I had some Japanese cherry wood(some thin boards and branch) as gift from my woodworking friend. I was so happy with the gift and I wanted to make something right away and the first thing came to my mind was this item I saw in Japan.
This item can make any square cloth into a bag. In between bars, there are magnets so it's satisfying to open and close the bag.
Coincidently, when I went to Japan last year, I bought a Furoshiki cloth with Japanese cherry blossom pattern(not the one in the picture) so I thought it is good opportunity to recreate it and send it to the friend.
To solidify the thin cherry board and prevent it from warping, I glued other boards, walnut and maple.
Before making it, I googled a bit about the patent and it seems like an original maker holds the patent in Japan that isn't effective in the U.S. and even under the Japanese patent, it's allowed to recreate the item as long as it's not for business purpose with an intention to sell(I don't want to do anything unlawful).
Anyways, I'm not affiliated with the original maker but they have beautiful clothes on their international online shop if you are interested. https://www.musubi-furoshiki.com/
My friend was happy with the item so I successfully accomplished my mission now.
Thank you Ryan! It's simple but functional:) Pottz, Thank you! it's cool that you can make a bag with your favorite cloth in a min as long as it's a square shape until you get bored with it and change the cloth!
Brit, thank you! your coffin plane gave me an inspiration for my next project:) BB1, Thank you! Ron, it's not my idea but I like it so much especially the magnets in between the bars.
Functional and cool. Depending on the length of the handles, and size of cloth used it could be anything from a small Women's purse, to a large carry bag for shopping. I am wondering about the piece of rough stock. It's shown sort of as a prop in the first complete pic, but nothing showing what it does, how it fits in, or if it's necessary?
Thank you George. Yes, the original maker actually has some size variations. The rough stock is the part of cherry I received so I just used it to display the bag thing. It's not necessary.
Well, traditionally, there are many creative ways to tie a piece of the Furoshiki cloth to wrap stuff without the wooden pieces to make a bag as the cloth by itself was used as a bag in Japan long time ago...
Ahhh thought because it seemed to be in use on that one pic, that I was missing something. Dad spent time there years ago, and he brought Mom a few items mostly cloth, but fashioned to do every day uses. He was heavily influenced by things he learned in Japan. In turn they also influenced his woodworking when he was finally home. He loved the traditions he saw in Japan, he always said here it was just a word.
George, that's an interesting story! Thank you for sharing:) Ryan, When it comes to just a furoshiki cloth by itself, there are some standard sizes like 50cm x 50cm, 70cmx70cm, 90cmx90cm, 100cmx100cm, 130cmx130cm. There are so many colors/patterns/materials but maybe, if it's a traditional one, they might choose a specific color and pattern depending on the occasion.
