Description
Join us to celebrate the Japanese Tanabata Festival with this 2-hour Saori weaving workshop. At this time of year, Japan celebrates Tanabata, its Star Festival, which has held a cherished place in the country's cultural traditions for centuries. Tanabata, observed on 7th July, signifies a delightful holiday that commemorates the timeless myth of Orihime and Hikkoboshi, two lovers who traverse the Milky Way to meet on this day. In Japan, families celebrate Tanabata by writing wishes on Tanzaku paper and hanging them on bamboo trees at shrines, throughout town, or even in their own homes, with the hope that these wishes will manifest into reality. These trees are often also adorned with numerous origami creations and paper chains, symbolizing significant elements of the Tanabata myth. After the weaving session (and a short lunch break) you can also join a celebration session where you can hear the Tanabata story, taste some Japanese sweets and write wishes on traditional Tanzaku to hang in our bamboo tree. About the session: SAORI is a form of weaving from Japan that encourages improvisation and free expression. With no pattern or rules to follow, Saori enables you to weave quite freely; simply enjoying each moment as it comes. In Saori, we weave with our heart as well as our hands. This session is suitable for complete beginners as well as more experienced weavers and is an opportunity for you to spend some time at the beautiful Japanese wooden looms exploring a world of texture and colour and creating your own unique Saori woven piece. During the workshop I’ll teach you the basics of how to use the loom and introduce some simple patterning techniques. You'll leave with a lovely sample piece of your own design to take home. Small groups (maximum 5 participants). You don't need to bring anything with you, except comfortable, flexible shoes, or some people prefer to weave in socks. Access: I aim to make the sessions as accessible as possible and am very happy to do all I can to make sure that everyone can participate as fully as possible. Please do let me know if you have any access requirements or would like to discuss any aspect of the venue, teaching or weaving process. Physical access - the studio has one small step from street level. Once inside, all facilities are on one level. Please get in touch via the 'message the tutor' button if you would like more info.
What's included in the price?
Materials. For these sessions, you'll be using a loom prepared with a 30cm wide cotton or wool warp. I have a large range of weft yarns for students to use. You are, of course, very welcome to bring your own yarns to explore with too! For refreshments I provide tea, herbal teas, coffee and plant milk.
Duration
2 hours
Cancellation policy
Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Children
- Wheelchair users
- Hearing impaired
- Vision impaired
- Limited mobility
- Learning difficulties (SEN)
- Suitable for beginners
- Public transport
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Overseas Holiday
- Corporate days out & team building
- Hen dos
