This fun and relaxed workshop is a great way to share your passion for embroidery. We'll teach you the basics of sashiko embroidery so you can create a Boro-inspired project, the Boro Kinchaku Bag.
This workshop is an opportunity to meet like-minded people and learn more about the textile art forms of sashiko and boro.
No previous embroidery experience is required; basic sewing skills are helpful but not necessary.
Your Project: Boro Kinchaku Bag
The program will cover the making of a Boro Kinchaku Bag. This bag, designed by Jane MacDonald, is a drawstring bag that's perfect for holding your sewing project while traveling. The waxed cotton cord is attached with koki clips, which are very easy to attach. We'll show you how to lay the boro fabrics and stitch the sashiko thread to create the best effects.
Supplies: Boro uses fabric scraps, so you can bring your own if you want to incorporate your treasured fabrics into the day's project. You will need to bring general sewing supplies, including scissors, a ruler, needles and thread, pins, and a hera marker if you have one.
We provide a kit that includes: a sashiko needle, sashiko thread and thimble, canvas for preparing the boro, sashiko threads, Japanese fabric scraps (you can bring your own pieces of fabric to personalize your work), koki eyelets, and waxed cotton cord.
Lunch and coffee are provided; please inform us of any dietary requirements.
This workshop is available in French and English.
**By purchasing your ticket here, you confirm that you have read the Workshops and Courses Terms of Service page.
Workshop for the Gabi Bag with Yves
Join us from March 22nd to 23rd, 2025, in Arc-et-Senans for a two-day workshop to make the beautiful Gabi Bag designed by Jane MacDonald. We will demonstrate all the techniques required to make the Gabi Bag. The project is great fun and covers a variety of different techniques. It can also easily be transformed into a wall decoration if you prefer. The workshop will be held in French and English if necessary.
The workshop will cover the following skills:
- Hitomezashi sashiko stitching
- Using a chart to stitch hitomezashi patterns
- Transferring sashiko patterns onto fabric
- Jane's boro-inspired technique
Yves enjoys inspiring students with original ideas and techniques in the delicate craft of sashiko, experimenting with other forms of sashiko, including single-stitch sashiko (hitomezashi), boro-inspired patterns, and kogin stitching. Sashiko was originally used to repair and reinforce fabrics, but it has evolved into a decorative stitching technique throughout Japan, morphing into various styles. Sashiko has become popular due to its elegant, bold, and meditative quality, its versatility, and its ease of learning.
Yves will cover a variety of sashiko techniques, including hitomezashi patterns, share facts about their origins, and explain methods for transferring sashiko patterns to fabric. You'll also learn how to choose the right fabrics and tools for traditional sashiko techniques. Yves will also show you how to make "rice grain" stitches—a term derived from an official order that stipulated that stitches on Japanese farmers' clothing should be no longer than a grain of rice and no wider than a blade of straw!
Price:
The price for the two-day workshop is €240. It includes the workshop kit, morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. Morning tea, afternoon tea, and lunch are included on both days. Please indicate any dietary requirements when ordering.
Local Information and Accommodation Options:
BeBe Bold is located directly across the street from the Royal Saltworks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers exhibitions, extensive gardens, and events. The Doubs and Jura region is rich in cultural interest and natural beauty. If you are a visitor, this would be a great opportunity to explore the area, including the old town of Besançon and the Salins-les-Bains thermal baths. If you would like more information on local tourist attractions, we would be happy to help.
Please let us know if you require accommodation, and we will be happy to help you make these arrangements. There are few different options available locally, so if you could let us know what type of accommodation you prefer, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
This workshop is available in French and English.
**By purchasing your ticket here, you confirm that you have read the Workshops and Courses Terms of Service page.
Pojagi is a traditional Korean fabric joining technique used to create textile pieces such as blankets, curtains, bags, and clothing. The technique dates back centuries and was once used to make functional everyday objects. Pojagi is characterized by the use of invisible seams to join lightweight textile pieces, creating interesting geometric patterns and transparent visual effects. The stitching is done by hand, creating unique and personalized pieces.
The fabrics used for pojagi are often lightweight and sheer, such as silk, cotton, or linen. Colors and patterns can vary greatly, from neutral tones to bold and vibrant colors. Pojagi is a technique that requires patience and precision, but also offers great satisfaction when seeing the final result. Pieces created with this technique are not only beautiful, but also durable and functional.
Today, pojagi has become a popular art form worldwide, with contemporary artists repurposing this traditional technique to create innovative and modern works.
Maryse Allard is a pojagi specialist who has exhibited her work in Korea and many other countries around the world. While deeply attached to her European roots and her interest in Art Deco, she also sees herself as a bridge between Korean and French cultures. Beyond her exhibitions, Maryse enjoys sharing her passion for pojagi through workshops held around the world, both in person and online. Each session is a magical moment where the transparency and lightness of pojagi are showcased.
Our Pojagi class for beginners is specially designed for those who wish to learn this traditional Korean fabric joining technique.
The class will focus on creating a piece with straight seams. The techniques will be explained in detail, step by step, so that each participant can follow along and learn at their own pace.
The ultimate goal will be to create a wall hanging approximately 50 cm square. Maryse will share her knowledge and passion for Pojagi with you, guiding you through the different steps of creating your own wall hanging.
The materials needed for this class will be provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own fabrics if you wish. The class will take place over a full day, allowing everyone to master the techniques and complete their own piece.
This workshop is available in French and English.
**By purchasing your ticket here, you confirm that you have read the Workshops and Courses Terms of Service page.
Engraving workshop with Alain Combier
1st - 5th July
Alain Combier is an engraver, garden designer, passionate about the sea, but above all, a versatile artist with a big heart.
His exceptional, precise, inspired, and poetic engravings invite you on an imaginative journey. Having spent many years traveling, designing, and teaching around the world, Alain Combier now aspires to pick up his engraving points and chisels again for new studies and paintings inspired by his memories.
We met him as he was discovering our courtyard, his gallery, and our small shop. What a joy it was to listen to him. Alain told us about his engravings and his life as an adventurous artist. I immediately invited him for a summer workshop—and he accepted!
Over five days, Alain Combier will share his knowledge of engraving with us: a technical and comprehensive workshop, full of challenges. We offer this course to all those who are curious and want to understand how, starting from a drawing, we can create texture, volumes and perspectives by using numerous techniques and very specific tools.
Day 1: Introduction to the history and techniques of copperplate engraving. Presentation of the necessary tools, materials, and equipment. Practical exercises in preparatory drawing and transferring the design to copperplate.
Day 2: Introduction to burinage (a technique of engraving lines with a burin). Learning about different burin sizes and their use depending on the desired effects. Creation of an initial relief sketch on copperplate.
Day 3: Discovery of the etching technique (chemical engraving) and creation of an inked plate. Application of the knowledge acquired during the first two days to create a personal composition.
Day 4: Improvement of previously learned techniques and exploration of new artistic possibilities through the combined use of burinage and etching. Work on several projects simultaneously to vary aesthetic approaches.
Day 5: Finalization of the work completed during the workshop and group presentation to the other participants. Discussion of the results obtained and advice for continuing your personal practice after the workshop.
We will conclude these five days with an opening reception of Alain's works and a presentation of your completed works.
The Alain Combier exhibition will then be on display at the Galerie Claude Nicolas, next to BeBe Bold, throughout July.
Price per person: €480 including supplies. Lunch option: €20 per day, book in advance.
Contact us for accommodations if needed.
