I have learned that to make Japanese paper is to be in harmony with nature. It is a long and labor intensive process. Perfection and patience are required, both of which can translate to all that one strives to do. I have been fortunate to have studied with a man who respects and understands the traditions of washi, the making of Japanese paper.  I spent a week making washi, at his beautiful studio in the mountains on the island of Shikoku.  I traveled to Yusuhara to Kamikoya in Kochi prefecture to the home and studio of Rogier Uitenboogaart and his wife Chika.   Under Rogier’s instruction I participated in all aspects of the creation of this beautiful paper which is both delicate and extremely strong.  We cut down the kozo, stripped the bark, scraped the fiber and cleaned it, hand beat the fiber, and formed sheets of paper which dried on ancient boards in the sun.     This is part one of Making Washi.