Introducing My Sidekick ① Paper Measuring Tape | Handmade | Temari Setsugekka * Small Temari Accessories

Hello. This is Temari Setsugekka.

I create small temari, turn them into accessories, and sell them on two handmade websites.

In this note, I would like to talk about my reliable sidekicks that are essential to my craft. Since there are so many tools, materials, and work companions that I can't introduce them all at once, I will post about them in several parts.

The first installment is about something plain, but I couldn't do my job without it: the "paper measuring tape."

Why I measure, measure, and measure again

To explain the process of making temari roughly, it goes like this.

Wrap thread around cotton to create a base
Draw dividing lines on the base to serve as a guide for the pattern
Add the pattern

To finish them beautifully, a base that is as close to a perfect sphere as possible and accurate guide lines are essential.

That is where my handmade "paper measuring tape" comes in handy.

At first, I used a store-bought measuring tape cut to a short length, but the thickness and length were awkward, the markings were hard to see, and it was just difficult to use. So, I thought, "Well, I guess I'll just make my own," and started working right away.

I consulted with Excel to create graph paper with 1mm x 1mm squares, where every 5mm line is slightly thicker... Perhaps due to compatibility with my printer, I couldn't output the line thickness and darkness I wanted, so I settled on printing it at 4mm x 4mm and then making a 25% reduced copy. With copies, it's easy to fine-tune the print density.

I cut the reduced copy to match the circumference of the temari and use a marker to color the necessary parts. For example, for an 8-section division, I mark the parts corresponding to 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2 of the total length. Finally, to increase durability, I apply mending tape (I love the one from 3M) to the surface, and it's complete.

I prepare many types to match the size of the temari and the number of divisions. Since the temari are already small, even a slight deviation stands out tremendously. That is why measuring, measuring, and measuring again is an essential task.

The paper measuring tape gets worn out from heavy use, but that is the advantage of it being handmade. The strength is that I can prepare a new one immediately. Being able to act nimbly is the best.

Do you have any handmade tools that you love and use?

If you are interested, I would be very happy if you could take a look at my shop.

This is the Temari Setsugekka shop

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