Making Shoji Screen

I hope, you still remember my previous posts about Shoji Screens, so I will just remind you, that Shoji screens are a nice, simple and elegant way to divide a room. Shoji screens enclose a wooden framework and rice paper, covers this frame. They create calm, comfortable and warm ambience. You can move Shoji screens and put them everywhere you want.

Now, you perfectly understanding the whole importance and beauty of Shoji screens and I think you’ll be glad to make a try and create your own Shoji screen. Apart from numerous books telling us how to make one, I’ll give simple instruction:

1. Typical size of such a screen is three by eight inch square. Kumiko or a grid work - three by four inch;
2. Rice paper is attached with rice glue (instead of it, it’s possible to use some other kinds of paper, that is stronger and thicker);
3. While choosing wood materials, pay attention that they are expensive but of be of high quality.

Main points of Gluing Shoji Paper:

• place your frame in horizontal position;
• fasten adhesive labels to make sure your paper won’t slip;
• carefully apply the glue (holding the bottle upside down);
• then roll the shoji paper on the frame and afterwards cut off excess paper. Let the glue dry (not less than 5 hours) and spray the paper lightly with water. In such a way, the paper will tauten.

Good luck to you and your new shoji screen!