Staphorster Stipwerk is a special, unique technique used to print and decorate fabrics and other materials. Initially, this technique was applied to fabrics used for the traditional clothing of Staphorst. After this comprehensive workshop, you will take home a bag printed with Staphorster Stipwerk.

This printing process uses stamps made from items such as wooden bobbins or corks, to which nails, pins, and other pieces of metal are attached. These stamps are dipped in paint and then applied to the material. Stamps with different motifs are combined to create patterns. Each ‘stipper’ develops their own patterns. Some patterns and motifs are commonly used among ‘stippers,’ such as leaf and flower designs or folk art symbols like the sun wheel, beehive, and six-pointed star.

Not only the motifs, but also the colors of the dots carry their own meanings. Traditions around mourning heavily influence color choices, where blue, white, and green are mourning colors, and red is not used during mourning periods.

Staphorster Stipwerk is listed on the national inventory of intangible cultural heritage. The workshop instructors are all craftswomen who have completed the official Staphorster Stipwerk vocational training.