These adorable felted critters are mascots of a sort at Aitoh Company. An elephant being coy, a dog that they swear is a sheep, a penguin (asleep maybe?), and a wise ole green owl. Not what one would expect to see at an Origami warehouse. Each has its own personality, but they all agree the article in The Springs is wonderful, but really …it should have been about THEM!
Editor’s Note: The stunning paper in our cover photo is from the Aitoh Company warehouse in Hot Springs.
Paper is ubiquitous in our society, generally white and not very interesting.
There are many cultures that have a history and tradition of papermaking that takes the humble sheet of paper and elevates it to art. In Japan, paper and papermaking is a long and beautiful tradition.
To quote Beth Wild from Aitoh Company, “I love paper, it combines color and texture into the most amazing art supply!” Wild’s business, Aitoh Company, (pronounced I-toe) has a warehouse in Hot Springs/Mountain Pine, that holds hundreds of different papers from Japan and Nepal (and soon also from India).
Aitoh also has more than 200 styles of origami paper (the Japanese art of paper folding, but also great for collage, card making, and other paper crafts,) a good selection of sumi supplies (the Japanese art of painting and lettering with jet black ink) as well as other fun items.
Aitoh sells to retailers around the globe but has been known to sell to local artists and schools to spread the love of paper. In fact, they provided the paper for the Under Pressure Steam Roller event at the Arts in the Park celebration.
There are many papers that are truly works of art. Small studios in Japan create Yuzenshi – multicolored, graphic sheets, one at a time. At Aitoh they have one of the largest selections of Yuzenshi paper in the country. Yuzenshi is a favorite paper for bookmakers, and collage artists, but can also be used for decoupage and other paper arts. Wild also carries some “plain” Japanese paper, as well as Kozo, a more specialized paper favored by printmakers.
“We are so thrilled to be working with a paper maker in Hanamaki (Hot Springs’ Sister City). The Kozo made in Hanamaki is unique, and the owner of that company, Narashima Washi, creates an amazing, handmade paper. Our customers are so thrilled we can offer this amazing paper.”
Aitoh Company is located at 2720 Mountain Pine Road, Hot Springs. If you are interested in stopping by, they request you call 800-681-5533 to schedule an appointment. Hours are M-F from 10 to 5. Visit www.aitoh.com, or Facebook Aitoh Origami for more information.
Editor’s Note: Nov. 11, 2023, is National Origami Day. Your class or club can plan an event around creating beautiful Origami pieces of art. Start practicing now to build your skills. To learn more about this special occasion, visit National Origami Day.
