In detail
Kinusaiga was born in Japan in 1987, from the mind and hands of Maeno Setsu. The word literally means “silk colour painting.” It's a slow, precise practice, and that's exactly what makes it soothing: you can't rush it.
Want to know more? I wrote the true story of Kinusaiga, because almost everything you read about it online is wrong.
The kit
In this kit, I offer several versions to choose from, three to start with. Each has its own pattern and its own set of fabrics, chosen to go together: nothing to match or complete yourself. The box contains everything you need (except a pair of scissors).
The fabrics are offcuts of my own creations (never from custom orders) and dormant stock. So they may vary slightly from one kit to the next: the photo shows the intention (the colours, the mood of the pattern), not the exact fabrics you'll receive. Every kit is unique. Why?
The kit is designed and assembled in my workshop in the Loire.
The guidance
Two QR codes in the box, two ways to be guided:
- the detailed instructions (in French), to download, with every step explained (you can print them to keep them at hand);
- the video tutorial (in French), where I show you every gesture, from the contents of the kit to the finished piece.
Follow one, the other, or both.
The process
You glue the support board, engrave the grooves of the design into it, cut the fabrics, then press them one by one into the grooves with the tool provided. Finally, you fix the ribbon or bias tape all around for a neat finish, and the cardboard backing with triangle hanger provided.
The glue stays underneath, never on top: the fabric keeps its texture, and the result has real relief under your hand.
Allow about 3 hours.
Ready to hang
No need to buy a frame: the ribbon finishes the edge, and the cardboard backing has its hanger. At the end, you'll have a real 10 × 10 cm textile artwork, finished, that you made yourself and can hang on the wall or stand on a shelf.
Who is it for?
For you, if you fancy a calm moment with busy hands, no experience needed. Or as a gift: the box is ready to wrap, for someone creative or curious to give it a try.
Fancy making another one? The Refill Kit lets you build your next one à la carte: a new pattern on its own or with its fabrics, plus tools if you need them. Discover the Refill Kit.
Would you rather be guided than try it on your own? I also run small-group workshops (2.5 hours, €40 per person, snack on the house). See all the dates.
Or would you rather have a piece made from your own sentimental fabrics, the ones that matter to you? Head this way.
Features
- Beginner level, no experience needed
- About 3 hours to complete
- Finished artwork 10 × 10 cm, ready to hang
- Box 24.5 × 18.5 × 5.5 cm
- Ages 16 and up: contains sharp and pointed tools
- Designed and assembled in my workshop in the Loire
In the box
- 1 support board 10 × 10 cm in dense extruded polystyrene: clean cuts, no crumbs, and grooves that stay sharp
- 1 set of adhesives
- 1 paper template
- 1 double-ended fabric-tucking tool in metal and wood
- 1 all-metal precision cutter with replaceable blades (spare blades included), made in Germany
- 1 ribbon or bias tape for the edge
- 1 frame backing with hanger
- 1 set of fabric scraps coordinated with the pattern
- The detailed instructions and the video tutorial (both in French), via QR code
- To bring yourself: a pair of scissors
Good to know
Care
Your finished piece needs no particular care: a wipe with a cloth now and then, and avoid hanging it in direct sunlight to preserve the fabric colours.
Shipping
Shipped within 24 hours (except weekends), with tracking. Within mainland France, from €4.90 depending on weight, by Colissimo or Mondial Relay (Colissimo only for Monaco). To the French overseas territories, at Colissimo rates. Ships to France (overseas territories included) and Monaco only, for now.
Warranty
14 days money-back guarantee, 2-year legal conformity warranty. Learn more about your rights.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Kinusaiga textile panel?
Kinusaiga is a Japanese craft technique that involves creating pictures by tucking pieces of fabric into grooves cut into a board of extruded polystyrene.
The result: crisp, graphic shapes, subtle relief, and the living texture of the fabric on top of it all.
I make one-of-a-kind pieces or small series, with exclusive patterns and fabrics, ready to hang at home and add a touch of originality.
Want to try the technique yourself? My discovery kit lets you make your first picture at home, in an evening.
Would you rather be guided? I run small-group workshops (six people maximum, 2.5 hours, €40 per person, snack on the house), with ready-made patterns and selected fabrics... or your own fabric. All the details and next dates on kinusaiga-sentimental.fr.
Finally, I make fully bespoke Kinusaiga pictures: pattern, size, colour palette, fabric layout, everything is decided together. If the idea speaks to you, let's talk it through during a discovery call.
For you, it's a way to turn your sentimental fabrics into a genuine work of art to display: a babywearing wrap, a scarf, a childhood fabric... cut, rearranged, framed. The fabric is no longer tucked away in a cupboard: it's showcased, on the wall.
Will my kit look exactly like the photo?
Not exactly, and that's on purpose. The photo shows the intention: the colours and the mood of the pattern. If it's a red flower on a green background, you'll get red and green fabrics, but not necessarily the ones in the photo.
My kits are made from offcuts of my own creations (never from custom orders) and from dormant stock. These are limited quantities that can't be bought again. So from one kit to the next, the shades can vary. As a rule, I avoid swapping a plain fabric for a patterned one (or the other way round): they're not interchangeable, it changes how the design reads. But depending on the interpretation of the pattern, it can happen.
Each kit is put together by hand in my workshop, not in a factory: no two kits are ever quite identical.
For the same reason, some colourways of a pattern may disappear when a fabric runs out, and some patterns may one day no longer be offered at all... so if one catches your eye, don't wait too long! ;)
What are the delivery timeframes?
All orders (excluding custom orders) are shipped within 24 hours (excl. weekends and public holidays), carefully packed and tracked.
The delivery time then depends on the chosen shipping method (Mondial Relay or Colissimo) and the delivery location (France or abroad). Delays may occur due to reasons beyond my control (e.g., related to the carrier).
What are the payment methods and conditions?
Payment can be made in several ways:
- Right away on the website, by credit card or PayPal: your order will be shipped immediately;
- In 4 installments with PayPal (on the website, subject to acceptance by PayPal): at no additional cost to you, and your order will be shipped immediately;
- Deferred payment by bank transfer (with direct contact according to your preferences): your order will only be shipped upon receipt of the full payment.
How can I return an item, and what are the maximum return timeframes?
In accordance with Article L. 221-18 of the French Consumer Code, you have 14 days after receiving the item to withdraw from your purchase, without having to give a reason. This right does not apply to made-to-order creations (Essentials, bespoke pieces, bespoke Kinusaiga artworks, personalised mirrors), which are of course still covered by the legal warranties.
For an order placed on the website, submit your request on the withdrawal page. For an order placed another way, email me at hello@kinusaiga-sentimental.fr. You then have 14 days to send the item back, at your own expense.
And if something isn't right, feel free to talk to me about it by phone too, at +33(0)661356222: we may find a solution together.
For more information, please refer to the Terms and Conditions.
What if it were your fabric?
Your wedding dress.
Your father's shirt.
Your baby wrap.
I can turn it into a bespoke picture.
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