Kintsugi (金継ぎ, gold joinery) is the Japanese craft of repairing ceramics. Fractures are no longer weak points, but beautiful elements. Mended breakages are celebrated with gold instead of being hidden. This philosophy is often taught as embracing imperfections in our life, the beauty of human flaws. While the traditional method is more challenging and requires precaution with the materials, the “modern” Kintsugi method that will be taught in this class uses accessible materials and is ideal for beginners. This class will be an introduction to the art of Kintsugi.
What to expect
All supplies will be provided for you, including a broken ceramic bowl. You are also welcome to bring a couple of damaged ceramics from home. The material must be ceramic or porcelain. No glass or wood. A damaged family heirloom or items that are broken into numerous pieces would be challenging to attempt for the first time. Instead, bring something easier.
Items must be glazed, cracks must be within 4 pieces and chips must be within 1/2 inches. Items' original size must be within 10 inches. The larger, the more difficult. As the materials for the repair are not food safe, repaired items are displays.
Bring a cardboard box or something similar that will allow you to carry your items home without touching the repaired parts.
The Setting
The workshop will take place in our newly renovated barn studio space, full of natural light and located right off the flower garden and farm stand. Take time before or after class to explore the farm, the beaches, forests, and wildlife that Lummi Island offers.
The morning before class we’ll serve our delicious farmhouse pastries, coffee, and tea to get you ready for a creative day ahead.
Emi Joyce Biography
Emi Joyce, formerly a full-time bench jeweler and apparel designer, is currently a kintsugi restorer and instructor, repairing a hundred of broken ceramics at home and regularly teaching kintsugi in Portland, Oregon. She is also a natural dyer, dyeing fabrics with local plants and plants which she grows in her garden. You can learn more about her kintsugi work via Instagram, @modernkintsugirepairpdx
Plan Your Trip
August can be a busy time of the year on Lummi Island, so we encourage you to book overnight accommodations as soon as possible. We recommend staying on Lummi in one of the many vacation rentals offered. Take a look at Stay & Sea (20% discount code is FULLBLOOM), RecRetreats, Lummi Island Vacations, Airbnb or VRBO.
The ferry schedule and directions to the farm are found here for your reference