Before placing lac insects onto trees for cultivation, it is essential to prepare well-constructed nests that house a thriving colony of insects. The process begins by taking about two handfuls of dry rice straw and dividing it into two equal portions. Lay the straw in two overlapping rows, aligning the ends so they connect seamlessly. Next, use a string made from bamboo skin to bind the straw together, forming a single, continuous strand.

Once the straw is secured, insert a lac nest about 10 cm long into the straw, ensuring there’s enough straw left at the ends to fold over and fully cover the lac nest. Bind the straw firmly with the bamboo string to secure the nest inside. Repeat this process on both the left and right ends of the straw.

After both ends are prepared, lift the straw bundle and bend it at the center to form a 90-degree angle. This shape allows the nest to be easily attached to tree branches for cultivation.

Notably, all materials used in preparing these lac nests come from nature—whether it’s the rice straw or the bamboo string. These materials are environmentally friendly and leave no waste behind, reflecting the sustainable practices of our ancestors. This traditional wisdom is truly admirable, demonstrating a deep respect for nature and the ecosystem.

Today, I had the opportunity to learn about the preparation of lac cultivation on trees with the Chiangdao Learning Station network at Kala Garden, owned by Khun Ek, located not far from Chiangdao Blue. The lac insects will begin to be nurtured on trees in December during the winter season and will remain for a full year.

The pink to red hues derived from lac are produced from a resin-like substance released by the insects as they build their nests. This resin offers remarkable versatility. Beyond its use in dyeing fabrics, the red pigment from lac is widely utilized in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries, as well as for producing shellac.

Though the lac insect is tiny, almost resembling a mite, the vibrant red resin it creates is nothing short of extraordinary, offering a wide array of incredible benefits.

This piece showcases the tataki-zome (pounding) technique on a cotton-linen blend fabric using fresh leaves from two varieties of local Assam indigo. The first variety, with larger leaves, is commonly found in the mountainous regions of northern Thailand, while the second, smaller-leafed variety comes from Phrae province and is rarely encountered.

The uniqueness of Assam indigo lies in its status as an indigo-bearing plant native to specific environments. It thrives in shaded, cool, and humid conditions. Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can cause the leaves to turn yellow, adversely affecting the quality of the indigo dye they produce. In the accompanying image, the upper leaves represent the larger-leafed variety, while the lower ones belong to the smaller-leafed variety.

A distinctive feature of Assam indigo is its thick leaves, which contain a high percentage of indigo pigment. Unlike other indigo-bearing plants, the indigo pigment is found not only in the leaves but also in the stems and branches. Historically, before the widespread availability of Western medicine, local communities used fresh Assam indigo leaves as herbal remedies to reduce fevers and counteract the effects of insect or snake bites.

Today, such traditional uses are nearly forgotten, as modern medicines are more accessible and convenient. However, the indigenous knowledge surrounding Assam indigo, both as a medicinal plant and as a source of natural dye, remains a cultural heritage of great value. It is a legacy worth preserving and building upon for future generations.

Today, I had the opportunity to engage in an insightful conversation with a graphic designer from Germany. We found common ground in discussing the role of technology in the digital age. With applications designed for nearly every industry, technology has undeniably made work more efficient, streamlined, and faster. It solves problems, reduces obstacles, and enhances productivity.

However, as human beings, there's another essential aspect that must run parallel to technology: art and traditional craftsmanship. These skills, rooted in ancient wisdom, reflect the essence of humanity. They serve as a reminder of our cultural identities, diverse backgrounds, and unique heritage, offering a profound sense of pride and belonging.

In a world where many young people work closely with technology daily, it's important to seek opportunities to engage with traditional crafts. This not only helps in preserving these invaluable skills but also provides a balance for the mind and spirit, fostering a sense of stability and connection to one's roots.

I've found great joy and inspiration in connecting with individuals from various countries who come together here at Studio Chiangdao Blue. It's more than just a space for natural indigo dyeing workshops. It's a place where we exchange ideas and learn from one another, weaving together life's many stories through the lens of natural indigo.

I'm grateful that Studio Chiangdao Blue offers such an atmosphere—a place that welcomes and nurtures meaningful connections.

Yesterday, after a mother and son finished their indigo dyeing workshop, the mother asked to take a photo with my 90-year-old mother before leaving. Perhaps it was because, during the workshop, my mother had expressed her heartfelt gratitude to them for making the effort to rent a car and travel all the way from Chiang Mai city—a three-hour round trip.

Throughout the 3-4 hours of the workshop, my mother was also busy creating her own shibori patterns. Despite the language barrier, she tried to engage with the guests in Thai, and they could feel her genuine warmth and hospitality. After showcasing her unique, original shibori designs, the son was inspired to incorporate elements of her patterns into his own T-shirt design.

The atmosphere was cozy, relaxed, and full of meaningful connections. We had participants spanning four generations—from a 10-year-old to individuals in their 30s, 40s, 60s, and my 90-year-old mother.

If you’re someone who loves crafts, I invite you to come and experience this unique environment. You'll leave feeling energized and uplifted, with a deep sense of connection to others. It’s truly a heartwarming experience that stays with you.

Indulging in natural indigo dyeing is a wonderfully enriching activity, perfect for creating lasting memories. Not only does it offer a new and exciting experience, but it also encourages creativity, hands-on learning, and allows you to craft unique, practical pieces with your own two hands.

Just the other day, our neighbor, “Khun Pla,” a healing therapist and instructor, joined us to celebrate her birthday with a personal indigo dyeing project. She dyed a large shawl and bandana using the Ita-Jime technique and even revitalized a favorite old shirt with a fresh indigo shade.

In a similar spirit, a couple from the U.S. recently chose to mark their 50th wedding anniversary by immersing themselves in creative activities during their trip to Chiang Mai. One highlight of their celebration was exploring the art of indigo dyeing with us.

For special occasions, whether for yourself or with loved ones, activities like these offer meaningful ways to connect and create cherished keepsakes that hold both beauty and sentiment.

"Young Local Entrepreneur" program:: Studio Chiangdao Blue, as a learning station in the whole learning project organized by Makampom Art Space, is holding an engaging activity for local children and youth through an experiential learning project focused on sustainability. This hands-on learning experience introduces participants to the art of natural indigo dyeing under the concept "From Seed to Dye," a journey that Chiangdao Blue has been cultivating.

In a previous workshop, children explored the dye studio, learning about planting, color extraction, dye vat creation, and the process of designing and dyeing fabric with indigo. They experienced the full cycle of indigo's journey from nature to fabric, and with their hands-on creations, they gained a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and wisdom rooted in traditional arts.

This time, we're excited to step up with a new activity, “Young Local Entrepreneur,” designed for local youth aged 15 and up. Beyond learning the dyeing process, students will now be encouraged to question, explore, and brainstorm ways to transform these skills into income-generating activities. Just reading about it sparks interest, excitement, and the thrill of new challenges.

As a part of the Chiang Dao community, Studio Chiangdao Blue constantly reflects on how we can give back to our community, especially to students and youth in their formative years. We aspire to provide a diverse skill set and inspire young people to discover their passions and strengths. Through this journey, they can gradually gain a clearer vision of their future and shape a path they have helped design themselves.

In her previous internship, Nok Yung practiced making paper stencils for use with Kata-Zome. During this school holiday, she will be learning the art of fabric patterning through shibori and Ita-jime techniques. Nok Yung is an ethnic Tai Yai girl whose parents migrated from northern Myanmar. Now 16 years old, she is in her grade 10 high school in Chiang Dao.

Nok Yung is a focused and determined young woman, gifted in craftsmanship. Her talent for intricate and detailed work is exceptional. She is welcome to take on part-time work at our studio. She is proud and excited to be able to earn money on her own and make personal purchases without relying on her parents' support.

Capture your meaningful moments through images in your own style, guided by your feelings. Whether it's a simple sketch with a few words or an illustration that brings back memories, expressing these moments and emotions with your hands is a special way of mindfulness. The drawing doesn't need to be perfect—what matters is that it's created by your hands and filled with your heartfelt emotions.

At Studio Chiangdao Blue, we practice a traditional Japanese weaving technique known as "Saki-ori." In this method, "Saki" refers to cutting fabric into long strips, about 1 cm wide, and "Ori" means weaving. The essence of Sakiori is to repurpose old or discarded clothing, whether they are worn out or stained, and transform them into something new. Instead of throwing them away, we cut the fabric into strips and use them as the weft for weaving on a compact hand loom that fits comfortably on a table—perfect for a relaxing hobby.

The width of the woven fabric in Sakiori typically doesn’t exceed 50 cm. The resulting cloth is thick with interesting textures, ideal for creating simple items like tote bags, cosmetic pouches, tapestries, or table runners. One of the unique aspects of Sakiori is that anyone can weave, regardless of experience. Simply choose the colors of the fabric strips, and weave them horizontally. It's a fun and easy way to mix and match colors, allowing anyone to create their own unique patterns. This activity promotes relaxation and mindfulness as you focus on the weaving in front of you. Once completed, you'll feel proud of your handmade creation, and develop a special bond with the fabric, cherishing it even more.

Sakiori offers a peaceful and fulfilling experience, inviting you to slow down and enjoy time with yourself. By participating, you may find yourself looking at the things around you differently—understanding the connection between yourself and the world, and discovering new ways to repurpose and appreciate what you already have.

Come and experience Sakiori, and you might just fall in love with it. It may even change the way you think about the items in your life!

Seven years ago, I moved my mother from the city of Chiang Mai to a small village in the rural district of Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai Province. My mother is now 90 years old and suffers from bone issues, making it difficult for her to walk without assistance. She requires 24-hour care. Despite her bone condition, my mother remains healthy as she has no issues with blood pressure or diabetes. She’s mentally sharp, energetic, and always needs to be engaged in something, as sitting idle makes her anxious and irritable. However, when she has something to focus on, she can immerse herself in an activity for two to three hours at a time.

Since I work with natural indigo dyeing, about 4 or 5 years ago, I started introducing her to tie-dyeing bandanas or Furoshiki (as they're known in Japanese), which are about 70x70 cm in size. These are used as packaging for the clothes our customers purchase, helping reduce plastic waste, and the fabric can be reused by the customers.

In the beginning, I taught her shibori techniques, which are basic methods of creating patterns in the Japanese style. My mother quickly found joy in this shibori tie-dyeing activity. What really excited her and brought her happiness was the magic moment of unwrapping the fabric after dyeing to reveal the pattern she had created. Her expressions, the smiles, and laughter during these moments were priceless. It was clear that this was a sense of fulfillment for her every time she worked with the fabric.

Over the 4 or 5 years that my mother has pursued shibori tie-dyeing as a hobby, she has continued to make one piece a day, and on some days, even two or three pieces, depending on her mood. One fascinating thing I’ve noticed is that once she understood how patterns are formed, she started creating new designs using her imagination. She figured out how to twist the fabric and adjust the rubber bands, either loosely or tightly, to achieve the patterns she envisioned.

From my experience of watching my mother engage in shibori tie-dyeing over these years, I’ve been deeply impressed by how this activity has helped her stay focused, prevented her from overthinking, and given her a strong sense of purpose, or ikigai, every day.

I wanted to share this experience as an option for children caring for elderly parents or grandchildren looking after their grandparents. Finding a simple craft that the elderly are interested in or have some skills in can allow them to enjoy the activity and, most importantly, feel a sense of meaning in their everyday lives.

The image shows the delicate process of filtering indigo paste through fine cloth to capture the rich blue pigment. (This particular paste is extracted from the *Indigofera tinctoria* leaves.)

At our studio, we use this indigo paste to create an indigo dye pot by mixing it with alkaline water from limestone powder and tamarind water, which acts as a natural reducer. When the indigo paste, alkaline water, and tamarind water are combined at the right temperature, a chemical reaction called reduction occurs. This changes the solid, water-insoluble blue indigo into a soluble yellow liquid.

When fabric is dipped into this yellow dye bath and then exposed to air, the yellow hue reacts with oxygen, transforming back into its original solid blue form. The oxidized indigo becomes trapped within the fibers of the fabric, completing the dyeing process.

Indigo is known for its strong bond with natural cellulose fibers, which is why we still see indigo-dyed fabrics from over a thousand years ago, retaining their beautiful blue color even today. While indigo-dyed fabrics can be prone to wear and fading with frequent rubbing, there’s a unique charm to this natural indigo – even as it fades, it takes on a lovely vintage blue appearance that synthetic dyes simply can't replicate.

If you’re curious to try working with homegrown indigo paste and experience the magic of natural indigo dyeing, we warmly invite you to visit and create with us!

Natural blue pigments, aside from those derived from stones like lapis lazuli, also include the beautiful indigo, which is extracted from the leaves of the indigo plant. This is a fascinating source of blue from nature, as very few plants provide this rare color. The tradition of natural indigo dyeing is like a gift from the divine, shared with people across every continent, from Asia to Europe, Africa, and South America. Each region has its own unique methods of indigo dyeing, passed down through generations, using local materials to prepare indigo vats for dyeing fabrics.

Here at Studio Chiangdao Blue in Thailand, we grow four types of indigo plants: *Indigofera tinctoria*, *Indigofera suffruticosa*, *Strobilanthes cusia* (Assam indigo), and *Persicaria tinctoria* (Japanese indigo) to extract indigo from the leaves for use in our own dyeing projects. Our "from seed to dye" concept ensures that we create indigo paste with a high percentage of blue pigment, allowing us to control the quality of the indigo by filtering it through fine cloth to achieve a smooth texture. This high-quality paste is perfect for both dyeing fabrics and painting on paper or textiles.

For those who participate in our indigo dye workshops, if we know you're interested in painting, we love to invite you to try painting with our homegrown indigo paste on watercolor paper. 

*The artwork shown was created by two sisters from Israel, who painted this beautiful and amazing piece together.*

If you’re interested in painting with indigo paste, we warmly welcome you to join us. We look forward to your visit!

From my experiences over the years working on various design and product development projects, I've collaborated with local artisans, design students, and professional designers from Thailand and Japan. Each year, my field trips to various villages, including those of local communities and hill tribes, have allowed me to immerse myself in the local crafts of diverse subcultures. These crafts utilize a wide range of natural materials—fibers, fabrics, paper, bamboo, ceramics, and more. Each trip leaves me in awe of the craftsmanship and creativity rooted in a life intertwined with natural materials. The simplicity yet practicality of these skills demonstrates a profound understanding of the materials' properties through direct experience, trial and error, and insightful problem-solving, traits I believe are innate in all humans.

Sometimes, the convenience of modern life, where everything is just a purchase away, may diminish these inherent capabilities in today's people.

Having the opportunity to reactivate these inherent abilities within us is both fascinating and challenging because these capabilities can connect with concepts of "meaning and value" in life.

Lately, we often hear about the Japanese concept of "Ikigai" and the quest to understand the "reason for being." While understanding from books is beneficial, comprehending "Ikigai" through engaging in small, passionate activities like gardening, cooking, arts, or crafts might enrich this understanding. Engaging directly in these activities allows us to experience the process with full sensory involvement—seeing, hearing, and using our hands alongside creative thinking. Often, we find joy and meaning in life during these moments.

By stepping out of our familiar environments to engage with new settings and experiences we've chosen, we may discover hidden potentials and answers to life's persistent questions—potentials that could provide profound insights into our existence.