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 Kyoto-based designer and create a unique and functional souvenir-bag.

This experience will be hosted in Misawa on February 22 (Sun) and 23 (Mon)

It will be confirmed once a minimum number of participants have signed in by Feb. 8th.

From old traditional to new functional

Join me, Clémentine, in this 2-hours experience to learn 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.

Crafting memories

Creating your bag from A to Z would take a few days, so on the day, we will only start the process together. Once we shape all the details, I will travel back to Kyoto and create your bag according to your wishes in my studio. I will show you how to frame the exact part of the motif that you want, and then you can cut it as you like. You will also choose all of the different parts, such as zip colours, lining, etc. Your custom-made bag will be delivered a few weeks after I return to my studio.*

*I will confirm the reception date with you at the time of the workshop, and I can prioritise people who are leaving Japan soon, depending on the date and the number of bags ordered.

6 designs to choose from

Travel pouch set

Ipad, tablet sleeve

Weekender

Backpack

Bumbag

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

Clutch

Who should join

This experience is for those who:

・want to learn about kimono fabrics and motifs

・want to know what they are buying when they shop for vintage kimono (for example, be able to recognise 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 time in Japan

Kids from 13 years old are welcome to participate. If your child is younger but interested, it is also possible. Let’s talk about it!

Woman smiling at a sewing machine with a cat in the background.

Your host

Hello, I’m Clémentine, I am a French 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 aim to share my two main passions: Japanese textiles and upcycling.

Reserve your spot

To provide the best experience for each participant, we accept a maximum of 8 people per class. Please fill out the form below to secure your spot.

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

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

  • Personal guidance during the experience, to help you design a bag adapted to your taste and needs

  • The shipping cost of your bag(s) to receive it at home

The bag cost will cover the material and the custom crafting of your bag, at the same price it is sold in-store. The 6 different designs are as follows (click on the name to see dimension details and customising options):

You can choose more than one bag. If choosing now is difficult, you can see and try on the samples on the day. In this case, select “undecided” when filling out the form below so you can just pay the 40$ booking fees for now, and the rest after the workshop.

Schedule: 2026 February 22nd (Sun.) or 23rd (Mon.)

Morning session 10:00 - 12:00

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

Location: At the newly opened Artemodo Interior store in Misawa city (the exact address will be sent afterwards.)

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 workshop’s content: clementine@mikanbags.com or +81 80 7042 9811 on WhatsApp or Line. I am also available on Instagram at @mikan_bags.

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, unless I have partcipants on waiting list. 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. The time of consultation will be discussed after the workshops.