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Friday 10am Class

In each project you will learn various mixed media techniques, using scrapbooking supplies, inking, stencilling, layering.

You will be provided with a full kit, all tools will be supplied on the day, no need to bring anything with to the class except yourself and enthusiasm to learn something new.

Cost $55

Duration 1 hr

Thursday 10am Class

In each project you will learn various mixed media techniques, using scrapbooking supplies, inking, stencilling, layering.

You will be provided with a full kit, all tools will be supplied on the day, no need to bring anything with to the class except yourself and enthusiasm to learn something new.

Cost $55

Duration 1 hr

Learn the fascinating story of stitched talismans used on children’s clothing in Japan while you make a charming brooch with one of the motifs. A great introduction to semamori techniques.

Semamori are stitched amulets traditionally used to protect babies and children from misfortune. Using the power of hand stitching they were used to ward off bad spirits since the 12th century, The designs used are full of meaning – wishes for children to grow strong and swift (hemp leaf), live long (pine) and hundreds more. The wish and care of mothers and grandmothers for children to be healthy and strong and long-lived is universal. The range of patterns for these stitched talismans continued to grow in the nineteenth century and young women at school learnt to stitch them.

In the workshop we will explore the context and history of these moving and beautiful stitcheries. Using a selection of motifs from an antique Semamoricho (pattern book) we’ll learn how to transfer and stitch as we look at the many applications for the little stitched talismans.

Alison and Shuji Yamazaki are specialists in traditional Japanese textiles and stitching and love to share the cultural context, history and meaning around these crafts that we enjoy in our creative lives today.

Cost $25

Duration 50 mins