Japanese Textile & Bookbinding Workshop Overview
2018 Shibori Textiles, Papermaking & Bookbinding Workshop in Japan:
Contact me if you would like to be added to the reservation list for October 2018.
2017 Shibori Textiles, Papermaking & Bookbinding Workshop in Japan: Sold Out!
USA Organizer: Debra Valencia
Japan Instructor: Bryan Whitehead
Location: Tokyo & Fujino, Japan
Dates: October 1 to 14, 2017
Maximum Capacity: 10 persons (including organizer)
Overview:
For textile designers, artists, designers and crafters, everyone will enjoy this creative and intimate experience of Japan culture, history and its unique arts and crafts. Organized by design educator, Debra Valencia, this private workshop was created as a magical once-in-a-lifetime expedition. For approximately $300 per day, this "mostly" all inclusive* workshop abroad is an excellent value.
Debra will spend the first full day with the group touring the modern city, including Aoyama, Shiboya, Harajuku, and shopping for crafts, papers, art, fashion, gifts, souvenirs, vintage textiles and clothing.
The next 10 days/nights will be spent in Fujino, a serene tea-growing mountain village outside of Tokyo. The village was designated as one of "The Most Scenic One Hundred Mountain Villages in Japan". Accommodations will be provided in a charming 150-year-old farmhouse, with textile expert, Bryan Whitehead. Workshops include shibori dying, stencil making and printing, papermaking, bookbinding and box making, as well as field trips to papermaking facility, antique book district and artist studios.
Once unpacked at the farmhouse, we will dive in and swim in the deep purple indigo. You’ll be splashing around in the vats until it is time to re-pack your bags. Hands-on is the best way to know what indigo is about. Each day will start with an after breakfast talk by our expert instructor on a variety of topics such as the Japanese craft movement, history of the kimono, village life and more.
Returning to Tokyo on the 12th day, there will be a half day of free time for shopping, to wander independently or in small groups as each person desires.
The last full day will include touring historic sites in Kamakura with Debra as your guide.
Meet Our Instructor:
Bryan Whitehead, expert textile artist and craftsman, is originally from Western Canada and has lived in Japan for over 25 years. He has been farming and processing indigo, rearing silk worms, designing and weaving for 20 years and has held textile workshops dozens of times with participants from all over the world.
Workshops:
All new projects have been developed for the October 2017 workshop. An array of Shibori techniques and indigo dyeing will be included — from beginning to advanced. Stencil making and printing will be more advanced and focused on formats to fit the book and box projects. Japanese bookbinding and box making projects will be completed with paper, textiles and stencil prints created in the course — all handmade by participants.
An all day excursion will include a papermaking studio and making of paper at the facility.
For participants who have attended the Shibori workshops in the past, more advanced techniques and independent projects may be pursued so there is no redundancy.
All materials are included for all workshops.
Accommodations:
The 150 year old farmhouse has five newly remodeled bedrooms sleeping two persons per room on single futon beds. Double occupancy is required due to limited space. The shared bathrooms include two standard showers, a traditional Japanese bathhouse and 3 Western style toilets. Wi-fi is provided.
Food:
The large farmhouse kitchen is open all day and night and well stocked with beverages and snacks. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served family style. A variety of foods will be served to accommodate those on special diets. Continental style breakfasts include eggs, toast, cereal, fruit, yogurt, cheese, juice, coffee and tea. Japanese lunches and dinners will range from noodles, bbq, chicken, seafood, salads, soups and more (no sushi). A few meals will be eaten out at restaurants including the welcome dinner and light meals during field trips.
Cost:
380,000 YEN per person
Approximately $300 per day mostly inclusive* fee with workshops and expert guide is an incredible deal! Japan has been one of the most expensive countries to visit in the past and now prices are at a 30 year low.
Exchange rate as of today's publication:
1 USD = 114 JPY
$3,327.93 = 380,000 JPY
Includes:
Airfare:
Excludes airfare from USA to Japan
For comparison, my airfare in October 2016 was $930 round trip/nonstop on Singapore Airlines, Los Angeles/Tokyo. Some workshop participants paid under $700 round trip/nonstop on United Airlines, Los Angeles/Tokyo.
Fees:
200,000 yen deposit due February 1, 2017 or upon booking
180,000 yen balance due May 1, 2017
Payable to DeVa Design, Inc. by check
As organizer, I will collect all money in advance and be responsible to pay all workshop/accommodation fees, meals, hotels and museum entrance fees during the trip. I am doing this to keep everything as simple as possible for all participants.
Payment Terms:
Deposits are fully refundable up to May 1, 2017
Deposits refundable after May 1 if the spot can be filled by someone on waiting list. I will keep a waiting list to fill spots for anyone needing to cancel.
Pre-Trip Get-Togethers:
I will host several get-togethers during the months leading up to the trip for those based in Los Angeles. Homework materials will be mailed to me in advance by Japan instructor. I will demonstrate the homework preparation together which includes sewing so fabric pieces, designing motifs and cutting stencils, and Japanese bookbinding overview. We will also discuss basics of the Japanese crafts and culture, our itinerary and flight arrangements. For those not based in Los Angeles, you may join the get-togethers via Skype.
Contact me if you would like to be added to the reservation list for October 2018.
2017 Shibori Textiles, Papermaking & Bookbinding Workshop in Japan: Sold Out!
USA Organizer: Debra Valencia
Japan Instructor: Bryan Whitehead
Location: Tokyo & Fujino, Japan
Dates: October 1 to 14, 2017
Maximum Capacity: 10 persons (including organizer)
Overview:
For textile designers, artists, designers and crafters, everyone will enjoy this creative and intimate experience of Japan culture, history and its unique arts and crafts. Organized by design educator, Debra Valencia, this private workshop was created as a magical once-in-a-lifetime expedition. For approximately $300 per day, this "mostly" all inclusive* workshop abroad is an excellent value.
Debra will spend the first full day with the group touring the modern city, including Aoyama, Shiboya, Harajuku, and shopping for crafts, papers, art, fashion, gifts, souvenirs, vintage textiles and clothing.
The next 10 days/nights will be spent in Fujino, a serene tea-growing mountain village outside of Tokyo. The village was designated as one of "The Most Scenic One Hundred Mountain Villages in Japan". Accommodations will be provided in a charming 150-year-old farmhouse, with textile expert, Bryan Whitehead. Workshops include shibori dying, stencil making and printing, papermaking, bookbinding and box making, as well as field trips to papermaking facility, antique book district and artist studios.
Once unpacked at the farmhouse, we will dive in and swim in the deep purple indigo. You’ll be splashing around in the vats until it is time to re-pack your bags. Hands-on is the best way to know what indigo is about. Each day will start with an after breakfast talk by our expert instructor on a variety of topics such as the Japanese craft movement, history of the kimono, village life and more.
Returning to Tokyo on the 12th day, there will be a half day of free time for shopping, to wander independently or in small groups as each person desires.
The last full day will include touring historic sites in Kamakura with Debra as your guide.
Meet Our Instructor:
Bryan Whitehead, expert textile artist and craftsman, is originally from Western Canada and has lived in Japan for over 25 years. He has been farming and processing indigo, rearing silk worms, designing and weaving for 20 years and has held textile workshops dozens of times with participants from all over the world.
Workshops:
All new projects have been developed for the October 2017 workshop. An array of Shibori techniques and indigo dyeing will be included — from beginning to advanced. Stencil making and printing will be more advanced and focused on formats to fit the book and box projects. Japanese bookbinding and box making projects will be completed with paper, textiles and stencil prints created in the course — all handmade by participants.
An all day excursion will include a papermaking studio and making of paper at the facility.
For participants who have attended the Shibori workshops in the past, more advanced techniques and independent projects may be pursued so there is no redundancy.
All materials are included for all workshops.
Accommodations:
The 150 year old farmhouse has five newly remodeled bedrooms sleeping two persons per room on single futon beds. Double occupancy is required due to limited space. The shared bathrooms include two standard showers, a traditional Japanese bathhouse and 3 Western style toilets. Wi-fi is provided.
Food:
The large farmhouse kitchen is open all day and night and well stocked with beverages and snacks. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served family style. A variety of foods will be served to accommodate those on special diets. Continental style breakfasts include eggs, toast, cereal, fruit, yogurt, cheese, juice, coffee and tea. Japanese lunches and dinners will range from noodles, bbq, chicken, seafood, salads, soups and more (no sushi). A few meals will be eaten out at restaurants including the welcome dinner and light meals during field trips.
Cost:
380,000 YEN per person
Approximately $300 per day mostly inclusive* fee with workshops and expert guide is an incredible deal! Japan has been one of the most expensive countries to visit in the past and now prices are at a 30 year low.
Exchange rate as of today's publication:
1 USD = 114 JPY
$3,327.93 = 380,000 JPY
Includes:
- 4 nights at a 4+ star hotel in Tokyo (double occupancy, twin beds)
- 10 nights farmhouse (double occupancy, twin beds)
- All meals during 10 day workshop
- Ground transportation for field trips and to/from Fujino
- Shibori/bookbinding materials and workshops
- Museum/field trip fees
- Airport to hotel ground transportation ($32 each way)
- Meals on travel days to/from Japan
- Meals on all days in Tokyo ($10 breakfast, $15 lunch, $25 dinner)
- Subway fare all days in Tokyo ($5 to $10 per day)
- Snacks/beverages during field trips and outings ($5+ per day)
- Alcoholic beverages ($6 to $10 average per drink)
- Personal sundries/shopping
- Train to/from Kamakura ($10 each way)
- Airfare from USA to Japan
Airfare:
Excludes airfare from USA to Japan
For comparison, my airfare in October 2016 was $930 round trip/nonstop on Singapore Airlines, Los Angeles/Tokyo. Some workshop participants paid under $700 round trip/nonstop on United Airlines, Los Angeles/Tokyo.
Fees:
200,000 yen deposit due February 1, 2017 or upon booking
180,000 yen balance due May 1, 2017
Payable to DeVa Design, Inc. by check
As organizer, I will collect all money in advance and be responsible to pay all workshop/accommodation fees, meals, hotels and museum entrance fees during the trip. I am doing this to keep everything as simple as possible for all participants.
Payment Terms:
Deposits are fully refundable up to May 1, 2017
Deposits refundable after May 1 if the spot can be filled by someone on waiting list. I will keep a waiting list to fill spots for anyone needing to cancel.
Pre-Trip Get-Togethers:
I will host several get-togethers during the months leading up to the trip for those based in Los Angeles. Homework materials will be mailed to me in advance by Japan instructor. I will demonstrate the homework preparation together which includes sewing so fabric pieces, designing motifs and cutting stencils, and Japanese bookbinding overview. We will also discuss basics of the Japanese crafts and culture, our itinerary and flight arrangements. For those not based in Los Angeles, you may join the get-togethers via Skype.
Itinerary
Travel Day: Friday, September 29, 2017
Fly to Tokyo from USA (Note: you will arrive in Tokyo the next day, September 30th, due to crossing time zones)
Day 1: Saturday, September 30, 2017
Arrive Japan in early evening; Take Narita Express train to Shinjuku Station
Check in to hotel; Dinner on your own; Go to bed early
For early arrivals: Go to Tokyu Hands store across from hotel and look around the Shinjuku area
Stay 2 nights at Shinjuku area hotel pre-booked by Debra
Day 2: Sunday, October 1, 2017 (Guide: Debra)
Full day touring modern Tokyo with Debra: Aoyama, Shiboya, Harajuku or time on your own
Site seeing, shopping for crafts, fashion, gifts, souvenirs and clothing
All meals out
Day 3: Monday, October 2, 2017 (Guide: Bryan)
Check out of hotel; breakfast on your own;
10am in hotel lobby; Meet our guide & instructor, Bryan Whitehead
Full day in Tokyo with Bryan: Visit Craft Museum, shop for vintage textiles, bookbinding, paper and art supplies and more
Transportation to Fujino, settle into rooms
The 10 workshop days include indigo dyeing, stencil making and printing lessons, bookbinding and more
Welcome dinner; Fire is waiting outside for a few drinks and chat before bedtime
Day 4 to Day 11: Tuesday, October 3 to Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Check the Shibori and stencil homework completed in advance
Shibori and Bookmaking Workshops: All days, nonstop morning 'til night
Approximate project breakdown:
One day: Papermaking
Three days: Bookbinding
Six days: Shibori and stencil printing
Cultural Lessons: Japanese flower arranging, traditional tea ceremony, soba noodle demonstration, daily lectures
Field Trips: Papermaking studio, Kimono stencil printing studio, local artist studios, art supply store, vintage textile shop, light hike up mountain to see view of of Mt. Fuji
All meals at farmhouse or in restaurants
Day 12: Thursday, October 12, 2017 (Guide: Bryan)
End of workshop; Transportation to Tokyo; Check in to Shinjuku area hotel; Half day in Tokyo with Bryan
All meals out
Stay 2 nights at hotel pre-booked by Debra
Day 13: Friday, October 13, 2017 (Guide: Debra)
Day Trip: Kamakura to see old Tokyo, ancient temples, zen gardens, shopping for handicrafts and more
All meals out
Day 14: Saturday, October 14, 2017
Check out of hotel; breakfast on your own; Leave luggage in hotel storage
Morning: Half day shopping in Shinjuku or time on your own
Afternoon: Pick up luggage at hotel; Return back to Narita Airport by express train after lunch (Assuming a late afternoon return flight 5pm to 7pm departure to USA)
All meals out
Sayonara Japan!
Extended Stay
Anyone wishing to stay on in Tokyo or to continue to a new destination in or out of Japan on their own is welcome to do so.
For more information or to reserve your spot, please contact:
Debra Valencia
debravalencia@gmail.com
310-266-1577
Fly to Tokyo from USA (Note: you will arrive in Tokyo the next day, September 30th, due to crossing time zones)
Day 1: Saturday, September 30, 2017
Arrive Japan in early evening; Take Narita Express train to Shinjuku Station
Check in to hotel; Dinner on your own; Go to bed early
For early arrivals: Go to Tokyu Hands store across from hotel and look around the Shinjuku area
Stay 2 nights at Shinjuku area hotel pre-booked by Debra
Day 2: Sunday, October 1, 2017 (Guide: Debra)
Full day touring modern Tokyo with Debra: Aoyama, Shiboya, Harajuku or time on your own
Site seeing, shopping for crafts, fashion, gifts, souvenirs and clothing
All meals out
Day 3: Monday, October 2, 2017 (Guide: Bryan)
Check out of hotel; breakfast on your own;
10am in hotel lobby; Meet our guide & instructor, Bryan Whitehead
Full day in Tokyo with Bryan: Visit Craft Museum, shop for vintage textiles, bookbinding, paper and art supplies and more
Transportation to Fujino, settle into rooms
The 10 workshop days include indigo dyeing, stencil making and printing lessons, bookbinding and more
Welcome dinner; Fire is waiting outside for a few drinks and chat before bedtime
Day 4 to Day 11: Tuesday, October 3 to Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Check the Shibori and stencil homework completed in advance
Shibori and Bookmaking Workshops: All days, nonstop morning 'til night
Approximate project breakdown:
One day: Papermaking
Three days: Bookbinding
Six days: Shibori and stencil printing
Cultural Lessons: Japanese flower arranging, traditional tea ceremony, soba noodle demonstration, daily lectures
Field Trips: Papermaking studio, Kimono stencil printing studio, local artist studios, art supply store, vintage textile shop, light hike up mountain to see view of of Mt. Fuji
All meals at farmhouse or in restaurants
Day 12: Thursday, October 12, 2017 (Guide: Bryan)
End of workshop; Transportation to Tokyo; Check in to Shinjuku area hotel; Half day in Tokyo with Bryan
All meals out
Stay 2 nights at hotel pre-booked by Debra
Day 13: Friday, October 13, 2017 (Guide: Debra)
Day Trip: Kamakura to see old Tokyo, ancient temples, zen gardens, shopping for handicrafts and more
All meals out
Day 14: Saturday, October 14, 2017
Check out of hotel; breakfast on your own; Leave luggage in hotel storage
Morning: Half day shopping in Shinjuku or time on your own
Afternoon: Pick up luggage at hotel; Return back to Narita Airport by express train after lunch (Assuming a late afternoon return flight 5pm to 7pm departure to USA)
All meals out
Sayonara Japan!
Extended Stay
Anyone wishing to stay on in Tokyo or to continue to a new destination in or out of Japan on their own is welcome to do so.
For more information or to reserve your spot, please contact:
Debra Valencia
debravalencia@gmail.com
310-266-1577
