Learn suminagashi
​
After a very successful year of suminagashi workshops here in Herefordshire, I will be scheduling 2026 workshop dates in the new year.
If you'd like to hear about them, email me to go on the list.
​
Many thanks to all the lovely people who came along to learn this most beautiful art.
Workshop details​
​
​If you like the idea of a calm, gentle day exploring this craft with other like-minded folk with no pressure to achieve, then this might be just the ticket. The art of suminagshi is the art of allowing:
In the words of Don Guyot (a generous marbler and sharer of techniques), the workshop
‘will teach you how to arrange things so that suminagashi occurs’.
​​​
The art of suminagashi, the Japanese form of paper marbling, is both compelling and intriguing. It dates back to the Heian period of Japan (794-1185) and is the precursor of all other marbling techniques. The craft of paper marbling is included by Heritage Crafts on its endangered list.
​
The workshop starts at 10 a.m. with coffee and a look at
the history of suminagashi and what you need to get started. There will be demonstrations
and plenty of opportunities to unleash your creativity and to ask questions! The aim is to help you acquire the necessary skills to create your own designs at home with an understanding of the materials, tools and process. Take home many sheets of paper covered in suminagashi for use in bookbinding and other paper arts. No previous art training is needed, just bring your curiosity!
Each course runs from 10am till 3pm. Maximum of 6 participants.
The cost is just £95 to include all materials and tuition plus light refreshments;
(bring your own lunch).
​
To book a place, please email me; sarahamatt7@gmail.com
The venue:
Birches Farm is a heavenly nature reserve where we will marble in the small barn, a couple of miles from Kington.
​
I am a member of Creative Breaks Herefordshire, a group of artists and makers, all living in Herefordshire and its borders, who run courses in their various disciplines.
​
This is a short video about a workshop I ran in Bristol in 2022 as part of a friend's research PhD.
​
Some kind words from workshop attendees.
Hello Sarah, Thank you for a thoroughly enjoyable day, meeting up with like minded people and learning a new skill. The thing that struck me the most, was how quickly we were able to produce an intricate piece of art we could all be proud of. Personally, I found the process of creating the designs and printing the papers very therapeutic and exciting. Certainly a great stress buster. Thank you again. Best wishes
Janet
​
'What can I say about Sarah, our tutor, other than lovely, generous, patient, calm – just a fabulous teacher.' Jo
​
'... it was wonderful. Very informative, with a perfect balance
of instruction and practical freedom'
Ruth (Rugby)
​
'A day of discovery and delight'
Jane (Bishops Castle)
​
I found the tuition useful- you gave just enough information so that my imagination was able to flow. You didn't hinder my creative process but rather gave just enough technique to begin my relationship with water printing. You spoke about the Japanese idea of 'less is more' and this invoked in me an absorbing inquiry into mindfulness, the breath and the experience of 'flow' that can easily be achieved through Suminagashi.
Peta (Bishops Castle)
Sarah has thought of everything to enable you to learn and enjoy this magical process, a brilliant workshop!
Sophie (Bristol)
​
If you are interested in coming along to one of my future
courses, do contact me and I will add you to my mailing list.
​
