The Space Waraku

        Welcome to The Space Waraku!  Enjoy the Harmony! 

Wa means "harmony and peace."  Raku means the "enjoy."  I hope I can create and offer the space to enjoy the harmony/peace through my works.  (Dec.2009 I.K.)

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On June 1st, from 10 am to 1 pm, I will have the workshop at Art Center of Northern New Jersey, New Milford, NJ (www.artcenter-nnj.org).

The Space Waraku

                       Sashiko

I have decided to open The Space Waraku in 2007.  Waraku in Chinese Character means to enjoy the harmony.  I want the people feel the harmony in my works, the paper-craft, Japanese sashiko stitch, and Russian punchneedle.  I learned the first two skills in Japan basically, where I was born and raised, the one from my grandfather and the other from my mother.  I learned the last one in USA after the marriage.  My challenge is to reflect the Japanese culture or identity in the American society by my works. 

                          Itoko Kobayashi

 Retail Shop

Some of my paper crafts are sold at these shops.

NJ

--The Depot, Midland Park, NJ. www.cafsnj.org/how_to_help/depot.html

--The Craft Lounge, Leonia, NJ.  www.thecraftlounge.com

NY

-- GCCA Catskill Gallery in Catskill and GCCA Mountain Top Gallery in Windham of Greene County Council on the Arts. www.greenearts.org

--Craftmen by Design, Poughkeepsie, NY. www.craftsmenbydesign.net 

-- Craft shop of Catskill Mountain Foundation.  www.catskillmtn.org 

At Art Center of Northern New Jersey in December 2011