Mini Tapestry Workshop with Children

My first mini tapestry workshop with 6-year-old children, in June 2022, taught me to live in the present with attention and intensity. Playing is not a waste of time; on the contrary, one learns more and better. The group of children taught me to be amazed and to question everything; to avoid worries, to have no prejudices, and to try again as many times as necessary.

I became aware of these lessons in the following days. Before the workshop, I was nervous and wanted everything to go well during the two hours we would be together. During the workshop, I was extremely busy, answering all kinds of questions and requests, and I was delighted by the freedom and fluidity with which the children engaged in the activity. After the workshop, I realised that the selection of materials wasn’t entirely correct: thick strings are better than thin ones, bright colours are more successful than greys, and cardboard became a part of each piece, so next time I will choose it more carefully.

But none of this really mattered, as they embraced the tapestry technique with curiosity and pleasure. The needles went up and down through each warp. The colorful strings mixed with wooden beads and aromatic plants, and each artist designed their little tapestry at their own pace and with their own style.

The creative process is unique; some worked intuitively while others took a more reflective approach. Without prejudices or worries about the outcome, there was only presence and delight. Weaving a mini tapestry was the perfect excuse to enjoy this wonderful experience, which I would undoubtedly repeat as many times as possible.

I appreciate the involvement of the teachers and of course the 21 artists who participated.