Art Kintsugi Introductory Workshop

Learn the mindful Japanese art of golden ceramic mending to give new life to a damaged piece with our Home DIY short courses in Sydney!

Kintsugi is century-old Japanese craftwork where broken ceramic objects are pieced back together using lacquer and gold dust, based on the philosophy of Wabi Sabi: finding beauty in imperfection.

The process transforms much-loved, broken items into beautifully crafted, new pieces of art. It is a chance to live in a more sustainable way and to rescue objects which would otherwise be discarded.

In this relaxed workshop, you will learn the introductory technique of “Art Kintsugi” mending by following 7 essential steps using modern accessible materials and bringing home a piece of your own Kintsugi art.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Art Kintsugi course, you should be able to:

• Achieve basic fundamental skill to repair damaged ceramic pieces using Art Kintsugi method, with epoxy glue, putty
• Decorate the repaired piece by applying Art Makie technique using lacquer and gold metal powder
• Understand the essential 7 steps of Art Kintsugi method
• Know the different types of Kintsugi repair – traditional and modern method
• Bring home a piece of your own Kintsugi art
• Understand the sustainable way to rescue damaged objects which otherwise be discarded
• Source materials for future projects

Course content

What will be covered in this Art Kintsugi Introductory workshop?

• 3.5 hours hands-on tuition
• A brief history of traditional Kintsugi
• Comparison between the traditional slow method and new techniques
• Sourcing materials for future projects
• Structure and importance of 7 essential steps
• How to adopt the 7 steps for more complex repair (case by case)
• How to incorporate art and design into the repair process to create your original piece of Kintsugi art.
• Purpose and safety information of tools and materials
• About food safety and materials. (Australian food safety guide)

Course materials

All materials are included in the Art Kintsugi Introductory workshop:

• A small broken dish for repair
• Tool kit and material to use in class
• Facial masks and gloves
• Printed information/instruction sheet

Please note: A suitable broken dish is provided in the class. Please do not bring your own items to repair in the class. If you have a damaged item which you wish to repair, your tutor is happy to have a short consultation with you after the class.

What to bring to class

• An apron or comfortable clothes that can get a little dusty
• Spectacles if you normally wear them
• Hair tie or hair band for long hair

Additional information

Please note the following:

• This class is not recommended when pregnant
• Please be advised that the finishing time can be pushed a little behind. 
• We won’t commence the class till everyone has arrived. Late arrival to join the workshop will not be possible.
• We will not be using pure gold (24k gold) in the workshop. Materials we use include epoxy, gum turpentine, lacquer, and metal powder. 
• We will be using epoxy glues and other materials that may irritate your skin. Disposable gloves will be provided.
• It is essential (or advisable) not to have any hand injuries to carry on the Art Kintsugi process.