HIROKO SAKURAI — WASHI WORKSHOP - MAUI (21 Nov 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

WASHI WORKSHOP: Itajime/Origami Dye, Urauchi Paper Backing, and Bookbinding

Hiroko Sakurai | Fiber/Paper Arts | 2-Day Workshop | All levels welcome

Hawaiʻi Craftsmen brings you this workshop in partnership with

Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Paper is one of the oldest and most versatile materials in art — and in this workshop, Honolulu artist and conservator Hiroko Sakurai reveals just how alive and expressive it can be. The secret is washi — traditional handmade Japanese kozo paper whose long, strong fibers make it uniquely versatile. Thin yet remarkably strong, kozo paper can be wetted, folded, squeezed, and dyed like fabric, and its natural acid-free properties make it ideal for preservation and mounting. Every step of this workshop flows from these remarkable qualities.

Day one is a full day of multiple complementary processes. In the morning, participants learn itajime and origami dyeing — folding, clamping, and dipping the kozo paper (or fabric) in dye or watercolor to create striking, unpredictable patterns. In the afternoon, participants learn urauchi — a traditional Japanese paper-backing technique used by conservators worldwide — applying the backed washi and fabric from the morning session to preserve and give body to their work. Day two will cover bookbinding, where participants use their backed, decorated washi as covers to sew together a finished handmade book or notebook.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

The unique properties of handmade Japanese kozo paper and why they matter
Itajime and origami dyeing to create patterned washi and fabric
Urauchi paper backing — a traditional conservation technique for preserving and mounting delicate works
Simple bookbinding — sewing your decorated washi into a finished handmade book

Participants leave with dyed papers, backed works, and a finished handmade book — and a set of skills that open new possibilities for any craft practice. All levels welcome; no prior experience required.

We encourage you to attend the artist talk and reception on Friday, November 20, at 5 pm to learn more about Hiroko's work and meet other artists taking the workshop.

MAUI WORKSHOP DETAILS

Workshop Dates

Saturday-Sunday, November 21-22, 2026

9 AM - 5 PM

Workshop Location

Maui Arts & Cultural Center
1 Cameron Way
Kahului, Hawaiʻi 96732

Tuition Costs

Hawaiʻi Craftsmen Member $300
Hawaiʻi Craftsmen Student Member: $150
Nonmembers: $400

Materials Fee

$25, payable to Hawaiʻi Craftsmen or the teaching artist on the first day

Last Day to Register: November 13, 2026

Scholarship Application Due: November 13, 2026

APPLY FOR ʻAHA HANA LIMA SCHOLARSHIPS HERE

If you do not live on Maui and would like to take this workshop, please list your name and email address on this wait list here. We will open the workshop to non-Maui residents 10 days before registration closes.

Please reach out to ʻAha Hana Lima Chair via email (AhaAdmin@hawaiicraftsmen.org) if you have any questions.

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HIROKO SAKURAI — WASHI WORKSHOP - MAUI (21 Nov 2026)