, time, temperature, and humidity.

Work from simple black and white value studies of itajime papers to subtle complex colorations in this structured workshop as your stack of amazing itajime papers grows. Instruction in design, color theory, and technical challenges will be given as your stack of patterned papers that you create. Examine physical examples and view a PowerPoint of images of historic and contemporary itajime papers and artworks. After learning the folds and coloring strategies for itajime, there will be time for you to experiment with your own ideas and to problem-solve with the instructor. This is a whirlwind workshop, jam packed information, experimentation, invention, and your own creativity!


Required Materials:

  • All materials will be provided by CBA
  • Participants are welcome to bring a few sheets of thin waterleaf / unsized paper that has very good wet strength, in a size of about 18 x 24”

About Susan Kristoferson

Specializing in unique hand dyed and painted papers, Susan Kristoferson, BFA, MFA, hand paints paste papers and tie-dyes paper to create complex collage “paintings” and unique objects. Her foothills ridge top view of the Rockies inspires her work. Exhibited in more than 200+ international exhibits, her work is in collections across the USA, in Japan, China, South Korea, and Canada.


The registration fee for this workshop includes $140 tuition and a $25 studio and materials fee. We are looking forward to seeing you at CBA!

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