Paper
Yoko Fujiki embroiders her illustrations before they are ever printed, so the stitches are still visible in the finished stationery. RYU-RYU produces her work in Japan, alongside a plainer notebook illustrated by mula.
At a glance
Maker: RYU-RYU, illustrations by Yoko Fujiki and mula
Place: Japan, Yoko Fujiki based in Osaka
Formats: To-do list pads, mini note cards, an A5 grid notebook
Finish: Embossed covers, gold foil detail
What makes Yoko Fujiki's illustrations different?
Most illustrated stationery starts and ends as a drawing. Yoko Fujiki's work starts as embroidery. Houses, trees, birds and instruments are stitched first, then photographed and printed onto the stationery, so the thread and its slightly uneven line carry through into the finished paper.
What is in the to-do list pad?
The Homes and Trees and Music pads each hold 50 sheets in two alternating designs, 25 of each, bound at the top and narrow enough to sit beside a keyboard. Along the foot, in gold foil, a line reads: put off today what can be done tomorrow. On a music practice pad in particular, that is either encouragement or a small joke, depending on the week.
What about the mini note cards?
The mini note cards are ovals edged in gold, printed on paper woven like linen so the cloth of the original embroidery is present in the paper as well as the picture. Each set holds three cards and three envelopes, sized for a few words rather than a letter. They are made for notes tucked into flowers or a parcel, not for posting on their own.
Who is mula, and what does the cat notebook look like?
Alongside Yoko Fujiki's embroidered designs, RYU-RYU also produces an A5 grid notebook illustrated by mula. The Mula Cat Japanese A5 Grid Notebook has a lightly embossed cover with a single cat drawn across it in broad fields of colour, rounded corners, and a 5mm grid inside across 64 pages.
How should embossed and foiled stationery be cared for?
Keep it dry and away from direct sunlight, store it flat, and handle it with clean, dry hands so the embossed and gold-foiled surfaces stay clear.
Is the stationery hand embroidered?
The artwork begins as hand embroidery by Yoko Fujiki, which is then printed onto the paper. The stationery itself is printed rather than individually stitched.
Can the mini note cards be posted on their own?
They are made to be tucked into flowers, gifts or parcels, and are not intended for posting by themselves.
Is the to-do pad only for daily tasks?
It suits shopping lists and appointments as well as daily tasks. The Music design also works for rehearsal or practice schedules.