Workshops & Events

I offer schools a special SCHOOL PACKAGE. To find out more, please click the button below.

SCHOOL PACKAGE

Chigiri-e Workshop

Chigiri-e is a traditional Japanese art form in which pictures are created from pieces of hand-torn Japanese paper called ‘washi’. In this workshop, I will show you how to create chigiri-e with modern material – newspaper.

My chigiri-e technique is simple and it requires few materials. After attending this workshop, you will be able to start making your own chigiri-e at home without getting any expensive materials.

Suitable for both adults and children (4+).

I deliver my workshops in the North East England (County Durham, Newcastle and surrounding areas). Please inquire if you are further afield.

For more information or to book a workshop,
please contact: admin@norikoart.com

 ✨ I am currently offering online workshops (group sessions) on Zoom. ✨

Book a Online Workshop

Recording available!
Chigiri-e Workshop with Noriko Matsubara hosted by Hexamtv

Join Noriko for a recording of a family friendly 1 hour Japanese paper collage art workshop.
The workshop took place online on 20th January 2022.
If you missed it, don’t worry! The recording is available to buy from HexamTV.

Buy the Recording
Chigiri-e workshop by Noriko Matsubara on HexamTV on 20 January 2022
Hexam TV Live Show
"A very creative and almost spiritual experience."
Anthony Mares
"Absolutely brilliant - Noriko is very patient and encouraging and her art is beautiful."
Nicky Smith
"Time just disappeared. Would love to do again."
Jayne Ryan
Previous
Next

Origami Workshop

This workshop will give you an authentic experience of learning art of paper folding. Born and raised in Japan, I have been practicing origami since the age of 4. I will deliver tailor made workshops that suit any age over 4 years old.

Suitable for both adults and children (4+).

I deliver my workshops in the North East England (County Durham, Newcastle and surrounding areas). Please inquire if you are further afield.

For more information or to book a workshop,
please contact: admin@norikoart.com

Japanese Origami Winter Workshop by Noriko Matsubara at Land of Oak & Iron
"Absolutely great, thoroughly enjoyed it. As a complete beginner I was able to learn so much. Thank you."
Sophie Marchal
"Loved the clear instructions, step by step. I've done origami before, but good to lean other shapes, and stuff I can't complete by myself. Very good fun."
Kirsty Ramshaw
"Loved it, a new and interesting craft. Great and very good guidance from Noriko. Thank you!"
Carol J. Truscott
Previous
Next

Author Visits

I enjoy visiting schools & libraries to read and talk about my picture books and work with children.
 
My typical library storytime includes book reading with puppets and some songs, followed by craft workshop (30min – 1h).
 
For school visits, I charge £250 for a full day or £150 for a half day.
 
Living in Consett, County Durham, I ask 45p per mile travel expenses (or train fare) for anywhere outside 20mile radius of Consett.
 

For further information or to book an author’s visit,
please contact: admin@norikoart.com

Picture Books by Noriko Matsubara

Children's book author and illustrator Noriko Matsubara's author visit at Bishops Stortford Library, Hertfordshire, UK.

For children’s activities & teaching resources, you can download all the activities here.

Get Activity Packs
"The humble sock will never seem the same after finishing this eye-catching picture book."
Independent on Sunday
"This adorable tale of the separation and reunion of two little socks is bound to prove a favourite, with its cute, quirky illustrations and surprise, happy ending."
Teach Nursery
"A wonderfully quirky story about a two truly close-knit friends!"
Lancashire Evening Post
"I borrowed this from the library to read to a 2½ year old little girl and she loved it so much that I had to keep on renewing it! In the end, I decided to buy it for her and now, when she comes to visit, it's the first thing she makes a beeline for. I've lost count of the number of times I've read it but no matter because it's a delight each and every time. Little Ava now finishes the lines of the story, enjoys describing all the different socks and loves Bocchi and Pocchi so much. I wish I could knit so I could make them for her!"
SueKich (Amazon Customer)
"The Bocchi and Pocchi stories have become a big hit with my 3 year old. We went to a story time at our local library with the author Noriko, a delightful lady who is brilliant with children and very enthusiastic about her stories. My little boy was a bit too excited to concentrate at first as his friends were also there but he loved the puppets Noriko brought and enjoyed making his own felt version of Bocchi and Pocchi. We bought all 3 stories there and then and my son has asked to read them everyday since. This a delightful tale about 2 socks who are reunited once one goes missing even I quite enjoyed it. Was good for teaching my young child about emotions. He’s beginning to recognise and empathise with others who are sad."
Lealu (Amazon Customer)
"I have a three-year-old son and I volunteer to read to fifty toddlers every week. I just read this book for the first time today and the children LOVED it. The story is simple and yet very moving, and the artwork is gorgeous. Highly recommend."
W. Kent Sligh (Amazon Customer)
"I love this book! I've bought 5 copies so far, one for every friend with a young child and one copy for me (signed by the author!), even though I have no children nor plan to."
Lucious (Amazon Customer)
"I bought this for my Niece's first birthday in September and I am so thrilled with it. It's is a lovely book with beautiful pictures and a unique story."
Gillian Hudson (Amazon Customer)
"Great book both for children and adults. Wonderful colour and cute characters with a sweet and heart-warming story. Highly recommended!"
Amazon Customer
Previous
Next

Automatic Drawing Workshop (Online)

Automatic drawing is about exploring the subconscious. It is one of the major contributions of the Surrealist movement to Modern and Contemporary Art.

In this 3 hour workshop, Noriko will introduce work of automatic drawings by the Surrealists/Modern/Contemporary artists, psychics and spiritual artists, and her own experience on automatic drawing. Followed by a short meditation, you’ll be guided to create automatic drawings in black and white and then in colour. Noriko will also share blind contour drawing exercise as a tool to be present in the moment.
 
No artistic trainings or experiences required. Just be curious and enjoy the process of tapping into your subconscious mind!
 

This workshop will be held online via Zoom. Places are limited to 12.
For any inquiries, please contact: admin@norikoart.com

Suggested Materials for this workshop:
 
🔸Several A4 or larger sheets of paper, or sketchbook
 
🔸A few black and white drawing utensils – choose from:
  • pencils B-9B
  • Charcoal
  • Ballpoint pens
  • Felt tip markers
🔸A few colour drawing utensils – choose from:
  • Coloured pencils
  • Soft pastels
  • Oil pastels
  • Crayons
Pencil drawing of a man by Noriko Matsubara
Fee: £75
 
Click here to book

Past Workshops & Events

2022

Chigiri-e Workshop at Hartlepool Art Gallery, Hartlepool

Chigiri-e Workshop (online) hosted by Hexham TV (Recording available here)

2021

Chigiri-e Workshop, Make in Durham at Durham Town Hall, Durham

Noriko Matsubara’s Global World (online) hosted by Aomori Global Academy Inspiring Network (AGAIN)

Public Seminar by Noriko Matsubara (online) hosted by Newcastle University

2019

Japanese Origami Winter Workshop at Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon-on-Tyne

Noriko Matsubara’s Talk & Book Signing at Hachinohe Book Center, Hachinohe, Japan

Children’s Workshop & Book Signing at Hachinohe Portal Museum, Hachinohe, Japan 

Story time with Noriko Matsubara at Whickham Volunteer Library Association, Whickham

Story time with Noriko Matsubara at Annfield Plain Library, Annfield Plain

Chigiri-e Hedgehog Workshop with NorikoArt at Keeper’s Cafe, Dipton

Origami Taster Session at Keeper’s Cafe, Dipton