Japanese Art and Craft Ideas

Japan is a land of an interesting mix of cultures. From the unique painting styles to the beautiful calligraphy that Japan is known for, art is something that is predominant out here. The sculptures of Japan, Ikebana, performing arts and even the Japanese architecture has made a mark all across the world. However, owning something from this very interesting land does not mean you have to head off to Japan itself! Japanese art and craft is more than just origami, the Japanese quilts or even the jewelry! Here, we shall take a look at some creative Japanese art and craft ideas.

Japanese Art and Craft Ideas:

How to make a Samurai Helmet

What you will need
Silver, gold and brown card paper
Glue stick
Gold pen
Tape

Instructions
First, you need to cut a wide band from the gold card. This length needs to be measured in such a way that it fits around the head. Once you have achieved the right size, use tape to secure this band into a circle. Now, make a marking on the band to gauge the exact placing of the neck protector. Once done, place it on the brown paper and draw around it, where the points are marked. With this as a guideline, draw an arch that is around 15 cms in width. You also need to add flaps on both sides to cover the ears, so draw these to attach them to the arch. Use the gold pen for decoration. Once done, cut it out and secure these flaps to the inside area of the band.

Before going ahead with the next step, you need to put on this band. This will give an indication about the placement of the visor. Then, take if off and again place it on the brown card paper. You need to draw around the bands between the points that have been marked. Draw an arch around 5 cm in width. Also, draw flaps so that you can attach the arch to the main band as done previously. Now, cut the whole shape out and attach it to the inside portion of the band. Then, take the silver card and cut two horns from this paper. These need to be glued to the front portion of the band. Your samurai helmet is ready to be worn!

How to make a Japanese Tea Bowl

What you will need
Flour (4 cups)
Salt (1 cup)
Vinegar (as per requirement)
Water (1 ¼ - 1 ½ cup)
Plastic fork
2 Dixie cups
Clear Acrylic Floor Wax
Sponge
Newspaper
Ruler
Acrylic Paints - optional

Instructions
Mix the flour and salt with vinegar and water on a flat surface. Roll clay into a ball, the size of which should fit comfortably into the hand. Hold the clay in one hand and use your thumb to gently push in the center area. Now, pinch the clay from the bottom area working towards the top. Use fingers to widen the area of the tea bowl so that the walls are about 1 inch in thickness. Place it on the newspaper upside down. Now, you need to add a base to the bottom of the tea bowl so that it stands properly. To create this, take a quarter sized amount of clay and roll it with one hand on a flat surface. For the precise length, you can measure the bottom of the cup.

Use the plastic fork to scratch the bottom of the bowl. With the help of the index finger, dab it in a Dixie cup full of vinegar. Then dab the same area with a sponge that is dipped in water. Now, press the base onto this area and seal using your fingers.

Bake this in the oven at 300 degrees F for at least half an hour. Once it cools down, apply floor wax on the body of the tea bowl. You can even experiment with acrylic paints to create a design as per your choice. Your Japanese tea bowl is ready to be gifted.

Enjoy creating Japanese art and crafts at home with the help of these wonderful ideas!