November is when the city is suddenly enveloped in a Christmas mood as soon as Halloween is over.
With all kinds of interior decor and goods appearing in stores in the run-up to Christmas, a workshop where you can make an original Christmas wreath will be held at Kurashiki Mokuzai Co., Ltd.
The wreath is a distinctive Christmas decoration made using hinoki cypress shavings.
What exactly are Christmas wreaths made from wood shavings like? And what led to the workshop being planned? Here, we introduce the details of the workshop.
The information provided was current when this article was published in November 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
About the “Hinoki Wood Shavings WORKSHOP”
The “Hinoki Wood Shavings WORKSHOP” is an event held by Kurashiki Mokuzai Co., Ltd.
At the workshop, participants will make an original Christmas wreath using hinoki cypress shavings. The wreaths made from wood shavings have a natural look that suits any setting.
Wood shavings are thin, flat, ribbon-like pieces of wood produced when the surface of lumber is shaved. Rather than simply throwing these shavings away, Kurashiki Mokuzai reuses them through DIY projects and upcycling (transforming unwanted items by modifying them).
The hinoki cypress shavings used in the workshop have a rich fragrance that makes you feel as if you are in a forest. Enjoy making an original wreath from scratch in a relaxing space.
The workshop will be held on Monday, November 17; Wednesday, November 19; and Friday, November 21, with six participants per session. The participation fee is 2,200 yen per person.
To participate, please register using the application form, in person at the store, or by phone.
The November 17 session is already full, so those wishing to participate should register for the Wednesday, November 19 or Friday, November 21 session. Reservations are starting to fill up, so we recommend registering early.
We spoke with Sugimoto Hiromi of Kurashiki Mokuzai Co., Ltd. about how the workshop reusing wood shavings came to be planned.
Interview with Kurashiki Mokuzai
What led to the Hinoki Wood Shavings WORKSHOP being planned?
Sugimoto (surname only)
“We wanted people to experience the joy of making things by putting high-quality wood shavings to use.” That was what inspired us.
We process lumber every day at our own factory, producing large quantities of many different kinds of wood shavings. We would normally discard them, but we had been thinking for several years that we wanted to reuse them for something because they smell so wonderful.
As we made various items from reused wood shavings, we sold Christmas wreaths made from them at an event in 2024—and, to our surprise, they sold out.
Christmas wreaths have a seasonal feel and are easy for anyone to make, so we planned this workshop hoping to create an opportunity for people to enjoy themselves while experiencing the qualities of wood.
What steps do participants follow to make a Christmas wreath at the workshop?
Sugimoto
First, we braid the wood shavings into a three-strand plait to make the wreath base.
Once the wreath is ready, we make pom-poms and other decorations from wood shavings, then finish it by adding colorful pieces and ribbons.
The size and texture of the wreath will vary depending on the wood shavings you choose, so I think everyone will create a unique piece. You can also adapt the instructions to make a New Year’s decoration.
The workshop is expected to take about an hour and a half.
If you find any of the steps difficult, we can prepare the decorative pieces for you, so please come and make a wreath just the way you like it.
Could you tell us about the characteristics of the hinoki cypress used in the workshop?
Sugimoto
I think the most distinctive feature of hinoki cypress is its wonderful fragrance. It has a subtle scent even when dry, but when you wet it with water, a relaxing fragrance wafts through the air.
Its texture is another distinctive feature.
When wet, hinoki cypress shavings become soft and can be shaped in all kinds of ways.
Wood shavings also vary in thickness and width, so you can choose the texture you prefer, from soft to sturdy.
Can children participate?
Sugimoto
Children can participate together with a parent or guardian.
Even if they cannot braid the shavings, they can join in as much as they are able to by choosing shavings or cutting decorative pieces with scissors.
People don’t often get the chance to touch hinoki cypress in their everyday lives, so I hope this will be an opportunity to experience the scent and texture of wood.
The wood showroom where the workshop will be held also has a kids’ area, so please feel free to visit.
Who would you recommend this event to?
Sugimoto
We’d love for people who enjoy DIY or wood to join us, of course, but also those who have never been interested in them before.
The wood showroom also sells a wide variety of wood offcuts, as well as pellets for cats. We’d be happy if visitors discovered what makes Kurashiki Mokuzai special and thought, “They have products like this too” or “I can buy this here, not just at a home improvement store.”
I hope this workshop will be an opportunity for people to discover the appeal of DIY and wood.
Finally, do you have a message for our readers?
Sugimoto
You may not often get the chance to touch lumber directly in your everyday life.
I hope you’ll enjoy making a Christmas wreath while experiencing the fragrance and supple texture of hinoki cypress firsthand and relaxing as you do.
We look forward to seeing you there.
From the Writer
You may be familiar with the scent of hinoki cypress from mists or bath products, but the fragrance wafting from the wood shavings is fresher and more soothing.
A Christmas wreath made from wood shavings seems like it would create a relaxing atmosphere simply by being displayed in a room.
The wood showroom at Kurashiki Mokuzai also sells finished Christmas wreaths made from wood shavings. Even if you don’t take part in the workshop, you may enjoy simply visiting to see the items, which are full of the warmth of wood.
This workshop is perfect for the upcoming Christmas season. If you’re interested, be sure to take part.
Hinoki Wood Shavings WORKSHOP Information
| Name | Hinoki Wood Shavings WORKSHOP |
|---|---|
| Dates | Monday, November 17; Wednesday, November 19; and Friday, November 21, 2025 Each session runs from 10:00 a.m. to around 11:30 a.m. |
| Location | Wood Showroom, 1000-1 Nakashima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation fee (tax included) | 2,200 yen per person (materials included) |
| Website | Kurashiki Mokuzai Co., Ltd. |
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