Tools Archives - Botanical Colors

The Fine Art of Making Scissors

A good pair of scissors is a must for any craftsperson and a fine pair of handmade scissors is a very special pleasure. No wonder we keep them safely tucked away and bring them out only for those times when we are mending or stitching. When I visited Paris in the early 1990’s, I was seeking a shop that specialized in fine needle arts tools. Although there were a number of antique dealers with beautiful old sewing collections, I could not locate a sewing supply that carried wonderful professional quality scissors. Luckily, Sajou has revitalized the art of handmade scissors … Read more

Japanese urushi lacquer scoops

I love lacquer and have been fortunate to receive lacquered bowls, chopsticks and bento boxes from my relatives in Japan over the years. And I was so pleased to learn that lac dye is derived from shellac, which I assumed was where lacquer came from. It was a very nice tie-in with the beautiful lac color and the muted and matte earthy reds of traditional Asian lacquer. Well, I wasn’t exactly accurate when it comes to Japanese lacquer. While it is true that shellac is used in making lacquer, what I discovered is that this type of Japanese lacquer is … Read more

On Pins and Needles

My weakness for beautiful tools was sorely tested these past few days, and I finally succumbed to the charms of these vintage needlework treasures. The objets of my desire were lovely tools for sewing, stitching and lacemaking from a French company called Sajou. Maison Sajou was founded in 1828 and was well known as a provider of threads, needles and finely crafted scissors for what is called Ouvrages de Dames, or “Ladies’ Work” until the early part of the 20th century, when it fell into decline. The woman responsible for restoring the House of Sajou to its former glory is … Read more