Indigo, Hemp & Hmong Crafts

Service Description

A hands-on cultural workshop where you'll learn traditional Hmong batik, natural indigo dyeing and embroidery techniques, passed down and taught by hand. QUICK INFORMATION Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes Group Size: 1-6 guests Meeting Point: Ta Van Village, Sa Pa Difficulty: Easy - no experience needed ITINERARY We start around 9:30am with batik: you'll be given two pieces of cloth, one where you'll draw traditional Hmong symbols in hot wax using a bamboo tool, and one where you're free to create your own design. Next comes natural indigo dyeing - the cloth is dipped in a prepared dye vat, resting between dips, with repeated dipping deepening the colour. The wax is boiled out afterward, so your finished pieces will be ready the next morning at the earliest (sometimes 2-3 days later); if you're not staying at the homestay, I'll send your finished pieces to your address in Sa Pa. We break for a home-cooked, family-style lunch from around 12-1:30pm. In the afternoon, you'll learn Hmong embroidery, given a piece of cloth and step-by-step instruction to embroider a bracelet, finishing around 4pm. No prior experience with batik or embroidery is needed - I'll guide you through every step. WHAT'S INCLUDED - English-speaking local guide - Craft workshop - All workshop materials - Lunch - Water - Transfer back WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Additional drinks - Tips (optional)