In this workshop, you will playfully explore weaving patterns. These can be real patterns or false patterns, designs that emerge through experimenting with colours, creating the illusion of a pattern in the fabric.
You’ll discover endless possibilities through playful experimentation. A table loom will be pre-threaded and ready for you!
You’ll go home with your own woven creation.
Het Ambachtshuis Brabant is a leading educational organization offering hands-on training in traditional crafts. Their programme follows a modern master–apprentice model, placing practical learning at its core. Craftspeople are the teachers, and all (young) adults who want to work with head, heart, and hands are welcome. Students can discover and further develop their passion for craftsmanship through specialised skills training.
One of the crafts you can learn at Het Ambachtshuis Brabant is weaving. In their year-long programme, you can transform a simple collection of yarn into a colourful pattern, a warm scarf, or another artistic creation using your hands and a loom. It’s not only a technical skill but also a meditative, creative process that lets you experiment with colour, pattern, and material.
Jacqueline Looijen has been active as a weaver for over 25 years and continues to learn new techniques. She has volunteered for many years with the Weefnetwerk weaving association, making her a passionate ambassador for the craft. She also teaches workshops and courses independently and at Het Ambachtshuis Brabant. Her heartfelt approach makes her a warm and enthusiastic instructor.
Practical information
In this workshop, you’ll explore weaving “waffles” patterns with a beautiful 3D texture that invite experimentation. What effects can you create with different colours and materials? Can you achieve optical illusions?
Through playful discovery, you’ll explore the many possibilities. A table loom will be pre-threaded and ready for you!
You’ll go home with your own woven creation.
Het Ambachtshuis Brabant is a leading educational organization offering practical training in traditional crafts. Their programme follows a modern master–apprentice model, with learning-by-doing at its core. Craftspeople are the teachers, and all (young) adults who want to work with head, heart, and hands are welcome. Participants can discover and further develop their passion for craftsmanship through practical skills training.
One of the crafts you can learn at Het Ambachtshuis Brabant is weaving. In their year-long programme, you can transform a simple collection of yarn into a colourful pattern, a warm scarf, or another artistic creation using your hands and a loom. Weaving is not only a technical skill but also a meditative, creative experience that allows you to experiment with colour, pattern, and material.
Jacqueline Looijen has been weaving for over 25 years and continues to learn new techniques. She has volunteered for many years with the Weefnetwerk weaving association, making her a passionate ambassador for the craft. She teaches workshops and courses both independently and at Het Ambachtshuis Brabant, sharing the craft from the heart—making her a warm and enthusiastic instructor.
Practical information
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to get your chisels razor-sharp using a traditional whetstone, no expensive machines required.
Under the guidance of an experienced master, you’ll first assess the condition of your own chisels. Then you’ll get to work sharpening one of them by hand, using time-honoured techniques. Step-by-step, you’ll learn the proper method to get, and keep, your tools in peak condition. Sharp tools not only work more smoothly and precisely, they’re also much safer to use. You’ll also get an introduction to various sharpening methods and aids. So, head into your workshop, grab your chisels, and sign up for this informative, hands-on session!
You’ll go home with new knowledge, practical skills, and a perfectly sharpened chisel.
Het Ambachtshuis Brabant is a leading educational organization for practical training in traditional crafts, following a modern master–apprentice model. Their doors are open to all (young) adults who want to work with head, heart, and hands, regardless of prior education, background, or skills. Here, anyone can discover and develop their passion for craftsmanship through training focused on real, time-tested techniques. Craftspeople are valued and increasingly in the spotlight! The Ambachtshuis aims to create honest products and meaningful experiences, contributing to the preservation and renewal of artisanal trades.
Workshop teachers Jos and Bart are highly experienced, now retired furniture makers who love sharing their knowledge. And they certainly are knowledgeable! They’ve been teaching at Het Ambachthuis Brabant for years. Bart Moonen helps shape our vocational training and courses in furniture making. Jos Elshout has a great passion for Japanese woodworking and has focused on this in recent years, teaching the Japanese woodworking workshop.
Practical information
During the Ambacht in Beeld Festival, one of the master diamond cutters from GASSAN Diamonds will offer an exclusive one-on-one masterclass, where you will work together to polish your very own diamond.
Diamond polishing is a craft that has been practiced in Amsterdam for centuries. Diamond is the hardest material on Earth and can only be worked with another diamond. Using a diamond-tipped disc, the diamond polisher transforms rough crystals into the most brilliant gemstones.
GASSAN Diamonds is a renowned family business based in Amsterdam, specializing in diamonds, jewelry, and watches. Founded in 1945 by Samuel Gassan, the company has grown into a leading player in the diamond industry, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and quality.
Practical information
• Price includes materials (diamond) and VAT
At Vakschool Schoonhoven you will discover the power of your craft.
Creating beautiful things and meaningful moments that enrich life requires skill and creativity. That’s why we encourage you to develop your own talent and seize the opportunities that come your way.
Explore how to bring craftsmanship to life in your own unique way. As a Gold- or Silversmith, you will create your own designs. As a Jeweller, you will craft pieces that evoke emotion. As a Watchmaker, you will work with precision and technical finesse. You will discover it all in an inspiring environment where you can truly be yourself.
It is no surprise that we have been a renowned institution since 1895. We would love to tell you more during the Ambacht in Beeld Festival!
From a square stick, make an almost round peg that you can then drive into a piece of wood to lock a joint. You will learn how to plane with a hand plane and how to make cuts with a chisel. You will also learn about proper working posture while planing and how to adjust the plane blade. We work with spruce or larch wood.
After the workshop, you get to take your own bow peg home. Advanced woodworkers can also learn to make a spiral cut (worvel) with the chisel. Of course, we are happy to tell you more about the Wood and Restoration Technician training program.
At our booth, we’ll have a scale model of a Zaan house to showcase traditional timber construction. Students are busy fitting a tub section into a staircase, creating a Douglas fir structure, and even wooden shovels. There are several examples of intricate workpieces on display. In short, there’s a lot to see.
The Wood and Restoration Technician program is the only fully-fledged MBO level 3 program for becoming a restoration carpenter. It’s offered in five locations in the Netherlands: Hengelo, Arnhem, and Zaandam. Since this year, Groningen and Roermond have also been added. During this three-year program, you’ll learn to work with wood using hand tools, power tools, stationary machines, and even CNC machines. This will equip you to handle the workshop and on-site work. Restoring paneling and buildings is the core of the program. Constructing new wood is also a key skill you’ll learn during this program.
Festival address:
NDSM Loods
NDSM-Plein 85
1033 WC Amsterdam
Postal address:
Stichting Ambacht in Beeld
Kalf 158
1509AH Zaandam
The Netherlands
