Mizuhiki: Japanese Decorative Knots Making

Mizuhiki is said to have originated around the 7th century, when simple red and white cords were attached to gifts exchanged through trade with China. Over time, these humble beginnings evolved into a refined Japanese craft, as washi paper came to be twisted into fine strands, revealing an increasingly subtle palette of colors and delicate textures. Mizuhiki came to be used to express heartfelt sentiments for weddings, seasonal celebrations, and other important occasions. At its heart, mizuhiki reflects a distinctly Japanese sensibility—connecting people and conveying emotion through the simple act of tying. Today, it continues to live on as both tradition and art, gracefully woven into modern life through fashion, interior design, and personal expression. 

As you carefully align and tie each cord, creating meaningful knot forms and nuanced color transitions, you may find yourself entering a calm, meditative state. This quiet, mindful process invites focus, presence, and a gentle connection to the moment. 

You will be gently guided throughout the session - no experience is necessary - beginners are warmly welcome. Why not bring a touch of Japanese elegance into your daily life? 

All materials are included.

You will take home your one-of-a-kind artwork. 

This workshop is open to everyone, and participants of all genders are warmly welcome. Come relax, enjoy a creative moment, and bring a little piece of Japanese art into your home.

Theme:

Gourd Frame Art - For this class, you will shape gold and silver paper cord into a gourd — a Japanese emblem of good fortune — and frame it as a small work of art.

• Mizuhiki has been woven into Japanese life for centuries, most familiarly as the decorative cord that adorns gifts and envelopes for weddings, celebrations and other important occasions. Anyone who has seen a shūgi-bukuro, the traditional envelope used for monetary gifts, will recognise its distinctive forms.
• Made from washi, mizuhiki is a remarkably versatile material: a simple paper cord that can be tied, shaped and transformed into intricate forms. In September you will explore that quality through the form of the gourd. Harvested from summer into autumn, the gourd is deeply rooted in Japanese tradition, where its distinctive silhouette has long been associated with good fortune, appearing in kimono designs, traditional crafts and seasonal decorations. Using gold and silver mizuhiki, you will create this graceful form by adapting the awaji knot, one of the fundamental knots of mizuhiki. Your finished design is set against Japanese paper and framed as a small work of art to take home.
• Although the finished piece may look intricate, the basic technique is approachable even for those completely new to mizuhiki. As the cord gradually takes shape in your hands, you will discover how a traditional material becomes line, form and artistic expression.
• Taught by Satoi Adams of Mizuhiki Global Links. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.

Autumn Leaf Knot - For this class, you will tie the leaf knot and turn it into a bookmark or a brooch for autumn.

• Mizuhiki has been woven into Japanese life for centuries, most familiarly as the decorative cord that adorns gifts and envelopes for weddings, celebrations and other important occasions. Made from washi, it is a remarkably versatile material: a simple paper cord that can be tied, shaped and transformed into intricate forms.
• This October you will explore the graceful form of the leaf knot, a relatively simple design and a natural next step after the basic awaji knot. In Japan autumn is celebrated as a season for both reading and personal style, and the leaf knot suits either: you will make a delicate bookmark or a brooch inspired by the colours and the quiet beauty of autumn foliage. An earring option is available in place of the brooch.
• Choose colours drawn from autumn leaves, or your own combination in shades you love. Through the simple act of tying and shaping mizuhiki, you will discover how a few paper cords become a small work of art — something to wear, to carry, or to keep close as the season unfolds.

• Mizuhiki are fine cords made of twisted washi paper, tied into knots that decorate gifts and envelopes for life’s turning points. They also appear at funerals and memorial services: black-and-white or silver knots adorn the condolence envelopes offered to the bereaved. Some knots are tied so that they can never be undone. On a condolence envelope, this carries the wish that such sorrow will never be repeated; at a wedding, the same knot stands for a bond that lasts.
• In this workshop, mizuhiki instructor Satoi Adams, who has taught in Boston, New York, and Tokyo since 2018, guides you through the basic knots and their meanings. You will make your own mizuhiki accessory to take home.
• No experience necessary
• All materials included
• Limited to 12 participants

• For our Mizuhiki class, you will tie mizuhiki knots and weave them into a bracelet of your own design — to wear yourself, or to give.
• Mizuhiki has long been used in Japan to express connection, celebration and heartfelt wishes, most familiarly as the decorative cord that adorns gifts and envelopes for weddings and other important occasions. In this two-hour hands-on workshop, you will experience that tradition in a contemporary, wearable form.
• Because mizuhiki cords are made from washi paper, the finished bracelet is remarkably light — so comfortable you may forget you are wearing it — yet its delicate texture and refined look add an elegant touch to everyday style.
• Choose your own combination of deep autumn and cool winter tones: rich, warm shades, cool seasonal colors, or an unexpected mix that is uniquely yours.

With the holiday season and winter gatherings approaching, it also makes a thoughtful handmade gift. Choose colors with someone special in mind, or make one for yourself to wear throughout the season.

No experience is necessary