Craft a Garden Buddy using Garden Materials!

Join us for a fun and creative hands-on workshop designed for children, families, and adults and get the chance to explore the beauty of Japanese gardens and their essential elements, such as stone bridges, plants, and water features. 

Participants will design and create their own garden-inspired craft: a miniature creature, doll, or imaginative character using natural and recycled garden materials. This workshop is a wonderful opportunity for families to create together, encouraging parent–child bonding, shared creativity, and intergenerational learning. 

Through this experience, participants will discover how Japanese gardens reflect nature, balance, and harmony, while enjoying a relaxing and imaginative creative activity. 

Materials: Pine Corn, Leaves, Woods, Branches, Rocks, Googly Eyes, Glue, Hot Glue Gun. 

Please note: Parent must be responsible for proper usage of the Hot Glue Gun

About the Instructor: 

Emiri Uchida is the Japanese Outreach Coordinator and a former school teacher from Japan who shares Japanese culture through workshops and community programs. In this workshop, she will introduce the Japanese Garden and the crafts by using Japanese garden’s materials. 

Workshop Includes: 

• Introduction & Garden Exploration – Learn about the natural elements found in Japanese gardens, including pinecones, bamboo, stones, and plants, and discover how these materials help create a sense of harmony and connection with nature. 

• Make something Special – Participants will use pinecones, leaves, twigs, googly eyes, and other craft materials to create their own unique garden-inspired character or doll. 

• Creative Decorating – Add colors, accessories, and personal touches to bring your garden friend to life while exploring creativity and self-expression. 

• Show & Tell– Participants will have the opportunity to present their creations, share the stories behind their characters, and learn about the different ways nature inspires art and imagination. 

• Take Home Your Creation – Bring your handmade garden friend home as a special reminder of Japanese garden traditions and the beauty of the natural world.