PALMA
BASKET WEAVING COURSE
15-18 October 2026
Soul Farm, Aljezur, Portugal
PALMA is a hands-on 3-day basket weaving course exploring the universe of the Chamaerops humilis (Palmeira-anã), also known as the dwarf palm or Palmeira-das-vassouras, and one of the few palm species native to the West Mediterranean region.
Led by Ysaline from Atelier Balancê, this series of workshops offers an opportunity to get to know the plant and discover its many creative possibilities. Participants will learn traditional basket weaving techniques including Empreita de Palma and Malha de Palma, while also transforming leftover palm fibers into recycled paper and hand brooms.
Beyond learning practical craft skills, working with the palm leaves will help to understand the lanscape in which they grow, and the cultural, social and economic value they carry.
The course takes place at Soul Farm in Aljezur. Set within the beautiful landscape of the Costa Vicentina, it provides a peaceful and inspiring space for workshops, accommodation and relaxation. Whether you’re new to basketry or a dedicated enthusiast, you’re very welcome to join us on this creative journey.
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 4 hour workshop you’ll get to know everything about this traditional craft, its origin, its history, its technique and materiality. You’ll learn the different steps from braiding the leaves to sewing them into a shape.
malha de palma
Malha de Palma is another traditional basket weaving technique using different parts of the palm leaf. Besides our hands, we won’t need any tool for this technique. You’ll learn all the basics to create a little basket, a trivet, a wall hanging, ...
palm paper
With the leftovers from our palm leaves we’ll make recycled paper. Besides getting to know the different steps for making artisanal paper, there will be space to make different samples and to experiment with transparency, texture, thickness, etc.
hand broom making
A broom is a humble tool, one of human’s oldest inventions, and simply a beautiful object. In this workshop you’ll learn how to turn palm leaves into cordage - also used to make handles and other finishings in basket weaving - and use it to create your own hand broom.
about Atelier Balancê
Born in Belgium and with a background in architecture, Ysaline Ophoff decided in 2019 to dive into basket weaving techniques with local artisans in the Brazilian Amazon. More than just learning a technique, she discovered 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, she moved to Portugal and founded Atelier Balancê. Applying basketry techniques to natural fibres and discarded ropes, she transforms them into new forms and objects. Atelier Balancê is a sculptural and poetic exploration that values ancestral knowledge and respect for nature.
location
Soul Farm is a peaceful ecotourism project, surrounded by the stunning nature of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park in Southwest Algarve. In this setting filled with nature’s beauty, colors, sounds and perfumes, you’ll find two traditional farmhouses, handmade wooden facilities, hammocks, a yoga deck and much more.
Take a walk in the narrow streets of the old town of Aljezur (7km away), enjoy the wild beaches and dramatic cliffs along the coastline (Arrifana beach is only 2km away), prepare yourself to be swept off your feet by breathtaking sunsets.
accommodation
Soul Farm’s two farm houses are traditional Portuguese country homes, spacious and light, with terraces around and a patio nestled in between both houses. You’ll find all the comfort you need. The houses will be fully available for the participants of the retreat. Bedrooms will be shared by two persons. In case you’d like to have a private accommodation, let us know. According to availabilities at the moment of booking, a bell tent, the Tree House, the Cabin or the Magic Van can be booked at additional cost.
catering
Born in Argentina and raised in Portugal, Dafne 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.
schedule
afternoon
19h
Thursday 15th of October 2026
Check-in
Welcome dinner
9h - 10h
10h - 13h
13h - 14
14h - 15h
15h - 16h
Friday 16th of October 2026
Breakfast
Workshop: Empreita de Palma I
Lunch
Workshop: Empreita de Palma II
Workshop: Palm Paper I
Free evening
9h - 10h
13h - 14h
14h - 15h30
15h30 - 18h
18h
Saturday 17th of October 2026
Breakfast
Free morning
Lunch
Workshop: Palm Paper II
Workshop: Hand Broom
Petiscos (tapas)
9h - 10h
10h - 13h
13h - 14h
Sunday 18th of October 2026
Breakfast
Workshop: Malha de Palma
Lunch
practical info
Early booking rate :
Standard rate :
What’s included ?
What’s not included ?
Participants :
Booking :
€490 * (until 15/07/2026)
€520 *
12h of workshops
1x welcome dinner
3x breakfast
3x lunch
1x petiscos (tapas) evening
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. 3 - max. 8
Contact us on hello@atelierbalance.net and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
* Cancellation policy: If you cancel more than 30 days before the start date, you will receive a full refund of your pre-payment. Unfortunately, no refunds can be issued for cancellations made within 30 days of the retreat‘s start date. However, participants are welcome to arrange substitutions if they are unable to attend. In the event of a cancellation by the organizer due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, such as natural disasters or emergencies, a full refund will be provided.
** Accommodation is included from Thursday 15/10 until Sunday 18/10. You’ll share a room in Casa Grande or Casinha, which will be entirely reserved for participants of the retreat. Private accommodation is available at an additional cost, subject to availability at Soul Farm. Get in touch with us for more information.
