Block Print & Sashiko - Māya x Keiko

Two heritage crafts. One unforgettable experience.

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.)

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.

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.

We cross-pollinate techniques, materials, and traditions to create functional art that reflects both heritage craftsmanship and modern design sensibilities.

- 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.)

- 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.

- 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.

– 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.

Lizane Louw

Founder and Creative Director, Māya.

Also check out other Arts events in Berlin, Workshops in Berlin, Fine Arts events in Berlin.