Teachers Class, open only to students who have attended Phase X class at the Center, represents the embroiderer’s attainment to teacher level. Many of JEC’s finest students have gone on to become outstanding teachers of Japanese Embroidery. During this class new pieces are introduced and meetings of teachers are called.
Important Information for Teachers
Teachers Class 2021 (Online course) Oct 18-21 2021 (With additional stitching day on Oct 22)
One of the most important aspects of Japanese embroidery for teachers is to know about the background of Japanese embroidery beyond the techniques. Therefore, in the upcoming Teachers’ Class, we would like to focus on history, symbolism, color schemes, color dye, gold leaf, as well as how Japanese embroidery has evolved to its current form. We are also incorporating the content of Kurenai-Kai’s two-year teacher’s program with the intention of matching the Kurenai-Kai standards.
To unravel the mystery of color scheming, we are considering establishing a viewable slide on LMS so you can use it as a reference when you teach or actually color scheme yourself. For example, what is the pink color number used for cherry blossoms, and what is the difference between that color and the one used for plum blossoms,.
We are also having stitching time during the class, so all advanced stitchers are also welcome to participate.
Here are the options that you can choose.
Option 1: Your own projects (any JEC designs including fractal project) (NEW!)
You may start new pieces or bring your pieces in progress. If you will be able to share your design, we can explain the symbolism and the history behind it.
Option 2: You may bring any Teachers’ Class themes from the past
During the class, we will introduce the next Advanced Class design, which will be part of the Teacher’s Class program in order to explain the history, color scheme, and color dye as well as deepen the understanding and skill provided by Teachers Class.
The images shown for this registration are examples of ancient Japanese embroidery reproductions which will be used during the Teachers’ Class. We look forward to explaining their history and techniques.
Please upload your photo(s) of your design along with the colors so we can possibly share the history of your project during the Teachers class.
Agenda (tentative)
- 1st day – History
- 2nd day – Color scheme.
- 3rd day – Season of life
- 4th day – Advanced class piece
- 5th day – optional stitching day
Below are the instruction and requirements for the NON-LIVE participants
- View and work on each section and tick the check mark (located at right side of the section) when you fully watched and understand the content.
- Upload your image of this year’s themes, OR your own project (refer to course for required photos). If the image is clear enough, you can include multiple techniques in one photo. Please make sure to “Save as” with clear description, for example: Session 1 – 1. Pollen (Nb)
- Finally, take the quiz located at Completion of Quiz. There are questions + 1 section to write about your impression and discoveries throughout this online course.
- Complete the session until the given deadline.
- After you complete all the requirements, you will be issued with digital certification.
2020 Teachers Class Online Course
I sincerely hope you are doing well in spite of this unprecedented time. The first official online course, “Bevy of Beauties summer workshop” was held last July due to the situation with COVID-19. We were very much enjoyed having the one and only talents of 45 stitchers around the globe and thrilled to be able to collaborate for this project via Zoom. We felt the hope for the future.
In the next coming classes in October will be the Teachers class and Phase X and will be held online as well, which means you can take the course from your home connected via Zoom. We will be using our new platform www.nuido.com/lms as we used in Bevy of Beauties class! Please note that if you are auditing for Phase X, the material will be limited. Please click the links or buttons below for details as they are ready for the registration. Please use the same login and password as you use at jecstore.com. If it is not working please don’t hesitate to reset the password from here. If you have already had an account at the JEC store, your data is already transferred. Please note that nuido.com/shop will be replacing jecstore.com from November 15, 2020 so we kindly ask you to start submitting orders from nuido.com/shop (It’s still beta, please report any issues!)
Online Teachers Class from JEC- Oct 19-22 2020 (With additional stitching day on Oct 23)
Online Phase X Class at JEC 2020 (October 13 – 17)
Projects for Teachers Class:
At JEC, we have been deepening, rationality, sensitivity, and spirituality through our practice. This year’s main themes for teachers’ class will be “Three pillars of Nuido” designs. This design is highly recommended by us and it is created under the friendship between Kurenai-kai and JEC, and we would like the teachers to experience how we can create a dimensional effect using different techniques, colors, weights, and textures.
Uchikake gold fabric with gold leaf
We are also introducing new fabric – Special nishijin silver 3D mirror fabric! It has been a great experience to stitch this first version at the Kurenai-kai workshop with other colleagues.
Also, we will cover 0119 First Outing since we are having participants who missed Japan Trip’s teacher class.
Here are the stitching piece options
Here are the options of embroidery pieces you may select for the class:
Option 1: Main theme
You can choose from the designs listed above.
Option 2: You may bring any Teachers Class themes in the past.
Option 3: Your own projects (any JEC designs) (NEW!)
You may start new pieces or work on your pieces in progress. We recommend the design that includes one of each technique: Weft layer, Vertical layer, Horizontal layer, Fuzzy effect so we can actually practice during the class.
Because this class will be offered via Zoom, we may ask you to upload the image for further instruction.
We look forward to having as many teachers and advanced stitchers as possible from all over the world!
2019 Teachers Class
Distilled into the most basic of the art’s techniques, this “0119 First Outing” was designed to be more appealing and less intimidating for beginners of Japanese embroidery. We wish to welcome new stitchers, and “praise” their new journey entering the path of Japanese embroidery. Basic techniques, such as Weft, Vertical, Horizontal, Diagonal, and Separated layers will be taught. Also, several novel effects, such as Knots technique, will be covered to add expressions. The participant has an option to proceed to intermediate level stitching on other areas of the same design if he/she has finished early and wishes to take on a further challenge.
The essence of Nuido, the way of embroidery, will be explained during the class via Power Point Presentation. Some stitching movies will be shown for better understandings.
*The word Nuido is made up of two parts; Nui, or embroidery (also shishu), and Do, the way of Nui, refers to the acquisition of technical skills and knowledge. Do refers to the development, and constant discovery, of the spiritual components of the art of Nuido. Nuido has three aspects: the acquisition of technical skills and knowledge (rationality), the development of artistic sensitivity and awareness (sensitivity), and understanding of the spiritual aspects of shishu (spirituality), resulting in a state of peace, calm, and harmony.
2018 Teachers Class
Introducing New Phase 8 – “Kemari”
The new design is inspired by a black, formal kimono, named “Spring of Kemari”, which was created a long time ago by Master Iwao Saito. Kemari is a ball game that was popular in Japan during the Heian Period. The ball or footbag is considered an elegant motif, which is used for kimono and obi. You might find it is interesting to see kemari among other formal motifs such as cypress fans, drums, noble carts, phoenix, cranes, etc. We will reveal the history behind the kemari this fall.
Fuzzy effect is applied on many varieties of designs, and we would like to explain its character, the basic techniques, as well as its creative aspects. We will also display kimono and obi examples that were stitched in the past.
The designs will be offered on Crepe fabric.
Stitching piece options
Here are the options of embroidery pieces you may select for the class:
Option 1: Phase 8
You can choose from designs listed above.
Option 2: Fractal Project
You may start new pieces or bring your pieces in progress.
Option 3: A project from previous 3 themes
You may bring previous Teachers Class theme.
In order for the teachers to concentrate on teaching in the class, any other pieces are not permitted in the class. We appreciate your understanding.
We look forward to having teachers and advanced stitchers from all over the world!
2017 Teachers Class
Introducing New Phase 7 – “Flower Princess” & “Nightingale Bouquet”
The two new phase 7 designs will be introduced at the Teachers Class 2017. Phase 7 teaches Realistic Effects with random long and short technique, alternating long and short technique and angular curve technique. There will also be work in various padding techniques including padding couched and padding stitched. We are sure you will enjoy the collaboration of embroidery and dye and how the contrast makes such difference. The importance of Nuido takes place when it comes to express with realistic effect techniques as it requires stable concentration and vision as to how you want to proceed. We would like to go over above issues one by one. There will be two designs offered.
710 Flower Princess
The first design, “Flower Princess,” modifies a hibiscus inspired by the work of Li Di, a court painter in the Southern Song Dynasty of China. This design offers the opportunity to create a dimensional effect through a combination of padding, color change with silk, and allowing the fabric color to show.
711 Nightingale Bouquet
The second choice will be “Nightingale Bouquet.” In this case the source of the design elements is one of the woodblock prints of Imao Keinen. The design is known as Pekin (Peking) Robin and Peonies. The flower and birds again allow the stitcher to use dimensional effects to enhance the colored design.
The designs will be offered on monmuji or uchikake gold. Both designs are with color.
*Embroidery is applied only on 710 Flower Princess. Please click the pictures for more details.
** All background dye and motif color are applied at JEC.
Stitching piece options
Here are the options of embroidery pieces you may select for the class:
Option 1: Phase 7
You can choose from designs listed above. (710 Flower Princess or 711 Nightingale Bouquet)
Option 2: Fractal Project
You may start new pieces or bring your pieces in progress.
Option 3: A project from previous 3 years
You may bring previous Teachers Class theme.
In order for the teachers to concentrate on teaching in the class, any other pieces are not permitted in the class. We appreciate your understanding.
We look forward to having teachers and advanced stitchers from all over the world!
Teachers Class 2016 Preview
Introducing New Phase 5 and 6 Combine – Tagasode
The new phase added to our curriculum is the combined Phase 5 & 6 which we will be focusing on Braided cord technique, Holding technique and Line technique. This new curriculum will cover both Phase 5 & 6 just like 0301 Sensu which covers Phase 2 & 3.
For this year’s theme, Tagasode “Whose Sleeves?,” The idea behind this unusual choice of subject lies in an ancient classical poem that describes how a person’s fragrance and belongings — the lingering scent from an incense burner and the designs on kimono — can be evocative of their owner’s personality. There are many embroidered byōbu folding screens created by Iwao Saito and Shuji Tamura which portray a tradition of kimono being used as decorative items in a room. Since a stitcher is in the intermediate level, we would like to recommend this traditional yet creative project.
The viewer is invited to speculate over who owns these gorgeous robes. Tagasode omits human figures and represent only the robes, personal accessories, and furniture of the owners. Teachers and your students are invited to create original kimono design from several choices of color dye, real tie dye applique fabrics, gold leaf etc. Silk color schemes for different color dye etc are also be discussed in the class.
*Embroidery is not applied on image yet.
*The picture contains real tie-dye applique and gold leaf which are optional.
Example of Applique fabrics (real tie dye):
Further details of the fabric will be announced later. If you wish to study the design elements and choose from various design sources and traditional color dye for this project, please register for Summer Design class which you can see the details below.
Introducing Teaching Tips for Braided Cords, Holding, and Line Techniques with Essence of Tagasode
Each of us have different experiences teaching Japanese embroidery to our students. In the class, we will provide with teaching tips and share the essence of this theme:
- The Essence and history of Tagasode (Whose Sleeve?)
- The History and development of Braided cord techniques and Holding techniques during the course of several hundred years.
- Tips such as how to determine the stitch angle of braided cords, distance and angle of short stitch holding, length of stitch and angle of Line of staggered, etc. will be introduced.
- We also welcome any questions/topics from the participants for discussion and demonstration, so that we may address your problems by the time you leave the class! Please submit from here.
Stitching piece options
Here are the options of embroidery pieces you may select for the class:
Option 1: Phase 5 & 6 Tagasode
You can choose from designs listed above.
Option 2: Fractal Project
You may start new pieces or bring your pieces in progress.
Option 3: A project from previous 3 years
You may bring previous Teachers Class theme.
In order for the teachers to concentrate on teaching in the class, any other pieces are not permitted in the class. We appreciate your understanding.
We look forward to having teachers and advanced stitchers from all over the world!
Teachers Class 2015 Preview
Atlanta USA at JEC- Oct 26-29 2015 (With additional stitching day on Oct 30)
1. Introducing New Phase 4 – Genjiko
As for Teachers Class in Atlanta, USA will be held on Oct 26 – 29 (Optional stitching day on 30th). The theme will be focused on Couching Techniques. Also, this design will be added to our phase 4 curriculum which will become available from/after 2015 Teachers Class.
We will be using the motif taken from Genjiko, an old game of enjoying incense developed during Heian period. The characters or Genji-mon which is used in the design symbolized the combinations of the fragrances. Also, it is a part of Kōdō (香道, “The Way of Fragrance”), which is not about contests but simply to enjoy the fragrances and reawaken our sense of smell. The idea of all of these incense games is to enjoy the process of “listening” to each fragrant wood. Genjiko characters are often used for obi and kimonos because of its high artistic quality. You have several choices of different color dye as below.
Design dimensions: L9″ x W14″ (Wider design to fit Uchikake fabric)
Fabric length: 17″
Recommended Fabric: Uchikake – Gold – Dyed – With Color
 | ||
0420 GenjikoFabric Color: Purple | 0420 GenjikoFabric Color: Orange | 0420 GenjikoFabric color: Blue TC# 524 (Bright Blue) |
Design dimensions: L12″ x W12″ (Narrower design to fit Shioze and Nishijin Gold/Silver fabric)
Fabric length: 15″
Recommended Fabric: Shioze – Dyed – With Color
 |  |  |
0421 Genjiko (Modified Design)Fabric Color: Purple | 0421 Genjiko (Modified Design)Fabric Color: Orange TC# 207 (Orange) | 0421 Genjiko (Modified Design)Fabric color: Blue TC# 524 (Bright Blue) |
2. Introducing Teaching Tips for Couching Techniques and Essence of Genjiko
Each of us have different experiences teaching Japanese embroidery to our students. In the class, we will provide with teaching tips and share the essence of this theme:
- The Essence and history of Genjiko.
- The History and development of couching techniques during the course of several hundred years.
- Color scheme: How and why are certain colors and metallic threads are chosen? How can we choose colors appropriately for ourselves and students?
- Tips for couching techniques will be introduced such as a way to achieve maximum shine on gold/silver and create sharp corners
- Tips for choosing couching threads (colors, thicknesses, twist etc). As we have so many kinds of metallic threads, we will review and share several tips.
- We also welcome any questions/topics from the participants for discussion and demonstration, so that we may address your problems by the time you leave the class!
Stitching piece options
Here are the options of embroidery pieces you may select for the class:
Option 1: Phase 4 Genjiko
You can choose from designs listed above.
Option 2: Fractal Project
You may start new pieces or bring your pieces in progress.
Option 3: A project from previous 3 years
You may bring previous Teachers Class theme.
In order for the teachers to concentrate on teaching in the class, any other pieces are not permitted in the class. We appreciate your understanding.
We look forward to having teachers and advanced stitchers from all over the world!
Click Here for Class Registration
Teachers Class 2014 Preview
Atlanta USA at JEC- Oct 27-30 2014 (With additional stitching day on Oct 31)
Click Here for Class Registration
Cambridge, United Kingdom at Kaetsu Centre– June 18 – 21, 2015
20*******@ja****************.com">Contact us for Registration
We would like to welcome those who have previously taken Phase X to our Teachers Class. There are three themes to the class this time as below:
1. Introducing New Phase 2 Celebratory Dancing
JEC has come up with a new Noshi design, Celebratory Dancing, for our new Phase 2 after many teachers and students had requested a new design. The special dye is incorporated inside each strip of Noshi, which provides a “complete“ look and rich taste. We hope the teachers will tackle this new phase 2 design in the class as a sample, using their current training and polished skill for their own students!
0105 Bouquet from the Heart of JapanDesign dimensions: L10″ x W12″ Recommended fabric: Habutae – Dyed – With Color | 0203 SuehiroDesign dimensions: L8″ x W10″ Recommended fabric: Kimono – White – With Color Recommended fabric length: 15″ | 0210 Celebratory Dance With ColorDesign dimensions: L11″ x W11″ Recommended fabric: Kimono – White – With Color Recommended fabric length:15″ |
Click on the title above to see the kit details on JEC Store
2. Introducing pieces for Taste of JE
JEC has been striving to spread Japanese embroidery to as many people as possible all over the world. We have created four different simple and “doable” designs to recruit many students. Tonie Evans shares her experience in this journal (see pages 11-13). We hope new students will get to “taste” the joy of JE.
3. Introducing Teaching Tips and Essence
We each have different experiences teaching Japanese embroidery to our students. In the class, we will provide teaching tips and share the essence. The examples are as follows:
- Color scheme: How and why are certain colors are chosen for each design? How can we choose colors appropriately?
- Twisting: What is regular, soft, or tight twist? How do we use them for foundation, flower, tree, etc?
- Right and left diagonals: How can we understand and teach the theory more clearly for our students?
- Koma work: What is the best way to use koma to achieve shine on gold/silver and sharp corners?
- Embroidery theory: What are the reasons certain rules are provided for JE? For example, why do we keep the right hand on top and left hand below the frame?
- We also welcome any questions/topics from the participants for discussion and demonstration, so that we may address your problems by the time you leave the class!
Stitching piece options
Here are the options of embroidery pieces you may select for the class:
Option 1: New Phase 2 Celebratory Dancing (Noshi) with color
You may also select other basic phase pieces such as Phase 1 Bouquet from the Heart of Japan with color, Phase 2 Suehiro with color.
Option 2: Fractal Project
You may start new pieces or bring your pieces in progress.
Option 3: Project in progress from last year’s Teachers Class
You may bring poem paper of fan designs which you began in Teachers Class 2013 (last year).
In order for the teachers to concentrate on teaching in the class, any other pieces are not permitted in the class. We appreciate your understanding.
We look forward to having teachers and advanced stitchers from all over the world!
Click Here for Class Registration
Teachers Class 2013 Preview
Another New Challenge Will Begin
Teachers Class this year will take place at the Japanese Embroidery Center in Atlanta from October 28 through 31, 2013. We can say that numerous types of teaching have been used in this class for the past 20 years. This year’s teachers class will be no different.
Different Choices for the Teachers Class
As Mr. Shuji Tamura introduced in Winter 2013 issue of Nuido journal, in Teachers Class this year, we will attempt to create designs, going beyond technique and color selections. It is the next step toward a new stage of skills, based on the quality of the techniques we have learned to this point. JEC workshop members have come up with the curriculum for the class. All five different designs introduced here are available for all participants.
Here are the ideas for this year’s Teachers Class:
Option 1: Work on Pre-existing Design
For those who are not yet ready to create designs, there will be JEC pieces available. They can then begin with technique selections, color scheme, and then stitching. You may only need to attend four days of class (October 28 through 31).
Option 2: Start with Designing Process
For those who would like to try their own designs, they may come a day early, October 27, and start that designing process.
As a first step, JEC will transfer the main design in advance, so you can add simple guidelines for poem papers or Jigami (fan paper), while selecting and combining various geometrical effects and designs using running stitch.
We have been including around 200 geometrical motifs and practice designs through Kurenai and Nuido journals over the years. While also using the design catalog and numerous publications as reference, we encourage you to expand your dream by thinking of motifs you would like to create and by attending this fresh new class.
As for the geometrical effects, you do not need to stay within Japanese traditional ones. There are numerous members who brought in traditional geometrical motifs from their own countries which made the designs “Universal.” Please start researching and bring the ones which speak to your heart! Please consider making your design unique to the world!
We look forward to the time when one-of-a-kind pieces will be created by each participant of the Teachers Class!
| Fan and Jigami Design: For those who chose option 2, you may add designs within the Jigami (paper fan) design (top right), or add another Jigami beside the existing ones. For Musical Fans (bottom left), you may add designs inside the foreground fan. For those who chose option 1, you may use the following two designs as they are. (Click to see enlarged image) | |
Musical Fans | Jigami: Grape and Wisteria |
| Poem Paper Designs: Each participant may choose a design from the three poem papers below. For those who wish to create their own designs, they may simply add the poem paper guidelines behind the preexisting design. Please attend all 5 days. For those who are not ready for designing, please choose one of the fi ve designs and use them as shown. There will be no designing option available. (Click to see enlarged image) | |
Poem Paper: Iris | Poem Paper: Maple with Fan |
Poem Paper: Cherry with Flow | |
To reserve your seat, please 20****@ja****************.com">contact JEC
2012 Teachers Class (November 5 – 8, 2012)
Cultivating Color Sense for Each Season
During this teachers class, we are planning to prepare several different designs that represent each of the four seasons. The participants will select their preferred design, and spend time under Mr. Shuji Tamura’s supervision and select the color schemes which are suitable for each season. It has been interesting to see how surprising it is for many students to listen to the meanings and feelings of each color. For example: how are greens used in spring and autumn, and why are they very different? What are male colors and female colors? What is the appropriate pink used for plum and cherry, and why? etc.
Each design contains a spiritual meaning behind it, and as always, we do not only focus on creating beautiful pieces but how to cultivate our souls in the process of creation. That is, we often encounter many feelings such as fear, laziness, frustration, pride, etc during this process. However, it is our challenge to overcome those feelings and, that our improved hearts will surely be revealed in our works which then touch other people’s hearts (Spirituality).
We hope to challenge ourselves in the new world, thereby deepening our path to Nuido.
To apply for the class, please fill out application below. Prerequisite: Phase X
The New Designs for Teachers Class | |
Flower Among Trunk – Spring (line design with color dye) | Seasonal Flower – Summer (line design with color dye) |
Flow of Autumn (line design with color dye) | Potential (line design with color dye) |
Class Application Forms for Teachers Class
E-MAIL FRIENDLY
JEC Class Application Form for 2012 Teachers Class–Updated 9/2012
PRINTOUT-FRIENDLY (regular mail)
JEC Class Application Form for 2012 Teachers Class–Updated 9/2012
2011 Teachers Class
“Kyakurai”
November 7-10
Our annual teachers class is approaching and the JEC Workshop is offering four designs – one for each season that were created on the concept of kyakurai, which translates “to return to the original place after reaching a certain stage.” It is one of the famous steps that the Noh dancing master, Zeami, incorporated in his teaching that eventually brought Sarugaku to the higher level of Noh. It teaches us the importance of returning to the basics one more time after reaching a certain level.
Each of the four pieces incorporates basic techniques; however, we want all the teachers and advanced stitchers to now challenge themselves to achieve a true high quality of stitching. We know that reaching Phase X level or becoming a teacher is not the end of our learning experience. This surely will take you to the next level.
Out of four designs that are being offered, JEC workshop is close to completing two new pieces, Snow Nandina for winter, and Moonlight for Summer.
| Snow Nandina (design and color dye only) | The stitched pieces Moonlight (design and color dye only) |
The stitched pieces Moonlight (design and color dye only) Snow Nandina (design and color dye only) 13 will be introduced through the JEC website in August and will be in the Fall issue of Nuido Journal. The images shown on page 12 are the two new designs with color dye WITHOUT stitching. I hope you enjoy the preview of them and be looking out for the stitched version soon!
Two pieces at the bottom, Flow in Spring and Autumn Poem, which were introduced in last issue of Nuido Journal are expressing spring and autumn seasons to complete four seasons. Please contact 20****@ja****************.com">JEC office to obtain class registration. Prerequisite: Phase X graduates. We look forward to seeing you in the class!
| Flow in Spring | Autumn Poem |