Handmade Japanese Paper Tote Bag

In this workshop, participants will create their own tote bag from handmade Japanese paper, with a fabric-lined interior, cotton handles and a freely painted surface. They will explore how washi can be transformed from a flat sheet of paper into a flexible and durable material with qualities similar to those of fabric.

The Paper & Konnyaku Treatment

The main material will be handmade Japanese paper that has already been treated with konnyaku. This treatment strengthens the paper and alters its texture and behaviour, allowing it to be folded, crumpled and sewn in a way similar to fabric.

During the workshop, the application of konnyaku to paper will be demonstrated and the main stages of the process will be explained.

Making the Tote Bag

Participants will prepare and cut the paper before sewing it by machine to construct a tote bag measuring approximately 30 × 27 x 8 cm. They will add a fabric lining to the interior and finish the construction with cotton handles.

Sewing machines will be provided by Triton & Shell, and participants will receive guidance on how to use them. No previous sewing or sewing-machine experience is required.

Japanese Ink Painting

Using ink sticks, Japanese ink and traditional Japanese brushes, each participant will freely paint their own bag.

They will be introduced to basic methods of preparing and using the ink and will experiment with brush marks, gesture and different tonal intensities of black on the paper surface.

The workshop brings together the traditional treatment of washi, Japanese ink painting and sewing, exploring how paper can function as both a painting surface and a flexible construction material.

The Finished Piece

By the end of the workshop, each participant will have created their own unique, hand-painted tote bag made from handmade Japanese paper, with a fabric-lined interior and cotton handles, to take home.