Kokeshi Birthday Party こけしのバースデーパーティー

Everyone was focusing on the kokeshis.

Last week we had a birthday party for my younger daughter Emily, and our main activity for the eight girls who came over was to have them make their own kokeshis! This actually worked out extremely well, and was easy to do. First, Naoko ordered eight blank kokeshis from the Tsugaru Kokeshi Kan 津軽こけし館 in Aomori Prefecture, which arrived the next day via Kuroneko delivery. Rather than using paint we put out pencils and and thin-tipped markers of various colors and types. Finally, for inspiration we placed some traditional and modern kokeshis on the table where the girls were working. After that they were on their own, and as you'll see in the pictures below the girls were focused and engaged. Overall, they created lots of nice faces and designs, although we ran out of time when the parents started showing up. Hopefully everyone finished their kokeshis at home.

Lena teaching one of the guests the art of kokeshi making. 

Is this kid an upcoming kokeshi master?

Some kokeshis for inspiration.

Emily's kokeshi. She's obviously done this before.