Close-up of a colorful floral-patterned kimono with an obi featuring traditional Japanese designs.

Kimono to bag upcycling experience

Learn about Japanese traditional fabrics with a local designer and create a unique and functional Kyoto souvenir.

Split image showing a traditional Japanese obi on the left and a handbag made from similar fabric on the right. The obi features intricate landscape designs with mountains and trees, while the handbag has a matching pattern with a chain strap. Both items display detailed craftsmanship.

This experience will exceptionally take place in Misawa on March 7th & 8th.

It will be confirmed if a minimum number of participants sign in.

From old traditional to new functional

Join me, Clémentine, in this 2-hours experience to learn all about Japanese traditional textiles while creating a one-of-a-kind souvenir form your time in Japan. Together we will learn about Japanese fabrics and you will choose your favourite one to transform into a unique bag.

Red fabric fanny pack with golden leaf pattern and zipper
Person arranging a black and red floral-patterned fabric on a tatami mat floor.

Crafting memories

Creating your bag from A to Z is going to take a few days so, on the day, we are only going to start the process together. Once we shape all the details (for example, I will show you how to frame the exact part of the motif that you want), I will travel back to Kyoto and create your bag according to your wishes in my studio. Your custom-made bag will be delivered just a couple of weeks after I return to my studio.*

*If many participants order more than one bag, it may take a bit longer to finalize them all. I will confirm the reception date with you at the time of the workshop.

4 designs to choose from

Two decorative pouches with floral patterns and a red chopstick with a decorative end set on a dark surface.

Travel pouch set

Person wearing a white sweater holding a camera, with a brightly patterned fanny pack over their shoulder.

Bum bag

Person wearing a black sleeveless top and maroon pants, holding a black crossbody bag with an Asian-inspired design featuring a pagoda and cherry blossoms.

Phone bag

A decorative clutch purse with a floral and architectural pattern, resting on a glossy surface.

Clutch

Who should join

This experience is suitable for those who:

・have little to no knowledge about kimono and are eager to discover more of this iconic part of Japanese culture

・like learning about traditional textiles and crafts

・want to know what they are buying when they shop for vintage kimono (for example be able to recognize a genuine silk kimono from a synthetic one)

・are looking for a unique and meaningful souvenir that they won’t find anywhere else

・want to make a personal or thoughtful gift that carries the story of their travels.

Back view of a traditional Japanese kimono with an obi featuring floral patterns.
Woman smiling at a sewing machine with a cat in the background.

Your host

Hello, I’m Clémentine, I am a Kyoto-based designer and I have been transforming vintage kimono into new bags for 10 years. I believe that traditional fabrics are too precious to go to waste and I want to bring them back to life and appreciate their timeless beauty again.

Through this experience, I want to share my two main passions which are Japanese textiles and up-cycling.

Reserve your spot

To provide the best experience for each participant, we accept small groups only, with a maximum of 6 people. Please fill out the form below to secure your spot.

The price is 40 $/person + bag cost. The 40 $ include:

  • an informative session on kimono fabrics (history and craft)

  • personal consultation adapted to your taste and wishes during the experience

  • the shipping cost of your bag to receive it at home

The bag cost will cover the material and the custom (and express!) crafting of your bag, at the same price it is sold in-store. Each design price is as follows:

You can choose more than one bag. If choosing now is too difficult, you can see and touch the samples on the day. In this case, select “undecided” when filling out the form below.

Schedule: March 7th (Fri.) or 8th (Sat.)

Morning session 10:00 - 12:00

Afternoon sessions 13:00 - 15:00 or 15:30 - 17:30

All our sessions are fully booked now. If you wish to be put on the waiting list in case someone cancels or we add more timeslots in the evening, please fill in the booking form anyway and I will contact you again.

To provide the best experience to everyone, each session is limited to 6 participants. To reserve your spot, please fill out the form below. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions regarding the workshops or another topic.

I look forward to meeting you!

Clémentine.

Cancellation

Considering the costs of my travel to Misawa, I won’t be able to refund your order. However, I will offer you an online consultation instead, so you can join the experience virtually and still have the bag(s) delivered to you.