Temari – Japanese Needlecraft

Temari is an ancient Japanese needlecraft. “Te” means hand, and “mari” means ball in Japanese.

A temari is a ball decorated with threads in geometric shapes and patterns. In a wrapping pattern, the needle is only used for starting and finishing. The division created on the ball allows for various patterns, you can choose which patterns you want to use, from the displayed pieces. You then select your own yarn colors for the project, ensuring that everyone is able to create a personal temari. There will be ample personal attention for each participant.

About Sandra: “Temari entered my life over 30 years ago and has never left. Over the years, I have had the privilege of teaching many classes both in the studio and especially on location in the Netherlands and Belgium. To support independent development of temari knowledge, I have authored several workbooks. The use of colors continues to fascinate me, as do the geometric shapes of the patterns.”

Experiment with botanical printing

Leaves can naturally transfer their color onto fabric. In eco-dyeing, also known as plant printing, patterns are created on fabric using leaves from various plants. Since the publication of India Flint’s books, this dyeing technique has gained popularity. The art lies in ensuring that the leaf not only leaves a colored spot but also makes the vein pattern visible in the print. The instructors at Hawar Textielinstituut know exactly how to achieve this effect. They teach about the natural dyes present in different leaves and how to create sharp, clear prints.

In this workshop, you will print a soft and summery scarf made of Etamine de Laine with your own pattern using various leaves. You don’t need to bring anything for the workshop as we will provide a wide selection of leaves. Part of the workshop involves fixing the colors, which takes about an hour. You don’t need to stay for this process, but please note that you won’t be able to take the scarf home immediately after the workshop. If you enjoy experimenting, you can also bring your own leaves from plants, trees, or flowers. While we may not know exactly what color each leaf will produce, the surprise often results in even more beautiful outcomes!

Harm Harms is a teacher and owner of the family-run Hawar Textielinstituut, where instructors from both the Netherlands and abroad share their knowledge and skills in a large and inviting workshop space. The institute also houses an extensive store and an inspiring gallery, making it a hub for discovering and rediscovering new and old materials and textile techniques. During the festival, Harm leads workshops alongside Floor de Bruijn. She has a background as a designer at Humanoid and teaches at Hawar in the reuse and restyling of clothing and fabrics.

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.

Furniture upholstery demonstration

Furniture upholstery is the art of renewing and enhancing furniture by re-covering it with fabric, leather, or other materials. This craft combines creativity and skill, transforming an old or worn piece into something completely new.

The process begins with the careful removal of the old upholstery. The frame of the furniture is then inspected and, if necessary, reinforced. Next, the perfect fabric is chosen to match the style and function of the piece. With needle, thread, and a precise hand, the new material is applied, cushions are refilled, and all pleats are carefully pressed. The result is a piece of furniture that is not only comfortable but also a standout feature in any interior.

Upholstering brings new life to cherished pieces. This craft plays with textures, colors, and patterns, adding a personal touch to the decor. It restores not only the functionality of furniture but also makes it a focal point that invites enjoyment.

Gerbine Blankers is a professional upholsterer at her own workshop, Stoffeeratelier Gerbine, and a vocational teacher of upholstery at Het Ambachtshuis Brabant in Breda. She will demonstrate her craftsmanship on Saturday.

Moulage

Have a look at this exhibition of creations, and meet the makers.

Discover the art of moulage! Step into the world of fashion and creativity! During Ambacht in Beeld you will have the opportunity to experience for yourself how special this design technique is. Under the expert guidance of Inez van der Meer you will start creating a unique garment. Inez will be there to guide you step by step and answer all your questions. Join in and discover the magic of moulage.

The students of the masterclass will show you what they have created and are happy to tell you about their experiences. They have designed unique garments, inspired by works of art by the young artists Rombout Oomen and Sam Andrea. Come along, ask your questions and learn from their creative process.

Fashion show on November 24. To conclude this inspiring project, we will organize a fashion show on November 24 in the Modestraat, the location where the masterclass took place. It promises to be an evening full of surprises and inspiration. This is your chance to admire the creations of our students and experience the magic of moulage up close. You are most welcome!

Participants:

Kids: Block printing with natural ink

Dive into the world of block printing and natural inks. 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 stones and flowers, we will explore the diverse sources of colour in September. Use block printing techniques to design patterns on your t-shirt and be inspired by the beauty of nature. Each fruit and vegetable has its own shapes and designs, by using them as sticking tools we will design and make our fabric unique.

Please bring a 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.

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.

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!).