ALGARVE FIBRES
BASKET WEAVING COURSE
3 - 6 June 2027
Soul Farm, Aljezur, Portugal
ALGARVE FIBRES is a hands-on 3-day basket weaving course exploring two fibres native to the Algarve: palma, the resilient leaves of the dwarf palm (Chamaerops humilis), resistant to drought, wind and salt, and esparto (Stipa tenacissima), a tough, wiry grass. Both have a long tradition in southern Portuguese basketry.
I’m Ysaline, and Atelier Balancê is where I share the basketry techniques I’ve been learning and practising for several years. Over three days, you’ll get to know these plants and the traditional techniques developed to work with them. Each day is dedicated to one technique: Empreita de Palma, Trena de Esparto and Malha de Palma. By the end, you’ll have woven your own little pieces and gained a real feeling for how each fibre behaves in your hands.
Beyond the practical skills, working with palma and esparto is a way to get to know the territory and the stories and layers it holds.
We'll be a small group of no more than 8 participants, settling in at Soul Farm, a quiet spot in the Costa Vicentina landscape. Hands busy, mind slowing down, we'll create, exchange, rest. Whether you’re new to basketry or already hooked, you’re very welcome to join me. No experience needed.
Arrival and welcome dinner on June 3, workshops on June 4 - 6.
© Birgit Sterckx
the workhops
empreita de palma
‘Empreita de palma’ is a traditional Algarvian basket weaving technique, using palm leaves from the Palmeira-anã (Chamaerops humilis). The leaves are picked green and dried for a month in the sun. In this workshop you'll learn all about this manual art and its origin, the plant and how to harvest and prepare the leaves, and the technique itself. I'll teach you the different steps, from braiding the leaves to sewing them in an invisible way into shape.
trena de esparto pisado
In this workshop we'll work with esparto. I'll tell you more about the plant, how to harvest it, dry it and prepare it for basket weaving. We’ll use the beaten esparto fibres to first braid a long strip. The second part consists of coiling the braid into the shape you want and stitching it in place.
malha de palma
‘Malha de palma’ consists of knotting palm leaves around a core material, which can be any cordage, such as one made from palm leaves or esparto. Slowly, in a spiral, we’ll build a coaster or a little basket. This technique needs no tools at all, just your hands and the fibre!
recycled paper
On Friday afternoon, you’ll have a choice. If you’re hooked, you can keep working on your empreita de palma piece, or you can try something different and experiment with papermaking. I’ll show you how to make recycled paper and how to add plant fibres for texture.
Materials are included, as well as a small practical guide with notes about the fibers and how to prepare them for basket weaving. Extra esparto and palma will be available to buy if you’d like to continue at home.
about Atelier Balancê
I'm Ysaline Ophoff. Born in Belgium and with a background in architecture, I decided in 2019 to dive into basket weaving techniques with local artisans in the Brazilian Amazon. More than just learning a technique, I came across a way of living connected to nature and tradition. Basketry revealed the wisdom of the forest, artisanal skill and a sense of community.
In 2020, I moved to Portugal and founded Atelier Balancê. Applying basketry techniques to natural fibres and discarded ropes, I transform them into new shapes. Atelier Balancê is a sculptural and poetic exploration that values craftsmanship and the land and communities around it.
Member of Portugal Manual
Member of Homo Faber Guide by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftmanship
location
When I arrived in Aljezur in 2020, I stayed at Soul Farm for a few months. Surrounded by countless shades of green, an ocean breeze, the rustle of acacia trees and birdsongs, I felt home straight away. I’m very happy to share this place with you. You’ll find quiet corners where the notion of time fades away, two traditional farmhouses, handmade wooden structures, hammocks, a yoga deck and much more. Depending on the weather, the workshop sessions will take place in the main living room or in one of the many outdoor spots.
Soul Farm is a nature retreat and ecotourism project in the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, in southwest Algarve. The beaches are raw, the cliffs dramatic. Arrifana beach is only 2 km away, and Aljezur town 7 km.
accommodation
You’ll be staying at Soul Farm, in two traditional Portuguese farmhouses reserved just for our group. They’re spacious and light, with terraces all around and a patio tucked between the two houses. Accommodation in a shared room (2 or 3 people) is included in the price. We’ll share our meals, chat and unwind in and around the houses between workshop sessions.
If you’d like your own space, you can upgrade to a private option for the whole stay: a bell tent, the Tree House, the Cabin or the Magic Van. You’ll find more details in the ‘Practical info’ section.
catering
Our meals will be prepared by Dafne. Born in Argentina and raised in Portugal, she is a culinary enthusiast who delights in cooking. The aroma of fresh bread and brewing coffee in the morning awaken her senses, inspiring her kitchen in many creations. She also possesses a deep love for plants and their healing properties. Fascinated by herbal remedies and traditional healing practices, she explores the therapeutic benefits of various plants. Sharing her knowledge, she strives to integrate nature’s gifts into everyday life through her food. With culinary expertise and respect for nature’s power, Dafne creates flavourful delights that nourish both body and soul.
All meals are vegetarian. In case of allergies or intolerances, please let me know when booking.
schedule
afternoon
19h
Thursday 3rd of June 2027
Check-in
Welcome dinner
9h - 10h
10h - 13h
13h - 14h30
14h30 - 15h30
15h30 - 17h
Friday 4th of June 2027
Breakfast
Workshop: Empreita de palma part I
Lunch
Workshop: Empreita de palma part II
Workshop: more Empreita de palma
or making recycled paper
Free evening
9h - 10h
13h - 14h30
14h30 - 18h
18h
Saturday 5th of June 2027
Breakfast
Free morning
Lunch
Workshop: Trena de esparto
Petiscos (tapas)
9h - 10h
10h - 13h
13h - 14h30
Sunday 6th of June 2027
Breakfast
Workshop: Malha de palma
Lunch
practical info
Early booking rate :
Standard rate :
What’s included ?
What’s not included ?
Participants :
Booking :
€500 * (until 31/12/2026)
€550 *
12h of workshops
All material
Welcome dinner on Thursday 3/06
3x breakfast
3x lunch
Petiscos (tapas) evening on Saturday 5/06
3x nights of accommodation **
Transport (a car is recommended if you want to explore the surroundings; you can reach Aljezur town by bus, and get to Soul Farm by taxi/Uber/Bolt)
Dinner on Friday (you can use the kitchen or find several restaurants in the area)
Min. 4 - max. 8
Contact me on hello@atelierbalance.net and I’ll get back to you with all the details.
* To reserve your place, I ask for a €250 deposit. The rest of the price, including your accommodation if you have chosen a private room, is due 30 days before the course begins.
Cancellation policy: Life happens, so if you need to cancel more than 30 days before the start, I will happily refund everything you have paid. From 30 days before, I can no longer offer refunds, because the house, the food and the materials are already arranged. If you can’t come, you are very welcome to pass your place on to a friend, just let me know.
Please send cancellations by email to hello@atelierbalance.net. If I ever have to cancel the course myself due to unforeseen circumstances beyond my control or insufficient participants, you will get a full refund. A travel or cancellation insurance is a good idea for unforeseen events.
** Shared accommodation in one of the houses, which are entirely reserved for participants of the retreat, is included from Thursday 3/06 until Sunday 6/06. If you would like your own space, you can reserve a private accommodation at Soul Farm for the whole stay:
Tree house with own bathroom: + €225
Cabana with own bathroom: + €180
Bell tent, shared bathroom with outdoor showers: + €75
Magic van, shared bathroom with outdoor showers: + €45
These are not reserved for the course, so they depend on availability at the time of booking and are confirmed first come, first served. The extra cost is added to your balance, and the same cancellation terms apply.
