Cartonnage is a traditional French craft in which layered cardboard is shaped into boxes and decorative objects, then wrapped in fabric or paper to create beautiful, finished pieces.
No needle or thread is required โ making it an accessible and rewarding craft for complete beginners. With your choice of fabric, you can create objects that are both useful and truly beautiful.
What makes cartonnage so compelling is the balance between practicality and beauty.
From jewellery boxes to small organizers, every piece you make is something you can use โ and something that brings quiet elegance into everyday life.
The fabric you choose transforms the character of each piece entirely. No two works are ever the same โ and that's the joy of it.
At Madomaru, cartonnage is united with Yoneori โ the exquisite woven silk of Yonezawa, a city in Yamagata Prefecture with over 1,200 years of textile heritage.
The fine, intricate weave of Yoneori brings a quiet richness to every piece โ a meeting of French craft tradition and Japanese textile art that is unlike anything else.
Each work is made entirely by hand. No two are alike.
Learn more about Madomaru and the artist →
Madomaru offers lessons for all levels โ complete beginners are very welcome.
Each session is guided step by step, so you can enjoy making your first piece with confidence.
Lessons and workshops are held in Yokohama, Tokyo and Yamagata. Feel free to get in touch.
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