Learn the Art of Twining

With Valeria Castellet

Valeria Castellet welcomes you to her countryside home studio where she integrates her natural way of life with her art. Slow crafting is at the heart of this workshop, where you’ll learn the classic, simple, and traditional basketry technique of twining, using local natural vegetable fibres and olive tree branches to create your own handwoven basket.

The class begins by choosing what materials attract you most. Valeria has personally collected a selection of specially prepared plants and vines from wild olive trees, mastic (evergreen), and rubia (common madder) in advance. With 30 years of experience, Valeria transmits her experience through a hands-on teaching approach, carefully guiding you through the simple steps of twining. Once you know the basics, Valeria hopes her class will give you the knowledge and tools to make your own pieces, continuing the ancient tradition with your unique artistry.

Valeria’s warm and welcoming personality combined with the tranquillity of her shaded countryside studio makes this workshop a special opportunity to take a step back from crowds and busy streets. Breathing in the country air while twining, you’ll realise the calming qualities behind this process. By the end of the workshop, you will walk away with a concrete understanding of what goes on behind the scenes of traditional basket making as well as your very own handwoven basket.

But before you leave, don’t forget to check out the inside of Valeria’s beautiful wooden cabin. There you’ll find her intimate home studio, beautifully adorned with woven templates and the remnants of works yet to come. It feels like a secret creative hideaway separate from the busy world.