Tote-ally Kawaii
paid class series | 2h | every 2 WednesdaysJoin us every two Wednesdays for an enchanting exploration with @folk.lounge, set in Los Angeles’ most inspiring shops. This is more than a skill-building occasion - it’s a playground where adorable cuteness, character design, illustration and embroidery come together with personality and charm.
From expressive faces to textured details, we’ll guide you through creating charming embroidered companions that translate to countless creative projects and infuse your world with delight.
A Celebration of Cheerful Aesthetics and Expressive Stitches
✥✥✥
Transform ordinary canvas into personality-filled art with our class series inspired by Kawaii! A cultural aesthetic that has evolved from 1970s Japan into a global phenomenon influencing fashion, design, and art worldwide. It’s a visual language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, creating instant emotional connections through simplified features, expressive eyes, and a sense of childlike wonder. From smiling succulents to cosmic cats, we’ll experiment with concepts & stitches designs that bring personality and charm to canvas totes.
$275 for 5 or $65 for 1 Registration Options
All workshops require a minimum of 6 registered participants to take place. If minimum registration is not met 48 hours before the scheduled workshop, registered participants will be offered the option to receive a full refund or apply their payment to a future workshop date. To ensure quality instruction and personalized attention, workshops are capped at a maximum of 12 participants. Early registration is recommended as sessions frequently sell out.
5 Classes: $275 (5 sessions, 2.5 hours each)
Best value for those wanting a finished high quality project and multiple designs
FREE bonus tote bag for project practice
Personalized guidance through progressive skill building
Time to learn more advances stitching and techniques
Work on custom projects & fabrics
10% discount on additional materials and future workshops
1 Class: $65 (2.5 hours)
Perfect for those who want to try a single project or have limited schedule availability
All materials included (pre-printed tote, embroidery hoop, needle set, thread selection)
Create one complete Kawaii character design on a natural canvas tote
Take home your finished project plus basic stitch guide
Group Incentives: Help ensure your preferred workshop date happens by bringing friends!
Register with a friend for the full series and each save $25 ($250 each instead of $275)
Register a group of 4 or more for a single workshop and each person saves $5
Organize a private workshop for 8+ participants and receive a free customized tote as the organizer
Schedule
Our five-session series guides you through increasingly sophisticated techniques:
Session 1: Expressive Faces & Basic Forms Master fundamental stitches while learning to create the expressive eyes and simple shapes that give kawaii characters their instant appeal. Complete your first character face with techniques used by illustrators to convey maximum emotion with minimal lines.
Session 2: Texture & Dimension Add personality through texture! Develop techniques for creating fuzzy, fluffy, smooth, or sparkly character elements. Learn how character designers use textural contrast to create visual interest and emotional connection in their work.
Session 3: Color Psychology & Blending Explore how color influences character personality and emotion. Master ombré effects and color transitions that add depth and dimension to your designs. Learn color theory tricks used by professional illustrators to create mood and atmosphere.
Session 4: Character Environments & Scenes Build narrative through environmental elements! Combine multiple characters or objects to create mini-stories on your tote. Learn composition techniques from illustration that create visual flow and engaging character interactions.
Session 5: Personalized Character Design Develop your own character based on kawaii principles! Incorporate lettering, personal symbols, and unique elements that express your creative voice. Learn how professional character designers develop distinctive styles while working within established aesthetic traditions.
Audience
For Beginners
Absolutely no experience necessary! These workshops are specifically designed to make kawaii character creation accessible to complete beginners. All materials are provided, and step-by-step guidance ensures everyone creates something adorable.
For Experienced Embroiderers
If you already enjoy embroidery but want to expand into character design, these workshops offer specialized techniques focused on bringing personality and narrative to your work. The progressive skill building provides new challenges even for those familiar with basic stitches.
For Illustrators & Designers
Explore how your character design skills translate to a textured, tactile medium! Many professional illustrators find that embroidery offers a refreshing alternative to digital work, with constraints that inspire creative problem-solving and results that connect with audiences in unique ways.
Featured Instructor
Workshops led by Shagane Barsegian, founder of Folk Lounge, whose embroidery practice combines traditional techniques with contemporary expression. Her approach emphasizes the joy of creating rather than technical perfection, making these workshops welcoming spaces for creative exploration.
What to Expect
Come & Create: This is a structured workshop series that builds progressive skills while allowing for personal expression and exploration.
Materials Provided: All necessary supplies are included—pre-printed totes, embroidery hoops, needle sets, and a carefully curated selection of embroidery threads in kawaii-perfect colors.
Space & Comfort: Our bright studio creates the perfect environment for detailed work. Comfortable seating, good lighting, and refreshments ensure an enjoyable creative experience.
Experience Level: Absolutely no experience necessary! These workshops are specifically designed for beginners, though more experienced stitchers will enjoy the specific focus on character creation techniques.
Parking & Location: Located in our Folk Lounge studio in Pasadena with plenty of free parking available.
Join Folk Lounge
Explore all of the community happenings in LA & remote. Check out our website, newsletter or Instagram!
“Kawaii is a celebration of hyper-cute fantasy, the theatre of innocence in an increasingly complex world.”
Character Joy
Master expressive simplicity
Transform vulnerability
Celebrate childlike wonder
Create wearable fantasies
Resist adult seriousness
Find beauty in imperfection
Capture your emotions
Play with cute aesthetics
Practice storytelling
Try-on a new subculture
Laugh at silly creatures
Draw with thread
Expand your portfolio
Add more color to life
Urban Sanctuaries
All Levels
For Beginners
All levels and genders are welcome! Just a needle, thread, and fabric square will get you started. First-timers can use our starter kits, and if you already have supplies at home, bring them along for more options. Have extra supplies? Donate them to our community! Check out Remainders, a local reuse shop with free and discounted materials.
For Parents
Bring your loved ones! Make sure they know about the setup so they can bring anything they need for comfort. We’d love to welcome them and hope they’ll join us again.
For Crafters
Bring your favorite supplies and whatever inspires you. For Parents: This event is kid & teen friendly and neurodivergent-inclusive. Parental supervision is required, and many venues have nearby playgrounds to accommodate little ones.
For Elders
Bring your loved ones! Make sure they know about the setup so they can bring anything they need for comfort. We’d love to welcome them and hope they’ll join us again.
FAQs
How strict is the time?
Come and go freely. This is a relaxed, open event—arrive and leave as it suits you. The goal here is to flow together, relax and build relationships. We’d love for you to try it and come back for more the following month.
Where to park?
We choose spots with accessible, free public parking. Carpooling is encouraged! On busy weekends, lots may fill up, but additional free parking is usually available nearby.
Where to sit?
To ground and connect with the land, we sit on grass. We gather on large blankets in shaded areas. Feel free to bring a chair or cushion for extra comfort. A yoga mat is excellent too as it is helpful to layout your materials and have space to work across projects.
What if it rains?
Rain or shine, we continue! If it rains, we'll gather under a sheltered area or indoors at a nearby coffee shop. Check social media for real-time updates.
What to pack?
Water, snacks, and sun protection (hats, caps, or long sleeves) are recommended as the day warms. We try to sit in the shade but on cooler days it’s nice to warm up in the light. This is a substance-free space.
How accessible?
Events require moving from parking lot to the destination, sometimes with elevation till we get to grass. We look for an onsite bathroom. Let us know if you need accommodations.
-
At our events, we prioritize your comfort and safety while creating space for creativity and connection. Here’s how we can all help each other have a fun and safe experience. By practicing these simple safety tips, we ensure that everyone can focus on what truly matters—creativity, connection, and community.
Ease In: If you're new or trying something unfamiliar, take your time to get comfortable. There’s no rush—this is your space to learn and create at your own pace.
Stay Focused: Keep your eyes on your work to avoid accidents. It’s okay to step away from a conversation to center yourself—just let us know if you need space.
Handle with Care: Always treat sharp tools with caution. Keep them safe and secure when not in use. Passing Scissors: Pass scissors with the handle facing the recipient, ensuring safety with every handoff.
Ask for Guidance: If something doesn’t feel right with your supplies or equipment, don’t hesitate to ask for help. We’re here to support you! Organize Thoughtfully: Keep your space tidy and be mindful of where your tools are. Staying organized helps prevent accidents.
Needle Safety: Use one needle at a time and store it safely when not in use. If you lose one, let us know—we’ll help you find it.
Breaks Are Essential: Remember, textile work is meant to be relaxing. Take breaks when you need to, and come back refreshed and ready to create.
Family Safety: If you're with family, especially children, please supervise to ensure everyone is practicing safe guidelines and respecting the space.
Speak Up: If something feels uncomfortable or unsafe, please let the organizer know immediately. We want you to feel supported every step of the way.
Feedback Welcomed: Your thoughts and feedback are invaluable. Each event helps us improve, and we love learning together with you!
-
Creating a warm and inclusive crafting club involves actively embracing, celebrating, and cherishing diverse experiences and identities within our community. It's about gently challenging any unconscious biases we may hold about what's considered "normal" in crafting circles and opening our hearts to the beauty of diversity. Just as each unique thread adds depth and richness to a tapestry, every individual brings their special touch to our crafting family. We all seek to belong, be included in our communities, and see ourselves reflected and welcomed. Inclusive language in our crafting club means more than just using kind and affirming words; it's about understanding how language can unintentionally overlook or exclude certain members, and making a conscious effort to ensure everyone feels seen and valued. When weaving a tapestry of inclusivity with our words and actions, we create a space where every member can feel at home. Come craft with us!
-
By purchasing a ticket or attending any event hosted by Folk Lounge at any of the locations or venues, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms. By registering for this event, you affirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions. If you are a legal guardian or have authority to make decisions for a registrant, you assert that you are authorized to enter into this agreement on their behalf.
Introduction These Terms & Conditions apply to all events hosted by Folk Lounge ("the Organizer"). By registering for a ticket and attending the event, you agree to comply with these terms.
Scope of Events: Folk Lounge events may include a variety of activities such as sewing, crafting, dancing, music, and more. Participation is voluntary, and attendees are encouraged to engage responsibly. You grant the Organizer permission to use photos, videos, or other recordings made during the event for promotional purposes.
Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability: By entering the event premises, you acknowledge that participation is at your own risk. You assume full responsibility for any bodily injury, property damage, or loss resulting from your participation. You waive any claims against the Organizer, its staff, and agents for any injuries, damages, or loss incurred during the event. Indemnification: You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Folk Lounge and its staff from any liability, including legal fees, arising from your participation or actions at the event.
Compliance with Laws and Regulations: All participants must adhere to applicable local, state, and federal laws while attending the event.
Service Animals and Accessibility: Only service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are allowed on event premises. We are committed to providing accessible accommodations for all participants in line with ADA guidelines.
Prohibited Items and Behavior: Participants are prohibited from bringing illegal substances, weapons, or any dangerous or inappropriate items onto the event premises. The Organizer reserves the right to remove any disruptive or unsafe individuals from the event without refund.
Event Changes and Cancellations: Folk Lounge reserves the right to modify event schedules, activities, or terms, or to cancel or postpone events as necessary. Efforts will be made to notify participants promptly in such cases.
Governing Law: These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of California. Any disputes will be resolved within California’s courts.