26 & 27 September 2026
NDSM Loods, Amsterdam

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Block print with natural ink

Dive into the world of block printing and natural ink. Learn about the magical properties of different plants and herbs, how to collect them and make your own natural ink. From fruits and vegetables to rocks and flowers, we’ll explore the diverse sources of color in September. We are going to use the woodblock printing technique, it is designed and made by Roua with different shapes and sizes. By playing with it, you design a beautiful pattern on your fabric. Be inspired by the beauty of nature!

 

Please bring your own white piece of clothing or a white cotton bag.

 

Roua Alhalabi, a Syrian specialist in natural dyes, inherited the magic of natural colors from her grandmother in her hometown. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise, she has developed recipes and techniques for different fibers and materials. Through her workshops for children and adults, Roua shares her passion for nature and the joy of working with her hands.

 

 

Venetian Glass: wave vase or bowl

This is really special: we have invited three Venetian glass blowers to teach workshops and share their knowledge.

 

Chiara Lee Taiarol, Mariana Oliboni and Andrew Dougherty work in this female run studio El Cocal in Murano, home of the original Ventian glass work. Traditionally, the craft has been male dominated and the trade was passed on from father to son, which makes this studio really stand out.

 

During this workshop you can learn how to make a wave vase or a wave bowl. There will be a maximum of two participants for a one hour workshop.

 

Disclaimer: glass is fragile, it may break during cooling down. NB it has to cool down for 24 hours, so you can pick up your work the next day.

 

“Why did I choose glass? Actually, it chose me. I have tried many materials but glass has a strength, when you work with it you have to be present. You have to respect it, it’s alive. In a certain sense it has led me to live life to the full”

 

Chiara Lee Taiarol

 

 

 

Shibori

Discover the ancient Japanese Shibori technique, in which white fabric is transformed into a colorful whole with beautiful patterns through folding, binding, clamping and sewing. Using natural dye baths made from avocado, onion, turmeric and indigo, you will create your own unique design on your t-shirt, bag or other fabric. Join us and let your creativity run wild!

 

Please bring your own white piece of clothing or a white cotton bag.

 

Roua Alhalabi, a Syrian specialist in natural dyes, inherited the magic of natural colors from her grandmother in her hometown. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise, she has developed recipes and techniques for different fibers and materials. Through her workshops for children and adults, Roua shares her passion for nature and the joy of working with her hands.

 

Kids: Shibori with natural dye baths

Discover the ancient Japanese Shibori technique, in which white fabric is transformed into a colorful whole with beautiful patterns through folding, binding, clamping and sewing. Using natural dye baths made from avocado, onion, turmeric and indigo, you will create your own unique design on your t-shirt. Join us and let your creativity run wild!

 

Please bring your own white t-shirt.

 

Roua Alhalabi, a Syrian specialist in natural dyes, inherited the magic of natural colors from her grandmother in her hometown. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise, she has developed recipes and techniques for different fibers and materials. Through her workshops for children and adults, Roua shares her passion for nature and the joy of working with her hands.

 

ShoeCare

During this workshop you will learn everything about the maintenance of your shoes and other leather items. You will learn exactly what to do to keep these beloved items in a good condition for as long as possible. We also show you how to carry out minor repairs. Consider, for example, the placement of rags.

 

What we will also do during the workshop is a crash course in cleaning sneakers. You will learn which cleaning products you can best use for the different parts of your shoes. Bring your own sneakers! 

 

A shoemaker’s shop is a place where you can go with different items. If the zipper of your boot is broken, we will install a new one. Do your shoes need new heels, we can also arrange that. We take care of your items with personal attention, so that you can keep them with you for a long time and experience even more stories and experiences with them. We always say; every shoe has a story!

 

Femke Dix has been a shoemaker for more than five years. “The craft really came my way. When I walked into a nice shoemaker’s shop, I immediately fell in love with the profession and have never let it go.” She is now the proud owner of Sole shoe repair shop in Hilversum and is every day ready for new challenges and stories that walk into the store. (Do you want to become a shoemaker yourself? Femke still has room for one trainee!).

 

 

 

Venetian Glass blowing: ornament, paper weight or small bowl

Language: English

 

This is really special: we have invited three Venetian glass blowers to teach workshops and share their knowledge.

 

Chiara Lee Taiarol, Mariana Oliboni and Andrew Dougherty work in this female run studio El Cocal in Murano, home of the original Ventian glass work. Traditionally, the craft has been male dominated and the trade was passed on from father to son, which makes this studio really stand out.

 

During this workshop you can learn how to make an ornament or paper weight.  There will be a maximum of four participants for a one hour workshop.

 

Disclaimer: glass is fragile, it may break during cooling down. NB it has to cool down for 24 hours, so you can pick up your work the next day.

 

“Why did I choose glass? Actually, it chose me. I have tried many materials but glass has a strength, when you work with it you have to be present. You have to respect it, it’s alive. In a certain sense it has led me to live life to the full”

 

Chiara Lee Taiarol

 

 

Forge your own seahorse

Please note: Participation at your own risk. Avoid wearing flammable clothing.

 

Witness the fascinating transformation of solid metal into an elegant seahorse, guided by heat and skilled craftsmanship.

 

After a brief introduction by our blacksmith, you’ll have the opportunity to shape a provided metal strip into your very own seahorse. Using a hammer and anvil, and under the guidance of our experienced blacksmith, you’ll learn the techniques involved while creating your unique piece.

 

Cees Pronk, a former professional in the metal industry, discovered a gap in blacksmithing training courses in the Netherlands back in 1999/2000. Unable to find a suitable program, he decided to develop his own. With approval from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, he established the Opleiding Smeden in Andelst and Mondra Opleidingen. Alongside the Opleiding Smeden, workshops and masterclasses are offered for people of all ages and backgrounds, including artists and primary school students. These sessions take place at Forge Cornelis Pronk, a hub for learning about forging techniques.

Carve your own spoon

Join us for an immersive woodcarving experience. You’ll receive a raw, basic shape of a spoon, spatula, or butter knife, and it’s time to let your creativity flow. Discover various wood types, master the use of essential carving tools, learn corresponding techniques, and achieve a beautiful finish for your carved creations.

 

By the end of the workshop, you’ll proudly take home your very own hand-carved spoon, spatula, or butter knife.

 

Hausgemacht is a dynamic mobile haven for handicrafts, crafts, and creative exploration in Belgium. Our mission is to guide people from all walks of life to shift from overthinking to hands-on crafting. In a world where reconnection with ourselves, natural elements, and one another is vital, we’re here to inspire you.

 

We prioritize utilizing residual materials as much as possible, respecting the Earth’s capacity. We believe that crafting unique and sustainable items with our hands can foster a happier world and a healthier planet.

 

For adults, our workshops offer a diverse array of craft techniques, including woodcarving, glasswork, textiles, and printing. Meanwhile, children have access to a plethora of basic play materials crafted from natural and recycled sources. This encourages imaginative play, where creativity knows no bounds. Our creative workshops introduce kids to upcycling and the use of natural materials while they play, all rooted in the principles of crafts and handicraft techniques.

Kids workshop: craft your own walking stick

With the help of a pocket knife, we’ll transform a raw branch into a splendid walking stick. If you have a knack for using a knife, you might even add intricate carvings and designs to your creation.

 

Once you’re content with your masterpiece, we’ll drill a hole and attach a vibrant, colourful rope to your walking stick for that finishing touch.

 

Hausgemacht is a dynamic mobile haven for handicrafts, crafts, and creative exploration in Belgium. Our mission is to guide people from all walks of life to shift from overthinking to hands-on crafting. In a world where reconnection with ourselves, natural elements, and one another is vital, we’re here to inspire you.

 

We prioritize utilizing residual materials as much as possible, respecting the Earth’s capacity. We believe that crafting unique and sustainable items with our hands can foster a happier world and a healthier planet.

 

For adults, our workshops offer a diverse array of craft techniques, including woodcarving, glasswork, textiles, and printing. Meanwhile, children have access to a plethora of basic play materials crafted from natural and recycled sources. This encourages imaginative play, where creativity knows no bounds. Our creative workshops introduce kids to upcycling and the use of natural materials while they play, all rooted in the principles of crafts and handicraft techniques.

Craft your own Japanese toolbox

Marc Reymen, officially recognized as a ‘Master Hurdy-Gurdy Builder’ by the Flemish Ministry of Culture, guides students in his workshop every week as they embark on the journey of building their own instruments.

 

Hurdy-Gurdy building encompasses a diverse range of skills, from intricate edge inlaying to precise metalwork and from delicate wood carving to meticulous wood folding.

 

Now, immerse yourself in the artistry of Japanese craftsmanship by creating your very own toolbox. This experience will teach you each step, from meticulous marking out to skilful sawing with a Japanese saw, using hot glue for secure assembly, refining with sandpaper, and concluding with the art of oiling.

 

Upon completion, you’ll proudly possess a compact toolbox with a Japanese touch that perfectly complements any desk or dressing table. This collector’s item for small treasures is sure to capture the admiration of all who see it.