Twining and coiling with discarded ropes in the Algarve

Ysaline Ophoff creates pieces using plant fibres and discarded ropes from where she lives in the Algarve. In this 3-hour workshop she teaches the basics of the twining technique, a traditional basket weaving technique, but rather than using natural fibres, in the session you will be working with discarded ropes. These materials are collected and upcycled from local agriculture and fisheries. You will learn how to start and build up a little basket. Ysaline will share different ways to finish the basket, and you will practise how to manipulate the shape and create colourful patterns. Your piece will be a concrete reminder of how to use discarded materials around you in a creative and meaningful way.

Artisan Ysaline Ophoff hand weaves baskets and sculptural pieces using plant fibres and discarded ropes from where she lives in the Algarve. This 3-hour workshop teaches the basics of the coiling technique to create a small basket, plate, wall hanging or sculpture. The possibilities are endless and you will be able to choose locally handpicked and dried plants or discarded fishing and agricultural ropes for your piece. You will learn how to start and build up a shape with colourful patterns. Your piece will be a reminder of how a traditional technique can be used to give a creative and meaningful second life to discarded materials.