Two Hours Private Backstrap Weaving Workshop in Antigua

Discover the captivating art of backstrap weaving in the lush courtyard of Antigua, Guatemala. This private two-hour workshop, led by master weavers Doña Lidia and Doña Everilda, offers a unique cultural experience for all skill levels. Learn traditional techniques like plain weave and brocade while creating beautiful pieces to take home. With one-on-one guidance and all materials provided, including backstrap looms, you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for this time-honored craft. But the real question is, are you ready to learn about the vibrant tapestry of Guatemalan textile traditions?

Good To Know

A private, 2-hour backstrap weaving workshop in the lush courtyard of Antigua, Guatemala, led by master weavers Doña Lidia and Doña Everilda.
Participants learn the basics of backstrap weaving, including traditional motifs and brocade techniques, with personalized one-on-one instruction.
All necessary materials, including backstrap looms, are provided, and participants have the option to purchase looms for continued use at home.
The workshop is suitable for both beginners and advanced weavers, with a tailored pace and progressive learning to meet individual needs and goals.
The workshop offers a unique culture experience, with the opportunity to learn about Guatemalan textile traditions directly from the expert instructors.

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Workshop Overview

The "Two Hours Private Backstrap Weaving Workshop" in Antigua, Guatemala provides an immersive cultural experience for visitors. Priced at $48 and up, the private sessions are taught by master weavers Doña Lidia and Doña Everilda.

With a perfect 5-star rating from 91% of 11 reviews, this workshop is ideal for beginners and advanced weavers alike. Participants will learn traditional motifs, plain weave, and brocade techniques while using provided backstrap looms in a lush courtyard setting.

Materials like a PDF guide and pre-recorded videos are also included. Though not wheelchair accessible, the workshop is stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals, making it an accessible option for many.

Experience Details

Held in a lush courtyard in central Antigua, the workshop immerses participants in a captivating learning environment surrounded by plants.

Under the guidance of master weavers Doña Lidia and Doña Everilda, students dive into the basics of backstrap weaving, mastering traditional motifs, plain weave, and brocade techniques.

The workshop provides all necessary materials, including the use of backstrap looms during the class.

While the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals.

Regardless of skill level, participants can expect a personalized pace and one-on-one instruction, with the option to purchase a loom to continue their weaving journey at home.

Class Structure

The workshop’s instruction style follows a personalized, one-on-one approach, with the expert instructors demonstrating techniques and guiding participants at their own pace.

The class structure is designed to accommodate both beginners and advanced weavers:

Participants can start with the basics of backstrap weaving, learning traditional motifs, plain weave, and brocade techniques.
Those with more experience can jump right into the more complex brocade work, allowing them to create intricate, unique textiles.
Regardless of skill level, the instructors ensure a progressive learning experience tailored to each individual’s needs and goals.

Plus, participants have the option to purchase looms to continue their weaving journey at home.

Meeting and Confirmation

To attend the workshop, participants make their way to a location just 3 blocks from Antigua’s central park.

The exact address is provided upon booking confirmation, which is received within 48 hours of making the reservation. This confirmation is subject to availability, ensuring the experience is secured.

Should participants need to cancel, they can do so free of charge up to 24 hours before the workshop starts, in the local time zone.

This flexible policy allows for adjustments to travel plans.

With the meeting point and cancellation details confirmed, participants can look forward to an immersive backstrap weaving experience in the heart of Antigua.

Participant Feedback

What do participants have to say about their experiences with the backstrap weaving workshop? The reviews paint a vivid picture.

Participants appreciated the personalized instruction, with one noting, "The instructors were so patient and tailored the lesson to my skill level."

Many enjoyed the culture, as one weaver described, "Learning about the significance of the designs was fascinating."

However, some expressed disappointment about not being able to take home their creations, with one participant stating, "I wish I could have kept the piece I wove."

Loom Purchase

One notable aspect of the backstrap weaving workshop is the opportunity to purchase a loom to take home. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced weaver, the instructors offer looms for sale so you can continue your textile journey after the class. The loom options are as follows:

Loom Type	Size	Price
Compact	16" x 12"	$75
Standard	24" x 18"	$120
Deluxe	32" x 24"	$180

The looms are high-quality and designed for easy setup and use. Purchasing one allows you to apply the skills learned during the workshop and create your own unique textiles at home.

Accessibility

The workshop’s location in Antigua’s lush courtyard is stroller accessible, allowing parents to bring their young children.

Plus, the space is accommodating for participants with service animals.

While the facility isn’t wheelchair accessible, the instructors are happy to work with guests to ensure a comfortable and inclusive learning experience.

The backstrap weaving workshop offers:

A personalized, one-on-one learning environment suitable for beginners and experienced weavers alike.
Hands-on instruction from master weavers, who guide participants through traditional techniques and motifs.
The opportunity to create unique, culturally significant textiles in a picturesque Guatemalan setting.

Instruction Style

The workshop’s instruction style is one-on-one, with the master weavers, Doña Lidia and Doña Everilda, providing personalized guidance to each participant.

The instructors demonstrate the techniques and closely monitor the participants’ progress, ensuring they fully understand the basics of backstrap weaving, including traditional motifs, plain weave, and brocade.

This personalized approach allows participants, whether beginners or advanced weavers, to work at their own pace and focus on the specific skills they want to develop.

The intimate setting allows for meaningful cultural exchange as the instructors share insights into the significance of the weaving designs and the rich tapestry of Guatemalan textile traditions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take My Finished Woven Piece Home?

You generally cannot take your finished woven piece home from the workshop. The materials are provided for use during the class, and participants usually don’t get to keep their creations. However, looms are available for purchase to continue weaving at home.

What Is the Instructor-To-Student Ratio?

The instructor-to-student ratio is 1-to-1 for private sessions. The workshop offers personalized instruction, where the master weavers work individually with each participant to guide them through the backstrap weaving techniques.

Do I Need Any Prior Weaving Experience?

No prior weaving experience is required. The workshop is suitable for both beginners and advanced weavers, with the instructors guiding participants through basic techniques or more complex brocade, based on their skill level.

Is There a Dress Code for the Workshop?

There is no strict dress code for the workshop. Participants should wear comfortable, casual clothing that allows freedom of movement. Layers are recommended, as the workshop may be held in a partly outdoor setting.

Can I Purchase Additional Weaving Materials During the Class?

Yes, additional weaving materials can be purchased during the class. The instructors provide information on where participants can acquire extra supplies, such as colorful threads, to continue their weaving projects after the workshop.

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The Sum Up

This private backstrap weaving workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn from skilled Guatemalan weavers in a charming Antigua courtyard. Participants can expect personalized instruction on traditional techniques, creating custom weavings, and even purchasing looms to continue their practice at home. It’s an immersive cultural experience that caters to all skill levels, making it an accessible and enriching activity for visitors to Antigua.