As the wholesale umbrella nowadays are made of aluminum, we may miss the paper umbrella which is a unique item originated from our China.

Paper umbrellas are originally from China. They were created long time ago, in the period of the Three Kingdoms. The decoration on these may vary from drawings of flowers, birds, blossoms to calligraphy patterns. Moreover, the material used for the production of paper umbrellas is a tissue-thin fibrous paper with resistant to tear. To make a paper umbrella, the person needs an advanced level of craftsmanship in order to produce the desired results.

This process is essential due to the fact that it converts the ordinary bamboo into thick-stemmed bamboo, the material from which large paper umbrellas are made. Heat one bamboo stick in an oven and bend it slightly with a heat-resistant tool, while it’s heating. This will be your handle. Once the process is finished, remove the bamboo stick from the oven and don’t touch it until it cools down.

Calculate the width of the bamboo stick using a ruler, and drill a hole in the wooden core base using the same measurements; we suggest making a 0.7 inch holw, since traditional bamboo sticks usually have that width.

Attach the handle, to the wooden core in order to create the opening-closing mechanism which controls the movement of the umbrella. To attach the handle, pour tapioca glue on one of the ends of the bamboo stick and put it inside the hole you previously drilled. After that, grab the last bamboo stick and cut it evenly in 48 pieces using a bowie knife. Again, use the tapioca glue to attach these 48 sticks onto the sides of the wooden core.

This process should be done with extreme care. Cut large pieces of washi paper with a penknife, to fit the size and shape of the umbrella. Paste the paper onto the bamboo handle using tapioca glue. It might be seem simple at first, but if you put too much pressure on the washi paper, you will shorten its life span, and it will become rough and dreadful. Let it dry for one hour. Carefully stretch the paper. Washi paper becomes tear resistant when stretched appropriately.

Let the tapioca glue dry. Waterproof the washi paper using persimmon juice. If, by any chance, you don’t have persimmon juice at hand, you can use a simple mixture of plant oils such as linseed or sesame.

After the paper is dry, start drawing on the umbrella using a traditional Japanese brush. Use Chinese ink for calligraphy patterns and natural pigments for flowers and other designs. You can also use normal paint brushes with thick hair as an alternative option. Apply flax oil over the drawings; it won’t damage the paper and will accelerate the process of drying.

Apply cashew lacquer to the handle. This will create an appealing glow. Use colorful thread to attach the bamboo frame to the base. Sew the thread inside the washi paper and around the wooden core using a tapestry needle. Finally, leave your umbrella to dry under the sun for three days.

To make a paper umbrella by yourself seems not so difficult, right? Just prepare the material and have a try by yourself you will find it very interesting to have something made by yourself.

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