Journey with Tea + Botanical Dyeing Chabu

“We do not easily grasp the point that the void is creative, and that being comes from nonbeing as a sound from silence and light from space." - Alan Watts

Come and enjoy nonbeing in the void with us, followed by creation.

Top Hat Supply for Journeys is honored to welcome a local tea server whose practice is rooted in presence, devotion, and deep attunement to the spirit of tea. They will guide us into stillness—a quiet sanctuary where the tea ceremony becomes a portal to deep listening and communion with the creative spirit. As the leaves unfurl and the water comes to a boil, we slow down and attune ourselves to the messages carried through silence and shared presence. In this space, held with reverence and intention, each sip becomes a moment of clarity, a gesture of devotion, an opportunity to hear what lies beneath the surface of thought. In this softened state, tea becomes a companion to the creative process—quietly dissolving resistance and inviting inspiration to flow freely.

Following tea we will be guided by Michelle Polizzi to botanically dye a linen chabu (茶布), or "tea cloth,". A chabu is a runner that serves as the foundation for the teaware during a tea ceremony – a foundational element of the chaxi (tea stage). It’s color, pattern, and texture help set the tone and atmosphere for the tea ceremony.

Each participant will receive pre-cut linen to dye that they will be able to take home with them to use for their chaxi, table or alter.

Please plan to arrive by 8:50 to settle in. We will begin promptly at 9:00am. No knowledge or experience with tea or dyeing is necessary. This is a creative sanctuary and we hold space for people to just enjoy themselves and be playful in trying something new.Top Hat Supply for Journeys is an experimental art studio and nonprofit seeking to reconnect people with the creative spirit. We believe when we strengthen the creative in ourselves we create a world with more possibility for beauty and connection.

Also check out other Arts events in Boulder.