Block Print & Sashiko - Māya x Keiko
Schedule
Sun, 05 Oct, 2025 at 11:00 am to Sun, 19 Oct, 2025 at 04:00 pm
UTC+02:00Location
Atelier Māya - Block Printing Berlin | Berlin, BE
About this Event
BLOCK PRINT AND STITCH:
A Māya x Keiko Experience
Two heritage crafts. One unforgettable experience.
Discover the harmony of printing and stitching in this one-of-a-kind workshop in our new textile design atelier. We explore traditional woodblock printing techniques and complement our creative explorations with the art of sashiko stitching.
Led by textile researcher and printmaker Lizane and sashiko and textile artist Keiko, you’ll spend a full day exploring two heritage practices in a professional block print and textile atelier.
(This workshop is offered in English and German; we have a German/English translator to guide native speakers during the experience, if needed. This is a structured workshop, but we are keeping the doors open till everyone feels they have completed their work. You can work till we close the doors to our atelier, we know you will find your #flow.)
More about Keiko
Keiko Oboshi was born on December 25, 1978, in Tottori Prefecture, Japan. In 2010, she moved to Germany to study the fundamentals of fine art at the Bremen Art Academy, where she developed skills in drawing and paper cutting. These techniques, which Oboshi loved, would later become a foundation for her artistic expression.
After a short break, Keiko returned to her practice in 2016, sharing a studio with two friends and beginning work in indigo dyeing. While promoting indigo dyeing and offering workshops, she discovered the traditional Japanese craft of sashiko. Fascinated by its depth, she began to incorporate it into her work, developing a fusion of dyeing and stitch.
From 2018 to 2020, she completed a two-year apprenticeship in textile and fashion tailoring, gaining a deep understanding of fabric properties and construction techniques. This knowledge allowed her to create more three-dimensional works and expand the scope of her practice.
Since 2020, Keiko has worked as a freelance artist based in Berlin. She teaches sashiko workshops at MUJI and UNIQLO and regularly offers workshops in Berlin. Her work preserves traditional sashiko techniques while exploring geometric patterns, paper-cut motifs, and modern design elements. Keiko's work blends traditional handcrafting with sophisticated design.
Exploring Print + Stitch
At our new textile Atelier, , we offer experimental eco-craft sessions combining block printing, sustainable design, and textile storytelling.
In this workshop, you’ll:
- Bring your ideas to life on fabric using eco-friendly inks and hand-carved blocks.
- Experiment with pattern, pigment, and texture in a research-driven environment.
- Layer your prints with sashiko, adding depth and personal expression to each piece.
"This has completely taken me by surprise – in every regard! Lots of fun, new experiences, a very passionate workshop leader, just great!
" Would love to join again." Reneé
We cross-pollinate techniques, materials, and traditions to create functional art that reflects both heritage craftsmanship and modern design sensibilities.
How we work and what you’ll work with:
- A longer-format, immersive workshop with time to explore both crafts in depth.
- All materials are provided for both printing and stitching.
- A curated collection of hand-carved printing blocks.
- Keiko’s personal collection of sashiko blocks.
- Non-toxic, biodegradable inks mixed in-house.
- A selection of cotton fabrics for test prints.
- Patterns, needles, textile pens, chalk, and thread for sashiko work.
Our “Craft Your Art Collection” of products to print on; products are specific to each workshop, we have something special for everyone.
Our "RE-CREATE" archive of textile surfaces and products to print on; products are specific to each workshop, we have something special for everyone.
(Note: Additional print surfaces are always available, even in shorter workshops, if time allows.)
What you’ll take home:
- A functional or wearable piece of art — choose one print surface from tea towels, maxi tote bags, bandanas, furoshiki, pillowcases and more.
- We have cotton voile, cotton silk and a variety of fabrics you can explore as test prints.
- Your test prints for your #FLOW Collection.
- A deeper understanding of sustainable crafting techniques.
- Confidence to explore eco-friendly art and design independently.
- An invitation to join the Māya Collective — an exclusive online space for workshop alumni.
"I feel very happy and relaxed. I was surprised by how many more ways to design and play with colour, fabric, and design, as well as the different ideas all the participants had." Magdalena
“I felt FREE of stress & I began having new ideas, because I did not feel like ‘I have’ to come with ideas, it was complete Freedom!” Claudia
Why would you 💙 our workshops?
- Exclusive access to materials and methods that reflect centuries of craftsmanship.
- Eco-conscious design principles at every stage of the exploration
- Artist-led guidance in a small group (max 8 participants).
- A finished, handcrafted piece you’ll value and use or guidance to continue.
We know you’ll leave not just with your work, but with a renewed sense of creative possibility and a lot of inspiration.
"The combination is amazing” Anja
“Relaxed. I learnt that I can do manual work and I appreciated the patience that this work can teach me” Laura
“Wonderful workshop! Time passed very fast I knew nothing about sashiko, it felt nice to try it” Olena
Our strength is in experience design:
– Small group size (up to 8 participants) for individual instruction.
– Each participant works on their own 1 m × 1 m square space.
– You work and create in a professional print studio and research lab.
– Water, tea, and coffee with milk, plus almond milk, for self-service.
– A collection of books on block printing, African textiles, and Indian textiles for inspiration.
– A growing print archive of design and sample books for inspiration.
Māya Block Print Berlin Vox Pop:
You asked, we listened. We added a second date this October. 🍃
What our participants had to say.
"Making ‘mistakes’ is the best that can happen. Don’t try to think too much about the result – it comes out totally different!" I would love to have a workshop longer than 5 hours." Mashal
"So much fun, definitely want to come back to do another workshop with you! I realised that ‘errors’ can turn into something beautiful and special" Juliane
“It was great, I had a lot of fun, and some more knowledge about sashiko” Ulrike
From the hands of a printer, the heart of a storyteller
"Every print we make tells a story!"
“Each Block Print & Stitch experience reminds us why our work matters. With access to the same blocks, inks, and textiles, every participant creates something unique. The experience is always a reflection of creativity, curiosity, and care.
At Māya, we create with intention, honour traditional craft, and welcome those who value sustainability, creativity, and integrity. If our values resonate with you, we’d love to welcome you behind one of our print tables.”
Lizane Louw
Founder and Creative Director, Māya.
Explore cultural storytelling through sustainable textiles.
Agenda
🕑: 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Block Print Exploration: Eco-friendly inks on fabric
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Lunch break: The pause between the notes
🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Sashiko Exploration: Craft your Art
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Block Shop and Craft: Your time to explore our blocks, inks and textiles
Where is it happening?
Atelier Māya - Block Printing Berlin, Genslerstraße 13A, Berlin, GermanyEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
EUR 79.00
