MIZUHIKI

Tradittional Japanese Paper Craft

What is MIzuhiki?

Mizuhiki is a traditional Japanese paper craft that has been passed down in Japan for over 1,200 years. It has been used to decorate gifts and envelopes on ceremonial events to signify its importance.

Mizuhiki is made from Washi (an ancient Japanese paper) that is tightly twisted, starched to be stronger, and covered with silk thread.

Meaning of the knots

MIZUHIKI itself is believed to bring people together and foster good relationships.

One of the knots, called the Awaji knot, is the foundation of many MIZUHIKI knots.

The knot represents “unity” and “undying bond.”

Because it is hard to be broken once it’s formed, and pulling on the strands will only make the knot tighter and stronger.

Use a MIZUHIKI charm however you like

In our modern lives, it has been used in various ways:

  • Accessories
    (e.g. earrings, hair ties, hair clips and hair pins.)
  • Variety of stationery
    (e.g. note cards, book markers and paper clips.)
  • Interior decor
    (e.g. ornaments, fragrance sticks, dinner table decor and frames.)

and more.

Available for purchase.
G-Men at Steveston Ramen Shop

a Japanese restaurant in Richmond

Hand-made in Vancouver

Richmond, a city of Metro Vancouver, B.C. Canada

Made in Japan

All these colorful Mizuhiki cords used here are from a Mizuhiki specialty shop that has been around for over 300 years in Japan. 

Lightweight

Because it's made of paper, it's extremely lightweight, comfortable to wear, and easy to carry or attach.

Uniqueness

These distinctive MIZUHIKI designs are a great fit for both special occasions and everyday use to express gratitude.

Mizuhiki charms
Purple sandwich earrings
Lightweight Earrings

Each earring is unique due to the type of mizuhiki used, the colour scheme, and the arrangement in which they are placed.

Most popular Mint
Purple earrings
Everyday use sparkle earrings
Mizuhiki money envelope
Mizuhiki money envelope
Mizuhiki money envelope

More things with Mizuhiki

Custom order

I am happy to hear your ideas and will do my best to fulfill your vision.

Please feel free to contact me here!

Custom order request form
Custom order

Workshop

Let's have a fun together

Learn the ancient technique of tying the colorful strings to make your own MIZUHIKI masterpiece(s)!

Workshops can be held for one person or more.

I occasionally hold MIZUHIKI workshops based in Richmond, B.C.

In the workshop, you will make MIZUHIKI item(s) such as earrings, hair accessories, note cards, dinner table decor, wine glass markers with MIZUHIKI charms, or simply MIZUHIKI charms for anything.

The fee includes all materials used during a workshop.

I hope you could find the enjoyment of MIZUHIKI craft through the workshop!

There are various Mizuhiki themes to share for each workshop. Please let me know if you have any seasonal or special occasion themes that you’d like to work on.

If you are interested in participating in a workshop or hosting one as a group, please email me directly.

If you prefer to use a contact form, please click here; it will take you to the contact page.

About the maker

Hello! I am a graphic web designer and mother of three who lives in Richmond – near Vancouver, BC.

It’s been several years since I became passionate about MIZUHIKI. Making MIZUHIKI designs is one of my calming moments, and it feels like meditation in a way.

Past workshop

June and July 2024
@ Family Place in Richmond, BC.

Thank you to Family Place for having me to do the Mizuhiki workshops.

There were mothers of younger children and summer students.  We all had a great time together!

Everyone created adorable Mizuhiki charms using the colour combination of their choice.

october 2019
@ single v coffee in burnaby, BC.

Thank you to Single V Coffee for having me to do the Mizuhiki workshops.

Everyone made colorful, pretty Mizuhiki earrings. We all had a great time together!

Materials

Mizuhiki craft at home

There are hundreds of different MIZUHIKI materials and a wide variety of colors. The kits below are our original collection of specially selected MIZUHIKI.
Mizuhiki Kit
10 Mizuhiki cords (Each cord is 90 cm.)

Every package comes with a unique kind of Mizuhiki, such as glossy and/or glitter Mizuhiki cords.

The following color sets are available.

  • Red & White
  • Blue & Green
  • Yellow & Pink
  • Purple & Orange
  • Black & White 
Earrings kit
You can make TWO pairs of earrings with this kit.

Of the 10 Mizuhiki cords in this kit, you can make 2 earrings with 6 cords, and the remaining 4 cords can be used for practice and to create anything you like.

The kit includes

  • 10 Mizuhiki cords (Each cord is 90 cm.)
  • 2 pairs of hook earrings findings
  • 2 Mizuhiki charm samples
  • Mizuhiki handbook (PDF download link)