We are excited to announce our upcoming Tatreez & Tea Embroidery Workshop Series, sponsored by Clackamas County Cultural Coalition, November 25 & December 2, 2017 at the Ledding Library of Milwaukie, 10660 SE 21st Ave, Milwaukie, Oregon 97222 The two-day workshop will be hosted by Wafa Ghnaim and Feryal Abbasi-Ghnaim, and will focus on preservation of the indigenous, endangered art of Palestinian embroidery. Both workshop sessions are centered around their new digital book, Tatreez & Tea: Embroidery and Storytelling in the Palestinian Diaspora, which attempts to preserve the craft of embroidery as well as the art of storytelling that is encapsulated in each traditional Palestinian motif. To learn more about the book project, please visit http://www.tatreezandtea.com.
For generations, Palestinian women have gathered together with their daughters to work collectively on embroidery projects, bonding with one another over a cup of tea. Over time, and after the exodus of Palestinians from Palestine in 1948, embroidery has become an endangered art that has been subjected to decades of cultural appropriation. But embroidery represents more than just a village craft of old Palestine — it became the primary form of communication for Palestinian women who used needlework as a way to express their opinions, share their stories, and document their protest of occupation, war and violence.
Wafa & Feryal will be providing a hands-on tutorial to participants on how to embroider using traditional Palestinian techniques. Participants in this session will learn the basics of starting a small embroidery project. Materials, patterns and guidance will be provided.
Each session is designed to accommodate different age groups, and participants are not required to have any embroidery experience! Please feel that this is a safe space to learn the craft, and be in good company.
Session 1: Youth Embroidery Workshop (6-13 years old)
November 25, 2017, 2-3:30pm
Participants will learn how to make a bookmark with plastic needles and yarn, on a plastic canvas utilizing the traditional, centuries-old Palestinian cross-stitch. Participants will be able to choose yarn colors and their design. All materials will be provided and registration is required. Please contact wafa@tatreezandtea.com to register. (Maximum: 10 participants)
Session 2: Adult Embroidery Workshop (14+ years old)
December 2, 2017, 10-1pm
Participants will learn how to embroidery the "Tree of Life", a traditional Palestinian embroidery motif, using the centuries-old cross-stitch technique, to create a small wall-hanging to frame. All materials will be provided and registration is required. Please contact wafa@tatreezandtea.com to register. (Maximum: 10 participants)
Space is limited.
Generously funded by the Clackamas County Cultural Coalition.