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Waitlist – Boxmaking using Vintage Japanese Paper
Join guest artist Tatsuhiko Niijima to craft boxes from vintage Japanese paper, exploring the meeting of old materials and modern design.
What you’ll do
In partnership with Amu Arts, the Sonoma Community Center is pleased to offer three special workshops on February 14th, given by guest artists visiting from Japan. Register for more than one workshop and receive a 10% discount. Sign up for all three to make it a full day experience at 20% off!
This workshop focuses on making boxes using vintage Japanese colored paper. Both the size and construction method of the boxes are carefully designed to minimize paper waste. The core structure of each box is created using a contemporary bookbinding technique known as the V-cut, which allows the corners to be exceptionally sharp and beautifully finished. We hope you will discover a unique charm in these boxes, which combine old materials with new techniques–offering a character different from that of brand-new boxes.
Each set consists of a box base and a matching lid. You may choose from three available sizes, as well as your preferred colored paper from approximately ten different varieties of vintage Japanese paper. During the workshop, you will assemble pre-cut core components and use a traditional Japanese brush to apply paste and carefully mount the colored paper onto the surface of the box.
This workshop is recommended for individuals with an interest in vintage objects, traditional materials, and Japanese tools. It is suitable for participants aged 13 and over, as the process involves delicate work with thin paper and requires careful handling.
Membership has its benefits
All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.
About your Instructor
Tatsuhiko Niijima
Tatsuhiko Niijima is a bookbinder and the production team leader at Shinohara Shiko Ltd., a bookbinding company in Japan. He views bookbinding as the act of imbuing paper with a story and shaping it into a physical form. Rather than separating his professional work for the company from his personal practice, he continuously creates books by allowing the two to inform and enrich one another.
Class FAQ
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 (minus the payment processing and services 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.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines 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 [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
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 [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
Waitlist – Boxmaking using Vintage Japanese Paper
Join guest artist Tatsuhiko Niijima to craft boxes from vintage Japanese paper, exploring the meeting of old materials and modern design.
Schedule
Saturday, February 14, 2026
2:00 PM -5:00 PM
Experience Level
All-Levels, Beginning, Intermediate and AdvancedAge(s)
13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18-over$100 – Registration Cost
$15 – Materials Fee
$115 – Total Registration Cost
