This is one of my favourite presents to make. It’s easy and beautiful! Depending on the age of your child, they can do some, or all of the steps up to the varnish stage.

Supplies:

Pottery plate from the ‘¥100 Store’ (I prefer the square ones)
Origami paper

White glue

Varnish or shellac

Directions

1. Cut origami paper into little triangles

2. Cover the plate in a thin layer

of white glue

3. Place triangles all over the plate

4. Add a second thin layer of glue over the entire plate

5. Fill any remaining gaps with triangles

6. Spread a thin layer of glue over the top of plate

7. Let dry overnight

8. PARENTS ONLY- Spray multiple layers of varnish over the plate

NOTE: This technique can also be used for many items from the ‘¥100 Store’ to create masterpiece presents. Ideas include: Pencil holder, paperweight, jewelry box, coasters etc…

This is also a wonderful present with a nice Japanese flair! The idea is to paint the name of the person that you are giving the gift to OR your child’s name in Japanese lettering.

If your child is young, try your hand at painting the Kanji or Hiragana for him/her, and let your little one do the rest of the decorating.

Supplies:

Autograph square (cardboard squares typically used to collect autographs) - Available at ‘¥100 Stores’ or art stores

Black paint or ink

Gold paint

Stamps + stamp pad (optional)

Directions:

1. Go to: www.takase.com. Click on the “names” link, and find the letter of the name you want to do; it will come up with a table with many names, and then list the romanji, hiragana, katakana, kanji, and a description of the name. If you go to the “kanji” button, there is the kanji for “mother” as well as a few other words that would make nice gifts.

2. Paint/write the name on the autograph card with your child.

3. Once the ink/paint has dried, let your child do sweeping strokes with the gold paint, or use the gold paint with the stamps to decorate the cardboard.

4. If you want to have it framed, it looks even more impressive!