Designer brands have determined the value of gifting during the holidays through luxury and exclusivity. However, it should not be necessary to buy into materialism and contribute to the massive amounts of waste accumulated around the season just to show our loved ones we care. In times of ecological crisis how do we continue the age-old practice of gift giving while lessening our contribution to the piles of material washing up on shores? 

LuxRE a series of artisan workshops, intends on reflecting on this question through sustainable craft practice. Inspired by craft practices indigenous to Japan, LuxRE will allow participants to reflect on how they define luxury and how can they reimagine its value through a climate conscious lens. 

In this Furoshiki workshop you will get to explore creative solutions to textile waste by using naturally dyed discarded textiles from Nobu Hotel to wrap gifts, using traditional Japanese Furoshiki techniques.Through creatively recycling end-of-life materials into gift wrapping by naturally dyeing with textile and food waste, participants will reflect on the advantages of sustainability during the festive season. 

The workshop will be facilitated by sustainable textile artist, Sara Snowdon, who transforms textile waste through natural dye techniques. Sara will give a demonstration of natural dyeing using avocado pits and onion skins to derive different colours and tones. You will then get to choose from a selection of pre-dyed materials to use for your gift wrapping.

All materials provided. Tea, coffee and a selection of pastries will also be offered throughout the day.

14:00- 14:15 Welcome tea, coffee

14:15-14:45 Natural dye demonstration by Sara Snowdon, using food waste as a natural dye.

14:45-16:00 Choose from a selection of naturally dyed fabrics to wrap your gifts in. Learn a variety of different furoshiki wrapping techniques.

Please bring a few gifts with you to wrap during the workshop. Our consciously-curated Christmas pop-up will be taking place downstairs so you will be able to browse and shop from our selection of artisanal and sustainably-minded handmade products before the workshop.