New Workshops at Multicolores

Written by Mary Anne Wise

Designing, Stitching & Constructing Embroidered Dolls in Guatemala

Yesterday, was our day long Embroidery Workshop. This is the third workshop that we have taught in Guatemala in the last six months. Our only regret is that we had only one day. Look carefully at the new embroideries. The artisan women have progressed at an amazingly fast pace.

We started out the day making the paper doll pattern by folding a piece of paper and drawing half the shape and cutting it out. To make copies of the pattern we held the pattern up to the window and traced a copy.

Then it was time for the artisans to share their homework with the class. Their assignment was to draw 15 different men and women wearing traditional Guatemalan dress – traje. They were challenged to put as much detail into each drawing as possible. We noticed that the embroidered dolls that they made using the patterns were more detailed than the original pencil drawings.

“They seem to be more comfortable drawing with thread than with pencils,” explained Cultural Cloth’s Mary Anne Wise, who is the lead teacher. “The drawings turned into very sophisticated designs when embroidered.”

As always, the artisans filled the room with laughter and chatter as they cut, sewed and stuffed their dolls. The women artisans enjoyed the change of routine and a chance to get together and learn from each other. 

A Workshop:  How To Make Hooked Baskets & Footstools

Greetings from Panajachel Guatemala! We are back in Guatemala to help with a “product development” workshop for the artisans of Multicolores, the NGO here in Guatemala that supports and develops the women artisans.

The workshop is being led by our friend Mary Flanagan, a textile artisan who is also a brilliant product designer. Mary is that great combination of maker, designer and teacher. Learn more about Mary at mfwoolens.com.

As you know, we have worked with Multicolores artisans for a few years. The ability of the women artisans to design and hook rugs is expanding all the time. We continue to be awed by their creativity. We picked up a few new rugs that can only be described as stunning. We will post them on the website ASAP.

This trip we are working with the artisans so that they can learn how to make a Hooked Basket and a footstool. The artisans used a provided template and hooked the basket sides and bottom. The footstool has a wooden box as a base.

This week Mary is teaching them how to assemble their items. The women are excited to learn something new and expand their earning potential. We will be selling the Hooked Baskets and footstools on the website as they are available.

As always … there is a little time left for fun and silliness. The women loved playing the Balloon Game. The courtyard setting is perfect. The birds were singing and the flowers are so beautiful. Spring is already here.

The First Baskets & Footstool are Complete

The workshop with Mary Flanagan, Cultural Cloth and the Multicolores is coming to an end.  As Always the artisans enjoyed their time together.  It is a respite for them to be away from their daily routines.  The baskets and footstool are amazing.  a We plan to show them to the group coming on the Rug Hooking Tour and then we plan to bring them back to the store.  They will be online soon.

Click here and see the rugs that Multicolores has made.

The Workshop Was a Success

The "new product development" workshop was a success.  Everyone learned and had fun.  You could feel the energy and enthusiasm.  Take a look at the detail of the bags.  Sturdy and beautiful.