Moroccan Brass Engraving

Moroccan brass engraving, known locally as az-Zuwāq ʿala an-Nuḥās, is an old tradition. The techniques of brass engraving in Morocco, using a chisel and other stamps, and the methods of constructing patterns using a hand-forged divider, date back to early 11th century.

This workshop invites you to be part of this commitment to old techniques and methods that marks transgenerational legacies. This drop-In workshop will showcase the following technical steps:

• Tracing: Using a divider and ruler, we will find the center, trace circles and divide them into a specific number.
• Chiseling: Using a set of chisels, we will try our hands on making straight lines.
• Stamping: Using a variety of different stamps from our 1550 stamps collection, we will add details to our creativity.
• Shaping: Using a wooden mallet, we will attempt to raise the edge of the engraved brass sheet to turn into in a tray. The finished brass engraving will be gifted to the Ambacht in Beeld Foundation.

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 and had published academic works in the field and traveled around 16 countries while learning and teaching Moroccan culture.

weaving: 3D honeycomb weaving

Weaving is an ancient craft where loose threads are transformed into beautiful, unique textile creations. Imagine turning a simple collection of yarn into a colorful pattern, a warm scarf, or another artistic piece with your hands and a loom.

But weaving is much more than just a technical skill. It is a meditative and creative experience that allows you to experiment with color, pattern, and material.

In this workshop, you’ll dive into honeycomb weaving. You’ll see and feel how your ideas come to life, thread by thread. A table loom, pre-threaded and ready for use, will be at your disposal. Throughout the workshop, you’ll experiment with the honeycomb structure, using various materials and thicknesses to alter the texture and effect. This is a hands-on workshop where you’ll create your own piece and take it home at the end of the day.

Ambachtshuis Brabant is a leading educational organization specializing in practical training through the master-apprentice model, with craftsmen as our mentors. We strongly believe in this model, where learning by doing is central. Our doors are open to all adults who want to work with their heads, hearts, and hands, regardless of their education, background, or skills. Here, everyone has the opportunity to discover and develop their passion for crafts. Craftspeople are increasingly valued and in the spotlight! The demand for honest products and products with a story is growing, and our training programs contribute to this movement.

Slow Flowers in a small vase

Slow Flowers is a movement focused on the sustainable and local cultivation of flowers. It centers on choosing blooms that are carefully grown in harmony with the seasons and local environment.

In this workshop, you will create a beautiful small bouquet using Slow Flowers. You will experience how it feels to work with these sustainable flower and plant techniques that minimize environmental impact. The bouquet will be presented in a lovely small vase, allowing you to showcase it beautifully at home.

Instead of imported flowers, which are often grown and transported under environmentally harmful conditions, Slow Flowers emphasizes the use of native and seasonal blooms. This significantly reduces the ecological footprint.

Slow Flowers represent a mindful, eco-friendly approach to flower arranging, where each bouquet authentically reflects nature in its purest form. It pays tribute to local growers and the natural beauty of flowers cultivated sustainably.

This approach is gaining increasing support in society.

Jacqueline de Wit is a vocational teacher of Ecological Floral Design at Het Ambachtshuis Brabant in Eindhoven and Sint-Oedenrode.