Workshops & Classes
1. Beads, Buttons & Bowls: The Art of Everyday Creations
Workshops by: Mariana Combrinck (@bona_fide_jewels)
Dates:
• Thursday, 11 September & Friday, 12 September
• Saturday, 13 September & Sunday, 14 September (repeat workshop)
Class Description:
Join Mariana Combrinck, a self-taught jewellery designer with 19 years of experience, in this fun and creative polymer clay workshop. Learn how to craft unique stitch markers, embossed buttons, and miniature crochet- and knitting-inspired jewellery pieces.
What You’ll Create:
• Polymer Clay Stitch Markers Custom markers for knitting and crochet projects
• Embossed Polymer Clay Buttons - Textured buttons for sewing and needlework
• Miniature Yarn Skeins & Crochet Hook Keychains - Small, detailed designs mimicking real yarn skeins and hooks
• Crochet-Inspired Jewellery - Pendants, earrings, and bracelets featuring knit/crochet patterns
Techniques Covered:
• Sculpting small charms & stitch markers using molds
• Adding metal loops for accessories
• Using lace, stamps, or knitting needles to imprint patterns on clay
• Hand-painting, glazing, and baking
• Mixing colours to mimic real yarn skeins
• Attaching keychain hardware
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Cost: R1200 (includes clay and all materials for the workshop)
Optional Take-Home Kit: R550 (for those who wish to continue crafting after the class)
2. Weaving on Rigid Heddle and Table Looms
Workshops by: Glynis Brooke
•Workshop 1. Thursday, 11 September & Friday 12 September
•Workshop 2. Saturday, 13 September & Sunday 14 September
Class Description:
Join Glynis Brooke, an experienced weaving instructor, for a four-day flexible weaving course. This class caters to all skill levels, allowing students to create a finished woven item to take home.
Course Modules:
Beginner Rigid Heddle Weaving (4 Days)
•Module 1 (2 Days): Houndstooth Scarf (Weaving with Wool)
• Module 2 (2 Days): Colour Gamp Towel
(Weaving with Cotton)
Intermediate Rigid Heddle Weaving (2 x 2-Day Modules)
• Module 1: Weaving and designing plaid patterns
• Module 2: Weaving fabric for a cotton tote bag with pick-up detail
Advanced Rigid Heddle Weaving (2 Days)
• Double Weave Techniques
Harness Loom Weaving (4 Days - Beginners & Intermediate)
• Beginners: Learn to weave on a four-shaft table loom
• Intermediate: Explore the Overshot Weaving Technique
Equipment & Materials:
• Rigid Heddle Looms available for loan
• Table Looms available for hire (R600)
• Custom kits available based on project selection
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Cost: R600 per day
Kit Cost: Varies depending on the project
3. Botanical Dyeing & Natural Printmaking
Workshops by: Ira Bekker
Dates & Workshops:
• Workshop 1: Thursday, 11 September & Friday, 12 September
• Workshop 2: Saturday, 13 September & Sunday, 14 September
Class Description:
Discover the magic of botanical dyeing and explore the natural, earthy tones of South African flora with Ira Bekker. This workshop introduces an accessible dyeing technique using botanical tannins and iron extracts. Participants will learn how to forage for plants, test their suitability for printing, and create their own unique textile prints and plant-dyed wool.
Workshop 1: Botanical Printing on Fabric: Explore local botanical colour through the magical interaction of botanical tannins and iron extract on fabric. Forage for plants in your immediate environment and learn how to test plants for their printability. We will then print up a beautiful botanical scarf/runner to take home
Workshop 2: Botanical Dyeing on Wool: Spend time with me around the dye pots exploring the wonderful world of plant tannins and the beautiful colours they hold, perfect for dyeing up local merino wool. We will work with a collection of local plants and dye up 6 mini skeins (100gr) of superwash merino to take home.
Additional Information:
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Cost: R1200 (includes all dye materials)
• Kit Cost: Varies based on material selection
4. The Yarn Tree – Workshops by Irene & Adrienne
Workshops by: Irene & Adrienne
•Workshop 1. Thursday 11 September
•Workshop 2. Friday 12 September
•Workshop 3. Saturday 13 September
Workshop 1: Beginners Punch Needle
• Learn the basics of punch needle and create textured designs.
• Explore different techniques to achieve smooth loops and patterns.
• Complete a small project using high-quality cotton yarn.
Kit includes:
• A4 frame stretched with Hessian
• 2 x 50g ColourSpun Chunky Cotton
• Scraps of yarn to complete the project
• Use of our studio Oxford Punch Needle
Skill Level: Beginner
Kit Cost: R480
Workshop 2: Nuno Silk/Merino Felted Scarf
• Discover the technique of Nuno felting, combining merino wool and silk chiffon.
• Learn how to bond fibers to create a soft, lightweight scarf.
• Experiment with color blending and textural effects.
Kit includes:
• 50g (1¾oz) of silk/merino fibre
• Silk chiffon
• Step-by-step instructions
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Kit Cost: R520
•Workshop 3
Adrienne Antonites and Irene Maxton
• Class: Crochet (TBA)
• Description: A crochet session (topic to be announced).
5. Workshops by Elaine Barnard
Workshops by: Elaine Barnard
•Workshop 1. Thursday 11 September
•Workshop 2. Friday 12 September
•Workshop 3. Saturday 13 September
Workshop 1: A Vase of Everlasting Felt Flowers
• Create a stunning felt flower arrangement using hand embroidery and appliqué.
• Choose from various floral designs to craft a unique textile artwork.
• Learn embroidery techniques to add depth and texture to your design.
Kit includes:
• Booklet with instructions & patterns
• Freezer paper (38 x 20cm)
• Packet of start-up felt
Skill Level: All levels
Kit Cost: R150
Class Cost: R600
Workshop 2: Creating Incredible Trees Using Water-Soluble Fabric & Hand Embroidery
• Experiment with water-soluble fabric to create a textured textile artwork.
• Choose from different tree designs and enhance them with embroidery.
• Once complete, your piece can be framed or used in quilting projects.
Kit includes:
• Booklet with instructions and tree designs
• Bird’s nest
• Moroccan buttons
• Small pieces of felt
• 2x water-soluble fabric (30 x 30 cm)
• 1x netting (30 x 30 cm)
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Kit Cost: R150
Class Cost: R200 (2-hour class)
Workshop 3: Creative Handmade Fabric Beads
• Transform fabric scraps into unique handmade beads using simple sewing techniques.
• Create fabric beads that can be used for jewelry, clothing embellishments, or bags.
• Learn how to shape, decorate, and assemble your fabric beads creatively.
Kit includes:
• Roll of double-sided tape
• Copper wire
• Straws
• Batting squares
• Stuffing
• Recycled Sari Silk yarn
• Metallic thread
• Small plastic wheels
• Information booklet
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Kit Cost: R150
Class Cost: R300 (morning-only class)
Meet our teachers
1. Mariana Combrinck – Textile & Jewelry Artist
3. Ira Bekker – Botanical Dyeing & Natural Printmaking Expert
1. Mariana Combrinck – Textile & Jewelry Artist
Mariana Combrinck is a self-taught jewelry designer and fiber artist based in Hout Bay with 19 years of experience in the design industry. Her passion for handmade artistry has led her to expand beyond jewelry into creating clay bowls, trinket trays, buttons, brooches, and unique knitting accessories. Her work blends creativity with functional design, celebrating the beauty of handmade craftsmanship. Mariana thrives on sharing her skills and inspiring others to explore their artistic potential. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, her workshops offer an opportunity to experiment and bring your creative vision to life.
2. Glynis Brooke – Weaving Specialist
3. Ira Bekker – Botanical Dyeing & Natural Printmaking Expert
1. Mariana Combrinck – Textile & Jewelry Artist
Glynis Brooke is a seasoned weaver and weaving teacher with extensive experience in both rigid heddle weaving and multi-shaft looms. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and is known for her engaging and supportive teaching style. Glynis embraces new weaving concepts and enjoys learning alongside her students. Her workshops at the festival cater to a wide range of skill levels, offering hands-on experience with project-driven weaving. Beginners can take advantage of loom rentals, making weaving accessible to all. Her flexible classes ensure that participants can also explore other festival workshops while mastering the fundamentals of weaving.
3. Ira Bekker – Botanical Dyeing & Natural Printmaking Expert
3. Ira Bekker – Botanical Dyeing & Natural Printmaking Expert
3. Ira Bekker – Botanical Dyeing & Natural Printmaking Expert
Ira Bekker is a botanical artist and natural dyeing specialist with a deep passion for South African flora. She began working with plant-based pigments in 2013, fascinated by the interaction between tannins and iron to create lightfast dyes. Through years of experimentation, she has refined an accessible approach to botanical dyeing, drawing inspiration from traditional African techniques. Ira travels across South Africa conducting workshops on eco-printing, dye extraction, and textile artistry. Her sessions invite participants to explore local plant colors while learning sustainable dyeing methods, making nature an integral part of textile design.
4. Adrienne & Irene – Founders of The Yarn Tree
Adrienne & Irene, lifelong friends and fiber enthusiasts, co-founded The Yarn Tree nearly a decade ago. Their vision was to make high-quality yarns more accessible to South African crafters. Their passion lies in building a creative community where people can share knowledge, develop skills, and explore exciting fiber arts. Through their workshops, they introduce participants to techniques like punch needle embroidery and Nuno felting, ensuring an engaging and hands-on learning experience. Their home-based studio serves as a hub for creativity, where crafters of all levels can come together to learn, experiment, and be inspired.
5. Elaine Barnard – Award-Winning Fibre Artist
With nearly 40 years of experience, Elaine Barnard is an internationally recognized fiber artist whose work has been exhibited in Europe, North and South America, Australia, and Japan. Her art has won multiple awards, including Best on Show and Best of Country, and has been published in books and magazines worldwide. Elaine has taught extensively in South Africa, the Netherlands, and Norway, sharing her expertise in appliqué, embroidery, and fiber manipulation. As a member of Fibreworks and the South African Quilter’s Guild (SAQG), she has been honored in the SAQG Quilters Hall of Fame for her contributions to textile art.