Discover the art of kintsugi over a 6 week course

Over the course of six weeks, Kira hosts six immersive workshops dedicated to the art of Kintsugi. These workshops, held on either Tuesday evenings or Saturday mornings for two hours each session, offers participants a deep dive into the ancient Japanese craft of repairing broken pottery with a unique and elegant touch.

The workshops begin with an introduction to Kira, providing insights into her expertise and passion for Kintsugi. This sets the stage for an enriching learning experience, as Kira shares her background knowledge about Kintsugi, laying a solid foundation for the practical sessions ahead.

The first few sessions focus on preparation and repair. Participants are guided through the initial steps of handling broken pieces and using epoxy as an adhesive. This modern adaptation of the traditional lacquer used in Kintsugi is an integral part of the process, ensuring a durable and aesthetically pleasing repair.

During weeks two and three, the emphasis shifts to filling in and perfecting the repair work. Kira meticulously teaches how to carefully apply the filling material, ensuring that each participant gains the skills necessary to create a seamless repair.

Week four is dedicated to refining the technique. This stage is crucial for honing the skills learned in previous sessions and achieving a high level of craftsmanship in Kintsugi.

As the workshop progresses, participants are introduced to the metal application phase. Here, they learn to repaint over the cracks with a mixture of epoxy and real gold or silver powder. This stage not only enhances the visual appeal of the repaired item but also symbolises the beauty in embracing imperfections.

The final stages involve polishing and sealing the repaired pieces, giving them a finished, professional look. Kira offers the option to upgrade to genuine gold in the class, adding an extra layer of luxury to the finished product.

The workshop concludes with participants taking their beautifully restored creations home in the last session. Over these six weeks, they not only acquire a new skill but also develop an appreciation for the philosophy behind Kintsugi - finding beauty and value in broken things and their repair, a metaphor for embracing the imperfections in life.