June 14 & 15, 2025 – London
To inquire or register, please use the form at the end of this page.
This isn’t just an embroidery workshop.
Let’s take fragments of our everyday lives, turn them into words, collage them into new ways of seeing, and stitch them by hand into your own one-of-a-kind small bag to use every day.
Whether you’re new to embroidery, interested in collage, want to create something fresh with stitching, or just curious and think it sounds fun — everyone is welcome!
'The Horizon Emerging from the Karma of the Engraver'
'Neutron=Radiation=Trickster'
I love embroidery. The repetitive motion of moving the needle can be meditative. Simply just a thread transforms into letters and images, emerging a vision - it reminds me of the Biblical phrase, “In the beginning was the Word.” I guess it is because I mainly embroider letters.
As I intentionally move the thread between “this side” and “that side” of the fabric, the stitches take form as letters - gradually filled with meaning and imagery. Here, “this side” and “that side” refer not only to the front and back of the fabric, but also to the visible and invisible - the physical and spiritual worlds.
What surprises me is that although the motion is the same back-and-forth, each stitch is independent. Like the repeated acts of generations of people forming a single civilisation, the needle’s path on the fabric’s surface gradually becomes a meaningful whole. I never expected embroidery to connect to something like this. The image of tangled threads on the back of the fabric is also fascinating. In a way, I feel embroidery embodies the generational connections that Gabriel García Márquez tried to depict in One Hundred Years of Solitude. I wonder if this resonates with you.
Workshop #1: “Thread and Intention”
Overview:
This workshop is an attempt to co-create a new worldview through the act of embroidery. Together with participants, we will weave words inspired by everyday observations and construct texts using collage techniques. The process of expressing these texts through embroidery itself becomes the artwork. The inspiration participants gain is considered the completed form of the work.
At the end of the workshop, your unique embroidery will be transformed into a small zip bag — perfect for everyday use or as a thoughtful gift.
Workshop Flow:
1) Take a short walk together (30mins)
- Observe and note details from the everyday world around you.
2) Share impressions and texts, then co-create (30mins)
- Use collage techniques to create a unique phrase that reflects a new imaginary perspective.
3) Individual embroidery session (2 hrs)
- Embroider the phrase you created, with full guidance provided.
At the end, your embroidery will be made into a small zip bag and mailed to you.
The zip bag size will range from approximately 19cm × 17cm to 25cm × 20cm, and the material is 100% cotton.
Currently, available colours include navy, green, yellow and blue. (There may be other fabrics available.)
You can also choose the zipper colour and width.
Currently, available colours include navy, green, yellow and blue. (There may be other fabrics available.)
You can also choose the zipper colour and width.
Date & Time:
Saturday June 14 and Sunday, June 15, 2025
Each day from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm (about 3-4 hours)
Each day is a separate session with a maximum of 3 participants per session.
Location:
Studio in East London (details provided after booking)
Studio in East London (details provided after booking)
Fee:
Trial price: £30 (materials, sewing and postage included)
Trial price: £30 (materials, sewing and postage included)
Regular sessions will be approximately £45.
Payment can be made via bank transfer, PayPal, or credit card.
Payment details will be provided after your registration is received.
Your spot will be reserved once the payment is confirmed. As the workshop is limited to 3 participants per day, early payment is recommended to secure your place.
Who Should Join:
Open to anyone interested in embroidery and words. Beginners are welcome, and support will be provided throughout.
Open to anyone interested in embroidery and words. Beginners are welcome, and support will be provided throughout.
What to Bring :
No special materials or clothing required.
No special materials or clothing required.
How to Register:
To inquire or booking, please email (mail@norikookaku.com) or use the inquiry form below, including your name, preferred date (June 14 or 15), and contact details.
To inquire or booking, please email (mail@norikookaku.com) or use the inquiry form below, including your name, preferred date (June 14 or 15), and contact details.
Registration Deadline:
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations within 2 days before the workshop may incur a fee covering material costs.
Cancellations within 2 days before the workshop may incur a fee covering material costs.
Past & Upcoming Sessions:
#1: June 14 & 15, 2025 – London (Now open)
#2: Around August 2025 – Kyoto (Planned)
#1: June 14 & 15, 2025 – London (Now open)
#2: Around August 2025 – Kyoto (Planned)
Thank you!
