Our group, Ajisai or "Hydrangea" was started in 2001 by a small group of Japanese women living in the United States who wanted to get together, enjoy each other's company, and do crafts. We meet around a large table at a member's home and work on our own individual specialty. Beaded jewelry, hand-sewn items made of kimono silk, sashiko and flower arrangement are some of the great variety of crafts which our members bring each month.

At Akimatsuri this year, we will be displaying hair accessories, bags and other fashion goods made with Kimono fabric, Noren (curtains) and other home crafts. Members will be available to answer your craft-making questions, and items will be available for purchase. We can give you advice on starting your own craft group. So, if you love handcrafted items with a touch of Japan, we hope you'll stop by the Ajisai booth.