workshop Announcement

Natural Indigo Dye Intensive Workshop

By NORABI from Japan

Introduction

Natural Indigo Experience

Mui invites you to a natural indigo workshop with NORABI from Japan.

Together, we will create a traditional Japanese fermented indigo vat and explore the beauty of indigo dyeing through hands-on practice and a range of design techniques.

Whether this is your first time working with indigo, or you are a professional seeking to refine your skills, this workshop offers a meaningful learning experience for all levels.

Join us for this special opportunity to learn and experience traditional Japanese indigo dyeing.

about Norabi

Indigo Learning Experiences

We offer two workshop formats for different levels of experience and learning—pick the one that fits your interests.

Ferment to Dye

A hands-on, in-depth workshop focused on traditional Japanese fermented indigo dyeing.

Participants will build an indigo vat from scratch and experience indigo dye with seven techniques.

This course is ideal for those who want a deeper understanding of indigo and sustainable textile-making.

learn more

Learn and Dye

A practical introduction to fermented indigo dyeing, combining clear explanations of the dyeing process with hands-on workshops.

Learn multiple techniques and create your own indigo-dyed pieces to take home.

This course is ideal for anyone who wants to discover the versatility of indigo, practice different techniques.

learn more

Ferment to Dye Workshop

In this workshop, we will create a traditional Japanese fermented indigo vat together and use it to dye textiles using a variety of design techniques. The goal of this course is to share ancient knowledge and encourage more people to create textiles on their own using sustainable materials.

Participants will learn how to make fermented indigo and take home a wide range of indigo-dyed items.

Date & Schedule

April 18–21, 2026 (4-day workshop)

*5 hours per a day
AM: 10:00-12:00, PM: 13:00-16:00
1 hour break for lunch

Price

€800 (all materials included)

Capacity

6 participants maximum

Location

Mui Flower Design Studio
(Christiaan de Wetstraat 114, 1091NN, Amsterdam)

Covered dyeing techniques

1. Plain dye
2. Shibori dye
3. Itajime shibori dye
4. Stencil dye
5. Tie-dye
6. Gradient dye
7. Yarn dye

Creating items

Tenugui hand towel, kinchaku pouch, bandana, scarf, yarn, fukuro bag, vase mat, coaster and T-shirt.

Daily Schedule

Daily timetable:
10:00–12:00 & 13:00–16:00

April 18, 2026

Day1 – Introduction & Fermentation

・Introduction
・Preparation of the indigo fermentation
・lye making
・Plain dye(tenugui, pouch)
*Homework assignment: Stencil designing

April 18, 2026

April 19, 2026

Day2 – Conditioning & Dye

・Check indigo condition
・Stencil dye(bandana)
・Gradient dye(scarf)
・Shibori preparation
*Homework assignment: Shibori designing

April 19, 2026

April 20, 2026

Day3 – Conditioning & Dye

・Check indigo condition
・Yarn dye
・Tie-dye(fukuro bag)
・Shibori(vase mat)
・Itajime shibori(coaster)

April 20, 2026

April 21, 2026

Day4 – Final creation day

・Check indigo condition
・Freestyle dye (T-shirts)
・Review and wrap-up

April 21, 2026

Book this Workshop

Learn together the traditional Japanese method of making fermented indigo!

Learn and Dye Workshop

In this course, we offer a structured class that explains the principles of fermented indigo dyeing. Participants will learn how to make fermented indigo with the help of a PDF text guide, followed by hands-on indigo dye workshops using a variety of design techniques.

Participants will gain multiple dyeing skills, learning five techniques per session, and take home a selection of indigo-dyed items.

Date & Schedule

– Session A: April 25 or May 2
– Session B: April 26 or May 3

*5 hours per a day
AM: 10:00-12:00, PM: 13:00-16:00
1 hour break for lunch

Price

One session(One-day workshop): €300
Session A&B Combination package(Two-day workshop): €500

(all materials included)

Capacity

4 participants maximum per one session

Location

Mui Flower Design Studio
(Christiaan de Wetstraat 114, 1091NN, Amsterdam)

Covered dyeing techniques

Session A:
1. Plain dye
2. Stencil dye
3. Gradient dye
4. Tie-dye
5. Dried flower dye

Session B:
1. Yarn dye
2. Shibori dye
3. Tsutsugaki hand-drawn dye
4. Itajime shibori dye
5. Wood dye

Creating items

Session A:
Tenugui hand towel, Bandana, Scarf, Kinchaku pouch, Dried flower

Session B:
Yarn, Tenugui hand towel, Bandana, Scarf, Wooden plate

Daily Schedule

Session A

AM(10:00-12:00)
・Introduction to natural indigo dyeing mechanisms
・Plain dye (Tenugui hand towel)
・Dried flower dye

-Lunch break-

PM (13:00-16:00)
・Stencil dye (Bandana)
・Gradient dye (Scarf)
・Tie-dye (Kinchaku pouch)

Session B

AM(10:00-12:00)
・Introduction to natural indigo dyeing mechanisms
・Yarn dye
・Wood dye

-Lunch break-

PM (13:00-16:00)
・Shibori dye (Tenugui hand towel)
・ Tsutsugaki hand-drawn dye (Bandana)
・Itajime shibori dye (Scarf)

Book this Workshop

Explore a variety of indigo dyeing techniques!

hard to choose?

Compare the Workshops

Workshop Summary

Photo Gallery
from NORABI in Japan

Instructor

Ayaki Shinada

Ayaki Shinada is the founder of NORABI. She is deeply focused on Japanese indigo dyeing and is drawn to its sustainable, circular nature, which connects art, agriculture, biology, and fashion. She studied traditional fermentation techniques—sho-ai and hon-ai—and founded NORABI in 2022.

In 2023, she established her studio in Oamishirasato City, Japan. Today, it serves as a sustainable art hub where people from around the world can gather, learn, and create together.

Her work includes collaborations with Polo Ralph Lauren as well as artists active across various creative fields, reflecting the versatility and contemporary relevance of her practice.

instagram

Spots are limited.
Don’t miss this Special opportunity!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is open to a wide range of participants, from complete beginners to experienced makers and professionals.
It is ideal for those who are curious about natural indigo dyeing, interested in textiles and craftsmanship, or seeking a deeper understanding of sustainable making practices.

Do I need prior experience with indigo dyeing?

No prior experience is required.
The workshop is designed to guide beginners step by step, while also offering depth and insight for those with previous experience. The small group setting allows for individual guidance and questions.

What will I learn in this workshop?

Participants will gain both practical skills and foundational knowledge, including:
・An understanding of traditional Japanese fermented indigo vats
・Hands-on experience with multiple indigo dyeing techniques
・The ability to create and finish indigo-dyed works
・Knowledge that can be applied to future personal or professional projects

How many indigo dyeing techniques will I learn?

Each workshop offers a variety of techniques using different items.
・Ferment to Dye Workshop: Seven techniques
・Learn to Dye Workshop: Five techniques per one session
Please refer to the workshop summary for an easy comparison.

What can I create and take home?

You will create several indigo-dyed items during the workshop, such as textiles, accessories, or samples, depending on the course format.
All pieces are dyed by you and are one of a kind.

What should I bring?

All dyeing materials and tools required for the dyeing process will be provided.
We kindly ask you to bring the following items:

・Clothes you don’t mind getting stained, or an apron
・A towel
・Bags to take home wet materials
・A notebook and a pen
・Lunch and drinks (There will be a one-hour lunch break. Supermarkets and cafés are located nearby.)

What is the homework assignment for the Ferment to Dye Workshop?

You will be asked to work on Shibori and Stencil designs at home.
The content depends on the design you would like to create, but the homework is expected to take approximately one hour.

What kind of indigo and materials are used?

We use natural indigo and traditional fermentation methods, without synthetic chemicals.
Textiles and materials are carefully selected with an emphasis on natural fibers and sustainability.

Who is Ayaki Shinada / NORABI?

Ayaki Shinada is a Japanese natural indigo dyer and the founder of NORABI, based in Chiba, Japan. She works with traditional fermented indigo dyeing methods, focusing on sustainability, natural processes, and hands-on learning. Through her practice and workshops, she shares the cultural and ecological values of Japanese indigo dyeing with a contemporary perspective.

How many participants will join the workshop?

To ensure a focused and supportive learning environment, each workshop is limited to a small number of participants. This allows for close guidance and meaningful interaction throughout the course.

What language will the workshop be conducted in?

The workshop will be conducted primarily in English. Ayaki Shinada speaks Japanese, English, and Spanish.
The small group setting allows participants to easily ask questions and receive support as needed.

Can I join only part of the workshop?

This workshop is designed for those who wish to gain a deep understanding of indigo dyeing. For this reason, participants are expected to attend the full program of each workshop, and partial participation is not available.

How can I register?

You can sign up directly on the Mui website, from this page.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early to secure your spot!

Where will the workshop take place?

The workshop takes place at Mui Flower Design Studio in Amsterdam.
Address: Christiaan de Wetstraat 114, 1091NN, Amsterdam

Can I come to Mui Studio by car?

Yes, it is possible to reach Mui Studio by car.
Please note that street parking around the studio is paid and limited, as is common in Amsterdam.

For short visits, nearby paid street parking may be available.
For longer stays, we recommend using a hotel with parking or a nearby parking garage or P+R (Park & Ride).

Are there hotels near Mui Studio?

There are a few hotels within walking distance of Mui Studio.
You can also find more options in East Amsterdam, which is well connected by public transport.

Workshop Summary

Course / Date	Ferment to Dye	Learn and Dye
Course / Date	Apr. 18–21 (4 days)	Session A Apr. 25 or May 2	Session B Apr. 26 or May 3
▪︎Workshop contents
Learn natural indigo dyeing mechanisms	✔	✔	✔
Create the raw materials for dyeing	✔
Preparation of the indigo fermentation	✔
Lye making	✔
Conditioning the indigo	✔
▪︎Techniques (patterns) used in the process
Dyeing pattern	✔	✔	✔
Plain	✔	✔
Stencil	✔	✔
Gradient	✔	✔
Tie-dye	✔	✔
Yarn	✔		✔
Shibori	✔		✔
Itajime shibori	✔		✔
Freestyle dye (T-shirt)	✔
Tsutsugaki hand-drawn dye			✔
Dried flower dye		✔
Wood dye			✔
Price	€800	€300	€300
Combination package	–	€500
Seats / per session	6	4	4

Contact

If you have any questions about the workshop, feel free to reach out to us.
For detailed information about the workshop, you can contact NORABI directly.

about workshop contents
contact NORABI

welcome@norabi.net

about workshop location
contact Mui

info@muiblossom.com

Workshop Location –
Mui Flower Design Studio

Address

Christiaan de Wetstraat 114, 1091NN, Amsterdam

Natural Indigo Dye Intensive Workshop

Natural Indigo Experience

Indigo Learning Experiences

Ferment to Dye

Learn and Dye

Ferment to Dye Workshop

Daily Schedule

Day1 – Introduction & Fermentation

Day2 – Conditioning & Dye

Day3 – Conditioning & Dye

Day4 – Final creation day

Book this Workshop

Learn and Dye Workshop

Daily Schedule

Session A

Session B

Book this Workshop

Compare the Workshops

Photo Galleryfrom NORABI in Japan

Ayaki Shinada

Spots are limited.Don’t miss this Special opportunity!

Frequently Asked Questions

Workshop Summary

Contact

Workshop Location –Mui Flower Design Studio

Photo Gallery
from NORABI in Japan

Spots are limited.
Don’t miss this Special opportunity!

Workshop Location –
Mui Flower Design Studio