Katazome Workshop

Japanese fabrics have been made for centuries using intricate paper stencils and a resist paste made of rice flour. Authentic Japanese fabrics using this technique are very expensive and almost unobtainable in this country. You will learn how to make these lovely fabrics yourselves. On the first day we will carve two stencils from Japanese paper and apply silk mesh to strengthen them. While the stencil is drying, we will make the resist paste. I will also have stencil paste I have purchased from Japan.

For this workshop, we will be using supplies imported or brought back with me from Japan. I will teach the traditional methods, and then we will discuss contemporary print techniques.

There is an $80 materials kit fee/student (payable to Suzanne Connors). Recent tariff (8/2025) laws have made the costs of importing supplies from Japan go up by at least 15%. A kit will be provided with stencil-making equipment and fabrics. All dyes, pasting mats, and the use of Japanese brushes, etc., will be provided.

Extra persimmon paper/ gauze and fabric will be available for purchase. I will also have punch kits and other materials from Japan available in the studio.

 Student Supplies: to bring to class
-rubber gloves and an apron or old clothes
-a 3″ stack of old newspaper/ newsprint paper
-a #11 Exacto knife handle- extra blades

Scarves can be a bit tricky for beginners, but you may try. Bring in 14” width- preferably cotton. linen or rayon. We will be using shinshi for dying and they are created for traditional Japanese width kimono fabrics

Studio opens at 8:30 am, and I will have coffee/tea available

Please park in the lot to the Right of the Studio center (there is a plumber/ IBrain)

Lunch: We will make a daily Panera Bread order. Pizza is available 2 doors down (T-Sun), CASH ONLY! There is a water cooler; bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated