by Noriko Kageki
If you have ever been to one of the seasonal events held by JAMsj, or visited the Museum Store, there’s a high possibility that you’ve noticed the beautiful cards that are displayed and sold there. These are the works of the 25 members of the Friday Card Making Group – aka the “card makers.”
The card makers meet every Friday afternoon from 1:00 to 4:00pm at JAMsj, upstairs in the Community Room. Using special washi paper made in Japan, the signature cards are made by using a technique called “iris folding.” Iris folding is done by arranging and layering strips of paper in a spiral pattern so that it looks like the iris of a camera lens.
The iris-folding templates used by the card makers are designed by May Matsuzaki, who started the group about 13 years ago. “I just fell into it,” says May who recalls how her friend Eiko Johnson initially taught her how to make the cards using a method called “Tsugigami.” Because Tsugigami required punching holes into the paper with a tool and that was not too convenient, May, who wanted to start teaching other people how to make cards, searched the Web and discovered iris folding. Although this technique originated in Europe, May was interested in making cards with an Asian touch and thus began creating her own designs to share with the group.
The cards are very popular at the fairs and Museum Store. “Everyone’s favorite is the Kimono design,” according to May. And one of May’s favorites is the Tsuru (crane) designed cards that they made for JAMsj’s 25th anniversary banquet. The card makers also create and sew seasonal items to be sold in the Museum Store, the Midori Kai Boutique, and JAMsj's Winter Boutique. In addition, the group prepares the children's crafts that are offered to the public during the Hina Matsuri and Kodomo no Hi celebrations.
“When I first joined the group, maybe 10 years ago, I never thought of myself as particularly crafty,” says Susan Nakamura, one of the card makers. “But seeing that cards were made, crafts projects undertaken, and being sold in the museum store for others to appreciate, brought new meaning to me. Most importantly, the group shares ideas and helpful tips and have become friends who support each other, while providing a valued community service.”
Photo from Charlene Stroberg of the card making group at San Jose JACL showing the Cranes they folded for “Tsuru for Solidarity”
The group welcomes new ideas. One recent idea was to participate in the “Tsuru For Solidarity Fold-In” which is an event where hundreds of groups across the United States fold paper cranes and string them to express solidarity against forced removal, detention, deportation and separation of families. Two card makers, Charlene Stroberg and Ruth Kitayama-Terao, suggested to the card group to set aside one afternoon to fold cranes for San Jose JACL, which was organizing the event locally. Together with the cranes that some members folded at home, they were able to string over 1200 cranes!
And on March 6, the group donned their purple JAMsj tee shirts and walked over to the Issei Memorial Building to present them. “I think all of the card makers would agree that folding cranes for SJ JACL and Tsuru For Solidarity was a wonderful and worthwhile endeavor,” says Charlene.
“The group doesn’t have any strict rules, and anyone can join,” says May. “The ladies like it because they like to get together and socialize,” she adds. Some members go out together for a movie after an afternoon of card making. And then there is the “Cookie Exchange” where everyone bakes and brings two dozen cookies and their recipes to share.
This is a photo of ladies who were making Tsugikami cards for the first time. This was taken where JAMsj was originally built, possibly 13-14 years ago.
“We appreciate Eiko’s efforts to shop for the beautiful and unique washi paper for us when she visits her sister in Japan once a year,” May says. She continues, “Most of all, I am really thankful for the volunteers who come every Friday.”
Unfortunately, the group is unable to get together now due to the coronavirus outbreak. However, some members are folding octagonal origami boxes at home to sell at the online auction, together with their cards. Even at this trying time, they continue to be busy, creative, and having fun.
Big thanks to our card making group!
Florence Altona
Patty Chikasuye
Jayne DeWitt
May Fukui
Mariko Hotta
Eiko Johnson
Susan Kalaboukis
Christine Kawashima
June Kinyon
Ruth Terao-Kitayama
Sarah Kwong
Lynda Gomi
Jackie Maruhashi
Patti Maruyama
Shirley Masunaga
May Matsuzaki
Jeanne Nakamura
Susan Nakamura
Janet Namba
Lori Nishimatsu
Colette Palacios
Charlene Stroberg
Charlotte Torres
Janice Yasutake
Mariann Yasutake
Shirley Yuki
Photo from Charlene Stroberg