Origami (paper folding) has become an international word! It is used in a large variety of ways: artistic, functional, and fun. This workshop focuses on “practical origami” that is useful in your daily life, such as envelopes, boxes with a lid, candy boxes, a nameplate, etc. Add some creative fun and color into items you use in your everyday life! Instructor Reiko Nishioka is the former Morikami Director of Education and has spent many years as an Origami enthusiast.
Claudia Henao is a glass and floral artist. She is a self-taught artist, with a 20 years career spanning from when she traveled and lived in Europe for around 17 years with her family. Always surrounded and inspired by nature, her artistic creativity started to include floral design with her glass work a few years ago. Mrs. Henao started mixing glass and natural elements in her work which allows for a very unique and magical experience for the eye. Her creative repertoire encompasses unique botanical pieces like jewelry, huts, glasses, etc.
Kurinuki is a traditional Japanese ceramic hand building technique starting with a solid block of clay and hollowing it out to create a vessel. Create a chawan, Japanese tea bowl using this beautiful ancient technique. In this hands-on workshop, learn basic techniques to work with clay and enjoy a presentation of Japanese ceramics.
Chirirenge in Japanese is the name of the soup spoons from Asia and used as ramen spoons in Japan. Unlike the western spoon, it has a flat bottom and is deep to hold more soup. The handle is curved upwards and the shape mimics a fallen petal of the lotus flower called renge in Japanese. The word chiri means “to fall off.”
Learn the customs and art of Japanese gift presentation in this hands-on workshop. Combining traditional with contemporary aesthetics, participants are introduced to the beauty of Japanese packaging and design, often times incorporating natural and unconventional materials. Learn to wrap with washi (Japanese traditional handmade paper), create uniquely designed boxes, and other techniques to give your gift an Asian-inspired elegance. Workshop tools and materials will be provided for the participants to use.