For centuries, thousands of people around the world have enjoyed the art of paper cutting. It’s fun and relaxing, and both young and old create the most beautiful artworks with it. As many cutters as there are, there are just as many variations. It’s no coincidence that this special craft is included in the Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Netherlands.
Everyone has cut into a sheet of paper with scissors at some point, but in this workshop, you’ll take it a step further. After a short introduction, you’ll learn the basic techniques from experienced paper cutters. Then, you’ll apply these skills yourself in a simple project. At the end, you’ll go home with one or two cut-out artworks. Success guaranteed.
The workshop leaders are members of the Dutch Association for Paper Art, a meeting place for both hobbyists and professional artists. They are specially trained to teach enthusiasts the tricks of the trade. Most of them regularly exhibit their work.
Etching is a special printmaking technique, and in his time, Rembrandt was more famous for his etchings than for his paintings.
In this workshop, just like Rembrandt, you will create your own etching using the dry point technique. You will scratch a drawing into a plastic plate with an etching needle, then rub ink into the grooves and print the plate onto a sheet of paper using a real printing press. With just a few tips, you will be amazed at the beautiful and surprising print you can make!
You will go home with your own handmade print.
At Museum Rembrandthuis, you’ll get closer to the artist Rembrandt van Rijn. In the intimate setting of his former home on the Jodenbreestraat in Amsterdam, you’ll get to know the man behind the art and discover his incredible craftsmanship. The museum aims to inspire your own creativity and craft through Rembrandt’s view on art, offering demonstrations of his paint- and etching techniques. The Rembrandt House Museum holds 250 of the over 300 etchings he created.
The museum educators have many years of experience leading etching workshops at the Rembrandt House Museum. They know everything about Rembrandt and his prints, and they know just how to bring out the artist in everyone!
Practical Information
Discover the creative possibilities of paper art.
After a short introduction, you’ll dive right in and learn how to create beautiful paper flowers. You’ll make three types of flowers, inspired by poppies, daisies, and lilies, along with a variety of leaves. Coloured paper is available so participants can choose their own colour combinations.
Step by step, the instructor will guide the group through folding, cutting, curling, and assembling the paper components. Some pieces are small and require a bit of patience, but it’s precisely these details that make the final work so special. No worries, pre-cut parts will also be available if that’s easier.
No experience is necessary; this masterclass is suitable for all skill levels. Thanks to the small group size, every participant receives personal attention.
You’ll go home with a composition of flowers and leaves in a 27×27 cm frame.
Paper is a simple, everyday material, but it offers endless creative potential. By cutting, folding, curling, and layering, paper can be transformed from a flat sheet into detailed, three-dimensional forms. This versatility allows artists to experiment with shape and structure, bringing paper to life in unique ways. With a rich history, paper art continues to evolve and now plays a role in illustration, design, and fine art. One of the best things about working with paper is how accessible it is, it’s affordable, familiar, and easy to find. Anyone can start at home with just a few basic tools like scissors and glue. Whether you’re making simple decorations or intricate works of art, paper invites creativity at every level.
Hiroko Matsushita was born in Japan and has lived in the Netherlands since 2019. She earned a Master’s degree in Illustration from Arts University Bournemouth in the UK. Her passion for paper began when she started creating illustrations with volume and tactile elements, discovering how paper can go beyond the flat page. Since then, Hiroko has worked as an artist, designer, and illustrator, with paper as her primary medium. Her creations have appeared in advertising campaigns, shop window displays, and various art projects. She loves sharing her passion for paper art and finds great joy in guiding and inspiring others to explore their own creativity.
Practical Information
This year, children can once again join in for free to help build and paint a life-sized, colourful fantasy creature made of papier-mâché, guided by visual artist Edson Bruno Filho.
Papier-mâché is a technique where pieces of paper are combined with an adhesive substance (such as wallpaper paste or flour mixed with water) to create sturdy shapes or objects. The name comes from French and literally means “chewed paper.”
Edson Bruno Filho, originally from Rio de Janeiro, lives and works in Amsterdam and is a visual artist. He paints, creates objects, and sculptures, and leads workshops. His work is deeply inspired by nature and is characterized by bright colours, imaginative shapes, and a playful aesthetic.
In Morocco, the art of geometry is referred to as at-Tasṭīr and it means the ‘art of straight lines’. Each Moroccan ornament and each geometric shape carries a special colloquial name and a story. This masterclass will unfold these untold methods and narratives and will shed light on the artisanal perspectives.
Using a compass, divider and ruler, we’ll learn how to draw a variety of geometric ornaments original to Morocco. We’ll draw together, ask questions and share—all the while, visually visiting Morocco alongside artisan & author Hamza El Fasiki to gain a better understanding of the cultural and practical applications of the art. This masterclass is open to anyone interested in learning about geometric arts and celebrating the richness of arts and crafts of the kingdom of Morocco, and Fes Medina in particular! You get to keep your drawings.
Hamza El Fasiki is an artisan and author. Hamza has apprenticed under his father at Dar-Attamania Studio in Fes, Morocco between 2011 and 2021. Hamza holds an MA degree on Moroccan Cultural Studies with an academic research focus on the cultural history of Moroccan traditional crafts from Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fes. Hamza is specialist in traditional Moroccan geometric patterns, brass engraving, and bookbinding. He has also published academic works in the field and traveled around 16 countries while learning and teaching Moroccan culture.
Practical information
Ebru is an ancient painting technique, also known as paper marbling. It involves creating colourful patterns by applying pigments using various techniques to the surface of water (or a viscous liquid) and then transferring these patterns onto paper or other surfaces.
During the workshop, we will practice the most traditional way of the art of Ebru: using water, paint, and brushes—just as the Turkish ancestors did 1500 years ago. You will go home with your own unique Ebru artwork.
Okan Akin is an artist who was born and raised in Turkey. He completed his art education in 1991, specializing in textile design. He worked for five years as a teacher at a vocational high school in Turkey. In 1997, Okan moved to the Netherlands. In 2006, he founded Atelier Okan Akin in Amsterdam, in the art district of NDSM. He still works there today with great enthusiasm and passion as an artist.
“My ultimate challenge is applying and combining traditional art techniques in my contemporary work. Ebru art (paper marbling) is an example of this.”
Practical Information:
Regular
€7.50 pre-sale online
€10.00 at the door
CJP
€5.00 pre-sale online
€7.50 at the door
Children up to 12 years
Free entrance (with entrance ticket < 13 years).
Stadspas
Free entrance (only at the door upon presentation of your Stadspass, cannot be reserved online).
The prices mentioned include: VAT, service costs and €1.50 entertainment tax for the municipality of Amsterdam.
Please note: everyone who visits the festival needs an entrance ticket, even if you are going to attend a workshop or masterclass.
Festival address:
NDSM Loods
NDSM-Plein 85
1033 WC Amsterdam
Postal address:
Stichting Ambacht in Beeld
Kalf 158
1509AH Zaandam
The Netherlands
