Interwoven: Modern Moroccan Weaving Retreat

      Marrakesh, Morocco

      M2
      Maison 28
      • Email address verified
      6 reviews
      Mar 28 - Apr 7, 2019
      Group size: 5 - 8
      Interwoven: Modern Moroccan Weaving Retreat
      Marrakesh, Morocco

      Maison 28
      • Email address verified
      6 reviews

      Mar 28 - Apr 7, 2019
      Group size: 5 - 8

      About this trip

      Morocco-an exotic, interwoven tapestry of many cultural influences, enduring traditions, and rich artisanal heritage of metalwork, embroidery, ceramics, woodcarving, and weaving! Weaving is one of this country’s most significant cultural expressions. It’s the thread that connects the past with the present, utility with artistry. Moroccan rugs and blankets, hand woven on looms by women in the Atlas Mountains, are still used extensively in most every Moroccan home, and now admired and exported throughout the world.


      And because weaving is so central to the art and culture of this country, we can’t think of a better place to be inspired, connected and creative by joining in a weaving workshop here in Marrakech at Maison 28. This Weaving Retreat course introduces traditional Moroccan weaving styles and techniques and inspires you to interpret them into original, contemporary works of art and home decorating pieces. Open to all levels. The only prerequisite is a desire to learn, share, and grow!

      Meet our Guest Teacher Asmaa Aman-Tran

      Meet our Guest Teacher Asmaa Aman-Tran, a Moroccan-born weaver and ceramicist, raised in Casablanca, and now living in Boston with her husband Chris and young daughter Nylaa.


      Asmaa is proud and appreciative to have had the chance to grow up in Morocco, being influenced by its exceptional and diverse culture, its colors and wonders, and the centuries-old techniques of pottery, jewelry making, and weaving.


      After working for a time in graphic design and visual merchandising she realized a need to be creating things with her own hands, and discovered weaving for herself in 2016, Constantly inspired by the endless possibilities, Asmaa’s woven art reflects the rich mosaic of artisanal traditions and varied cultural influences that make Morocco such a source of creative inspiration!


      But what she most enjoys is taking traditional Moroccan weaving and knotting techniques and blowing fresh air into them. In Asmaa’s hands lambskin meets copper, wool meets clay, and the silver sequins found in Moroccan wedding blankets (Handiras) knotted into much of her work in new and unique ways and sold through her business Hand and Fiber.


      She says, “My work is about sharing the richness of my Moroccan roots through exceptional techniques and mediums to make something truly unique and special.” Find more of Asmaa’s work on Instagram.

      About Marrakech

      There is a creative energy that hums in the city-from the traditional  souk artisans working in the same techniques for hundreds of years to  contemporary artists and creative entrepreneurs who are reinterpreting  Moroccan design for current trends. Inspiration can be found around  every corner. Jaw-dropping historic architecture, vibrant colors woven  into the beautiful patterns of carpets, zouak painting and zellij tile  designs, and the intricate arabesque carvings into metal, wood, and  plaster -all serve to create a visually stimulating environment that is  an artisan’s dream come true. 

      Maison 28: Our Home in Morocco

      NOT your typical Marrakech Riad, Maison 28 is your home in Marrakech to stay, create, and play!

      Located in the heart of the Marrakech Medina in a quiet residential area, Maison 28 is  strategically located within a few minutes walk to the souks. 


      You’ll find an inspiring, comfortable group home that provides the ideal environment for teaching and learning creative passions, developing new friendships, discovering artisan-made treasures in the nearby souks, delicious cuisine in the local restaurants, and experiencing the culture like a local.


      The house features casual-luxury style and eclectic bohemian décor sourced from the local souks and flea markets and placed with a creative eye. Designed with love, it features:

      7  special, eclectically designed guest rooms with the décor sourced from the local souks and flea markets.

       

      Maision 28 is a safe and inspiring place that provides the opportunity for enriching creative cultural exchanges and life-changing experiences while developing a deeper connection to the unique culture and community of Marrakech.

      What’s included

      • 4 day weaving workshop
      • Most workshop supplies
      • Airport transfers
      • Private transportation
      • Guided Medina Artisan To
      • Daily breakfast
      • Cocktails/Henna party
      • 7 delicious lunches
      • 8 dinner experiences
      • Gnaoua music sendoff
      • Planning assistance
      • Atlas Mountains day trip
      • Ouarrzazate day trip

      What’s not included

      • Airfare
      • Travel insurance
      • Meals on your free time
      • Some workshop supplies
      • Alcohol outside dinners
      • Staff gratuities

      Available Packages

      Private Room with Queen Bed
      $3,395
      Deposit: $695
      Shared Room with Twin Bed
      $2,895
      Deposit: $695


      Itinerary

      Our Days in Marrakech
      Modern Moroccan Weaving Itinerary

       Day 1 – Thursday March 28

      marhaba! a warm welcome to Marrakech!

      Plan your arrival to Marrakech for late morning/midday with Airport Transfer to Maison 28. We’ll welcome you with Atay (Moroccan Mint Tea) and pastries. Enjoy an alfresco lunch at a local restaurant Medina restaurant followed by an optional visit to the Heritage Museum of Marrakech. Dinner together at a lovely local restaurant.


      Day 2 – Friday March 29

      introduction to the art of weaving and Moroccan carpet heritage…

      Wake up for a Maison 28 breakfast, followed by an introduction to the weaving course and techniques with Asmaa. Then we’ll head out for a guided Medina Artisan tour. After our group lunch we’ll get an introduction to the the various styles and weaving techniques of the famous tribal carpets and blankets of Morocco. Evening brings a cocktail & henna party on the roof terrace and dinner at Maison 28.


      Day 3 – Saturday March 30

      learn to weave-Moroccan style…

      Maison 28 breakfast is followed by a day long dive into weaving on a loom and starting on your first project-a sampler of different techniques with Asmaa. Midday buffet lunch at Maison 28 and finishing up the day with a delicious dinner at one of our favorite local medina restaurants.


      Day 4 – Sunday March 31

      the creativity and discovery continues…

      Enjoy a Maison 28 breakfast followed by an visit to the nearby Musee Boucharouite to motivate our weaving project for the day-a Boucharouite-inspired woven pillow cover. Midday buffet lunch at Maison 28 and enjoy dinner on your own this evening.


      Day 5 – Monday April 1

      casbahs and carpets…

      After our Maison 28 breakfast we’ll begin our 2-day journey to discover historic Casbahs and venture to the heart of the Moroccan weaving culture in the Berber villages of the High Atlas Mountains.  and end the day staying at a a lovely hotel within the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate.


      Day 6 – Tuesday April 2

      weaving in cultural connections…

      After breakfast we’ll begin our return to Marrakech with a long stop to enjoy an intimate and educational visit at a women’s weaving cooperative. After a traditional Berber lunch we’ll travel on to visit the restored Telouet Kasbah before we cross the famous Tizi n’ Tichka pass and weave our way back down to the valley of Marrakech for a light dinner at Maison 28.


      Day 7 – Wednesday April 3

      sourcing objects of desire…

      Following a Maison 28 breakfast spend the morning sourcing goodies in the souks to incorporate into our afternoon weaving project.  After a medina lunch together we’ll head back to the studio to create custom tassels and learn techniques for incorporating beads and other embellishments into our weaving projects. Dinner is on your own this evening.


      Day 8 – Thursday April 4

      leather and other fringe benefits…

      Maison 28 breakfast. Our final special project this day will combine weaving and knotted leather fringe to create a fabulous custom purse or pouch. At night we’ll share a Tanjia dinner (slow-cooked Marrakech specialty!) at Maison 28.


      Day 9 – Friday April 5

      a garden getaway…

      After breakfast will venture out to the “New City” Gueliz to visit the famous Jardin Majorelle and Yves St. Laurent Museum. After a tasty pizza lunch we’ll return to the Medina where you are free to enjoy the afternoon and evening as you wish.


      Day 10- Saturday April 6

      footloose and fancy free in Marrakech…

      Enjoy breakfast and a whole day to indulge yourself. You can spend more time creating in the studio, finish up your shopping in the souks, or spend some time getting pampered with a hammam and massage at the local spa. Tonight we’ll celebrate our creative time together with a farewell dinner and live Gnaoua music at Maison 28.


      Day 9 – Sunday April 7

      beslama! time to go with your woven artwork and special memories…

      Enjoy your last Maison 28 breakfast before your morning airport transfer for departure

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      M2
      Maison 28
      6 reviews
      Maision 28 is a safe and inspiring place that provides the opportunity for enriching creative cultural exchanges and life-changing experiences while developing a deeper connection to the unique culture and community of Marrakech.

      Reviews

      Above and beyond my wildest dreams!! Melanie didn’t miss ANYTHING!! Absolutely perfect!!!!
      By Georgia Christine T for Hand to Hand: Artisan Experience Retreat on Dec 07, 2023
      The perfect way to experience Morocco, in my opinion, is with purpose and direction. Weaving Through Morocco was an amazing retreat - I signed up as a novice and ended up learning the weaving process from start to finish (with 3 different keepsakes to take home with me). This was the perfect balance of purposeful travel (stopping along our route to visit the women who create beautiful Berber rugs - including watching them dye their wool), time to sit and spend with new friends while working on our projects and time to experience the culture and beauty that is Morocco. Melanie (and her wonderful staff) provided the direction - everything was taken care of! Just show up and enjoy the hospitality, the shopping (oh, the shopping) and whatever retreat you’ve signed up for. The trip was very well organized and managed and the food was amazing! An experience I’ll never forget and would recommend to anyone who is open to new things - go alone or go with friends who are like minded - just bring your best walking shoes and go!
      By Karen W for Hand to Hand: Weaving Through Morocco on Nov 24, 2023
      We had a fabulous time! The accommodations were amazing, the places we visited were filled with culture and our guides were so nice and helpful. This is a fantastic place to stay for a group or even a few people.
      By Robin B for Hand to Hand: Weaving Through Morocco on Nov 14, 2023
      I visited Morocco last year with my husband, stayed at beautiful Maison 28 and fell in love with the country, however left feeling that I just didn’t explore enough. Coming back and participating in Weaving through Morocco was one of the greatest gifts I have ever given to myself. I will be forever changed after spending six days on the road exploring the more remote areas of the country. I had the most fortunate of luck to have a driver who spent the first 13 years of his life living in the desert. He had a way about himself which made me appreciate all life had to offer. While on the road we spent two days with beautiful Berber women and their Tazenakht weaving group, sharing their meals in a private home and learned every process of their weaving, from cleaning the wool, spinning, dyeing, and doing loom work. We explored ancient villages, watched green glazed pottery being made, and so much more. We weaved individually and together with all the creative women on my trip while staying at inspirational accommodations along the way. The absolute highlight of my trip was driving into the Sahara, riding camels to the highest dune, climbing to its peak, watching the sunset, getting back on our camels and returning to camp. Then we spent the night listening to our drivers and guides drum and sing songs, while sitting under the most magnificent, starriest sky I have ever experienced. I’ve been home a week now. I am an artist by trade and I have enough inspiration and ideas to keep me going for months and months. I am most grateful to Melanie Royals for putting together this trip, and the women who shared this special experience with me. Thank you!
      By Jodi H for Hand to Hand: Weaving Through Morocco on Nov 13, 2023
      CC
      I had one of the most memorable trips I've taken and met 7 other wonderful ladies who too the Weaving through Morocco workshop. Many of them had been on one of Melanie's trip already which I took as a great sign. I felt very safe and taken care of and really felt that I experienced authentic Morocco along the way. All the drivers, hotels, culture representatives and restaurants were lovely. We had taken 5 days into the dessert and to visit many artisans and that was one of the most memorable parts of the trip. Maison 28 is an incredible place to stay and Melanie's staff is top notch. 5 stars across the board and highly recommend.
      By Carol C for Hand to Hand: Weaving Through Morocco on Nov 11, 2023
      Thank you Carol! It was wonderful to have you on our adventure. I'm so glad you came and took so many good memories of Morocco home with you :)
      By Maison 28 on Nov 11, 2023
      M2
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