About the class

Learn to sew this packable bag that is created by sewing three squares together in a particular order. It’s fast and easy, packable, and a great way to use up fabric scraps! People call them origami bags or bento bags but the actual name is azuma bag. Once you learn the secret to making them you’ll want to sew a variety of different sizes.

An azuma bukuro is a Japanese bag that originated during the Edo period (1603-1867). The name comes from the word “azuma” which means “east” and refers to Edo (present-day Tokyo) as seen from Kyoto. “Bukuro” translates as “bag.” The bag is made by sewing together scraps of fabric, and is inspired by the Japanese tradition of wrapping items with cloth.

All materials provided. Minimal sewing machine experience required.

Are you an SCC Member? All Memberships(Excluding the $50/year tier) receive 10% off any purchase above $40. You should have received your discount code in your membership confirmation email.

If you have any questions regarding the use of your code, you can contact Sean Baskin at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org or call the office at (707)938-4626.

Not a member? View more information about our monthly and yearly plans here.

The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.

About the instructor

Nao Kobayashi

Instructor / Artist

Nao Kobayashi designs and fabricates puppets and costumes for TV, film and art related services.
Originally from Japan and recently at Images in Motion Inc. in Sonoma, California, she has worked on
various projects with dance and theater productions, fashion and entertainment companies, museums and institutes over 15 years. She also explores interdisciplinary art projects with independent artists, musicians, improvisers and performers, with her somatic understanding through martial arts including Shintaido, butoh and improvisation. She keeps expanding ideas to cross borders and nurture culture with creative solutions.

www.NaoPuppet.com
www.nunozoo.com

Questions and Answers

What skill level is right for me?

• All Levels
• Welcomes participants from beginning through advanced. Instructor provides a balanced and flexible curriculum suitable for participants with any level of experience.
• Beginning
• Participant has little to no experience with this medium and needs or expects guidance at every step during the class. Participant wants to learn about materials, techniques, and vocabulary of the medium.
• Intermediate
• Participant is comfortable with the medium and expects both guidance and time to work alone with the medium.
• Advanced
• Participant is very confident with all aspects of the medium. Participant is self-motivated; ready to experiment and develop their artistic voice.

Is there a building map so I can find my room ahead of time?

You can click on the images below to expand them.

What is the process for cancelling my registration?

We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class. 

Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee, or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.

Do you pro-rate late additions to classes?

Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org to request a late addition.

I am interested in teaching, where can I find more information?

We are always looking for new instructors. You can find more information about the process here, or fill out the form directly here.

Where can I find your full class policies and guidelines?

You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.

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