As a travel artist, I have an appreciation of the world, that extends past the visual.
I create artwork showcasing beautiful vistas of exotic destinations, but I'm inspired to preserve the world we live in as well.
That is why the idea or concept of Furoshiki impresses me so much.
Equal parts beauty and function.
My Furoshiki was designed with those exotic destinations in mind. Applying my artwork to fabrics, I've created beautiful but also functional purpose driven art.
Thoughtfully sourced and printed textiles can help to reduce waste by going paper free. Being conscious of and making sure to reuse and repurpose in your everyday life all helps, and does make you feel better knowing you are contributing to a better world.
Getting to know Furoshiki, the Japanese method of wrapping with fabric.
See my video below with just one lovely example of how to knot and present a gorgeous wrapped gift for someone special.
With endless combinations and a little bit of practice, you can develop your own style of wrapping, add decorations or attach small gift tags to personalise it to the recipient.
Want some more video tutorials? Head to my video page to view more.
Did you know this kind of traditional wrapping cloth has been used in Japan for over 1,000 years?
Dating back to the Nara period (710–794 AD), Furoshiki was originally used to carry belongings to the Sento (public bath).
To explain, the richest bathers would unfold their Furoshiki, using it as an alternative bath mat.
As the concept of utilising these clothes for other uses, gained popularity, everyday merchants also found this fabric perfect for wrapping or delivering their produce. Common folk began to also adopt this practice.
1. Why you should incorporate my Furoshiki into your life.
I wanted to put my own spin on the traditional Japanese concept with my own artwork. I've created:
- Pattern's showcasing travel art.
- Printing is done using a dye-sublimation method.
- Fabrics and printing supplied and completed in Queensland, Australia. I'm supporting local Australian businesses.
- Generous sized Furoshiki. Making it easy to wrap larger gifts effortlessly.
- Intense trials and testing of fabrics to ensure they will last many, many years and uses.
- Beautiful and functional, a match made in heaven!
2. All the details you need to know.
- My fabric is luxurious, soft to the touch and tough enough to endure the tightest knots and wraps.
- Keeping the printing methods as sustainable as possible, was extremely important. Design, production and packaging had to remain cost effective and affordable too, for the customer.
- What is dye-sublimation printing? This is when the fabric is impregnated with the inks. In other words, NOT a surface print.
Using much less water than traditional printing methods, the fabrics and ink are permanent, with vibrant colours that will not fade over time.
- Sized at a very generous 70cm x 70cm my Furoshiki will wrap the largest of gifts or knot into a gorgeous-sized sling bags, even wrap a bottle of wine.
- The uses are endless! I have customers who also use it as a headband/bandana or even a scarf. Some have even put into a frame as an art piece and hung on their wall.
- All Furoshiki fabrics are hand cut by myself and then sent to a local seamstress here in my home town, all edges are machine stitched, to ensure these cloths will last many years of use.
From the Furoshiki experts.
Today, Furoshiki isn’t limited to formal gifts or kimono-clad women. Instead, it’s been welcomed into the mainstream with pop-culture textile patterns and everyday functionality.
Since her days as Minister of the Environment, current Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike has embraced Furoshiki as way of both promoting traditional Japanese culture and eco-friendly practices by replacing toxic plastic bags with recyclable wrapping cloth."
Source: Metropolis Japans #1 English Magazine
3. Why I love Furoshiki.
If you didn't already know, it is the idea of a piece of fabric being so multipurpose and reusable that has me in love with them. By inviting them into your life, you will be too!
They are the gift within a gift. Buy two or more and spread the love. Gift them to family members and rotate them within your family for all occasions.
They are the gift that keeps on giving.
My designs and patterns are based on and inspired by exotic travel destinations that satisfy my wanderlust, and my love of this astounding world we live in.
Furoshiki that showcases and celebrates our beautiful and diverse world.
If you want to embrace your adventurous spirit and bring joy to yourself or the people you love, go and view, shop and enjoy my Furoshiki today.
Shop Furoshiki
Want to learn more?
Resources and more information:
More resources to understanding and utilising this fantastic concept.
Do you think you may be a Furoshiki convert now? I hope so.
For comments or questions, please drop below or email me at
designsbylotusandlilly@gmail.com
Danielle x
*Beautiful Japanese images sourced from:
Will H McMahan and Galen Crout of Unsplash