Join a workshop at Pantechnicon with Japanese floral designer Mariko Kinoshita of Matsurika Flowers to create your own shimekazari New Year wreath.

In Japan, the key festive celebration is Shogatsu, the New Year. Preparations begin in December with the display of shimekazari wreaths to bring good fortune for the coming year. The wreaths include auspicious symbols to welcome the New Year's kami (gods or holy powers) along with prosperity and good luck, while at the same time warding off evil spirits and bad luck.

The workshops will last 60 minutes and all materials will be provided for you to create your own wreath to take home. The base of shimekazari is made from shimenawa (a sacred rice straw rope), specially sourced from Shimane in Japan. Mariko will guide you through making the wreath and decorating it with Japanese symbols of prosperity, good luck charms and adornments.

If you’d prefer to purchase a ready-made wreath, drop in to Studio at Pantechnicon on Saturday 10 December or Sunday 11 December to meet Mariko and choose a shimekazari made by her.

Cost: £65