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Event Description
Furoshiki folding workshop
On Saturday, November 16, MHJCA led a Furoshiki Workshop hosted by Starr Library in Rhinebeck where we had previously held an Ikebana workshop with them.
When Ms. Nan, the library’s director, first inquired about holding the workshop, I wondered how such an event could generate interest. However, they received an enthusiastic response and the 20 seats filled up shortly after the workshop was announced, with many others joining a waiting list.
MHJCA prepared a program that included supplying a furoshiki and written instructions for each participant (which they could take home), and empty wine bottles and boxes to practice on during the workshop. We also created a display showing the different ways a furoshiki can be styled, including a handbag and the finished looks for various wrapped items.
The English instructions with hand-drawn illustrations were made specially for this workshop by MHJCA volunteers. The lessons covered the basic knots used in wrapping, techniques to wrap bottles and boxes, and how to turn a furoshiki into a handbag. The participants were surprised to discover how a simple square cloth could have so many different uses.
While using furoshiki is a given in Japanese life, it made us appreciate this cultural tradition from a new eco-friendly perspective.
As MHJCA volunteers, we hope these types of friendly cultural exchanges will continue to deepen our mutual respect and understanding for each other and help create a better community.
We’re also pleased to say that Starr Library has already inquired about holding another Ikebana workshop next spring.
Atsuko Shimojo
English translation by Yoko Izu
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