Leonista Kintsugi (Glass) Workshop - Presented by Repair Artist
The Art of Imperfection
Upcycling as an Artform
In December (2021), we hosted something truly special - a Kintsugi repair workshop at Amsterdam’s Apron Studio, presented by the incomparable Repair Artist, Annelies Nuy.
Kintsugi (the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold) is more than a craft. It’s a philosophy: the broken doesn’t become lesser; it becomes more, a testament to history, resilience, and ultimately the beauty of having lived a life.
And fittingly, we paired this philosophy with a spirit that embraces a similar ethos: Leonista 100% Karoo Agave Spirit, a South African creation with depth, character, and a story worth savouring.
But don't just take our word for it - here's the "proef”…
A Cultural Crossroads
Often in life, some moments can seem like a crossroads…
These moments can either be perceived as an end or as a new beginning: how you see it is up to you. This is true whether you’re referring to a cracked glass, an empty bottle, or even the culmination of a relationship.
So, given the similarities between this time honour eastern tradition, and the liquid art that is Mexico’s Mezcal & other agave spirits heritage.
We thought we’d meet in the middle and give it a shot!
Setting the Scene
The workshop began long before anyone picked up a tool. Annelies welcomed us with warmth and intention, setting the tone for an evening that would blend curiosity with craft.
Participants gathered around prepared stations, tools laid out like an artist’s palette. The ethos of Kintsugi was introduced: embrace imperfection, honour the history of the object, and apply golden lacquer to make something whole again - and even more beautiful for the journey.
Breaking With Tradition
The first step was intentional: the break.
The event invitation requested that each participant bring something that they would like to repair; however, there were also the traditional ceramic items provided as part of the workshop.
Some brought their favourite ashtray, or a broken heirloom they couldn't bear to part with
WE had recovered a few glasses from the previous edition of the Perfect Serve Barshow in Amsterdam, which were chipped or cracked and were going to be disposed of anyway.
So we asked the PSBS team if we could give them a second chance at life, and they said, “Why not?” - we figured they deserved it.
With a mix of laughter and restraint, each participant released fragments of their object into readiness for repair. It was a joyful paradox - creation born from destruction.
Safety was paramount: protective gloves, careful handling, and respect for the material were part of the ritual before any glue touched glass.
Picking Up the Pieces
Once the break was complete, the puzzle began.
How many pieces do we have?
Which paths do the lines trace?
Patience became the guiding force; instruction, the quiet rhythm.
Moving slowly, participants learned to match shards, to fit edges, to understand the conversation between fragments. Much like learning a spirit’s tasting notes — slow, attentive, deliberate.
The Golden Line
This is the heart of Kintsugi.
We mixed the golden lacquer — a symbolic adhesive that unites what was once fractured. The golden powder was blended with glue until the shimmer met strength.
With steady hands and careful strokes, each edge was painted. Pieces joined. Held. Waited on.
And slowly, cracks became stories — lines of honour rather than signs of flaw.
Transformation in Practice
What emerged from the workshop were not simply repaired pieces, but stories. Objects that carry visible history, now elevated by gold.
And next to these stories, in a glass, a spirit to honour the moment.
We poured Leonista Blanco, Leonista Reposado, and Honey Reposado - all distilled from 100% Karoo agave sugars and crafted in the traditional Mexican way, and fired for a complex, smoky finish that invites slow sipping and deep attention.
Raise a Glass to Transformation
After hours of careful work and golden lacquered laughter, we took a moment to savour every sip of Leonista — a spirit whose own process mirrors our intention: careful, thoughtful, rooted in heritage, and alive with potential.
Honouring the cracks, to celebrating repair, and to finding the extraordinary in every story.
Every Step Matters
Preparations:
The art of storytelling - what is the ethos of Kintsugi…
Repair, not replace - a more sustainable way of thinking…
Getting to know your workspace…
The Set-Up - Getting to know your tools…
The Leonista & Repair Artist Kintsugi Workshop Repair Kit…
So, where do we begin?
It all starts with a break, but safety first…
STEP 1:
Drop it like it's hot!
If that doesn't work, try harder…
If at first, you don't succeed…
Step 1.1 (Glassware):
If working with glass, be sure to use a piece of sandpaper to ensure any sharp edges are dulled…
Step 2:
Picking up the pieces…
How many puzzle pieces are we working with…
Matching up the puzzle pieces…
Some puzzles are easier than others - of course… ;-)
Naturally, the most important step of all is listening (carefully) to instructions…
Step 2: Having a complete picture…
Step 2: Pay particular attention to The Golden Rule - don't wait too long or the glue will set too early…
Step 3:
Part 1 - Stir the special glue to ensure the golden colour combines with the adhesive…
Step 3: Part 2 - Add the gold powder to the glue to ensure the golden colour combines well with the adhesive…
Step 3: Part 3 - Stir the mixture for the two to combine effectively, but don't take too long…
Step 3: Part 4 - Carefully paint the exposed edges of the item with golden glue…
Step 3: Part 5 - Press the neighbouring piece to the golden adhesive…
Step 4:
Part 1 - Firmly hold each piece in place…
Step 4: Part 2 - Wait until it dries…
Step 4 - The Completed Puzzle…
Step 4: Part 3 - Don't forget to admire your work… ;-)
Step 5:
Part 1 - Roll the clay between your fingers to warm it up…
Part 2 - Fill in the gaps with the clay between the cracks to ensure a complete work (of art)…
Part 3 - Smooth out the clay to be ready for the final round of gold…
Step 6:
Part 1 - Add your finishing touches…
Part 2 - Follow up by dusting any clay lines with your gold powder…
Step 7:
Clean any extra bits of glue and clay off with your piece of cloth and rubbing alcohol…
Step 8:
Celebrate!
NOTE: Always be careful when working with broken glass - if necessary, please remember to use protective gloves for your own safety.
Repairing Glassware:
If you're working with Glassware there are a few extra steps to which you should pay particular attention…
Extra Step 1:
If you haven't been working with glass, then meow is the time… 🦁
Extra Step 2.1 - Once you've (safely) sanded your sharp edges, use the rubbing alcohol to prepare the edge for the golden glue…
Extra Step 2.2 - Clean the edge dry with your cloth to be ready for the golden glue…
Step 3 - Paint any cracks or chips with the golden glue until the cracks are no longer visible…
And finally, enjoy a glass of Leonista 100% Karoo Agave Spirit…
Leonista is proudly African, organically certified, and grounded in sustainable practice. The agave used is grown and harvested on Karoo soil that has nurtured these plants for generations, giving the spirit a uniquely earthy and expressive character.
This isn’t a spirit to rush. It’s one to savour — just like the slow art of Kintsugi.
Proost! 🥃
BUT, please be careful, both glass AND alcohol can be dangerous to your health when not treated with respect! 🦁🤙
Why This Matters to Us
At Leonista and in workshops like this one, we celebrate what it means to transform:
✨ The humble becomes remarkable.
✨ The fragment becomes art.
✨ The overlooked becomes something to cherish.
We see this in craft spirits - where slow distillation, tradition, fire, and smoke shape complexity.
And we see it in life - where breaks, losses, and pauses are not endings but invitations.
Till Next Time!
If you missed this workshop, don’t worry — there’s always another opportunity to explore craft, spirit, and connection.
Sign up for our next Repair, Craft & Sip experience… and awaken your creativity with purpose, and see for yourself!
Trust us, Annelies Nuy (aka Repair-Artist) not only 'spins a good yarn', but she also knows how to put together a fantastic ‘Repair NOT Replace’ workshop.
Would you like to join us for our next workshop?
Sign up to our newsletter for a chance to win one of our Kintsugi repair kits.
ORDER A LEONISTA KINSUGI GLASS REPAIR KIT
We have a few Leonista-branded Kintsugi Glass Repair Kits availble on the webshop.