TABLE TANGLES
BASKET WEAVING RETREAT
11-14 June 2026
Soul Farm, Aljezur, Portugal
Table Tangles is a 3-day basket weaving retreat at Soul Farm in Aljezur. Led by Ysaline from Atelier Balancê, this series of workshops offers a hands-on experience in traditional and contemporary basket weaving techniques. Throughout the workshops we’ll create various pieces - from table runners, to little baskets, bottle covers and handbrooms - and shape a shared table setting for our last lunch.
Set in the beautiful landscape of the Costa Vicentina we’ll immerse into the process of creating together, embrace the slowness - sometimes even the meditative power - of repeating gestures, and develop a better understanding of the materials and the land. Whether you’re new to weaving or a seasoned enthusiast, you’re very welcome to join us on this creative journey.
the workhops
twining with local plant
fibers and discarded ropes
In this first workshop we’ll start from one simple twining gesture to awaken our creativity and explore the possibilities of shapes, color play, and patterns. We’ll use local plant fibers, and discarded ropes from fisheries and agriculture to shape table runners, placemats, bottle covers or anything that comes up during the process.
handbroom 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 esparto fibers (Stipa tenacissima) into cordage - also used to make handles and other finishings in basket weaving - and use it to create your own esparto, floral or herbal handbroom.
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.
coiling with local plant
fibers and discarded ropes
In this 3 hour workshop you’ll learn the basics of a coiling technique and you’ll create a small basket/plate. We’ll use found materials : locally handpicked and dried plants, discarded fishing ropes and agricultural ropes.
about Atelier Balancê
Born in Belgium and with a background in architecture, Ysaline Ophoff decided, in 2019, to dive into basket weaving by learning with artisans in the Amazon. In 2020, she moved to Portugal and founded Atelier Balancê. She applies traditional basket weaving techniques on found materials, such as plant fibers and discarded ropes, and transforms them into new shapes. Hands become tools to interweave research, craft and art. The act of weaving becomes a way of preserving stories – stories about the land, about the people, and their relationship with nature. Atelier Balancê honours the process of making, the poetry of time and ancestral craftsmanship. It’s a sculptural exploration and a call for ecological awareness.
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 11th of June 2026
Check-in
Welcome dinner
9h - 10h
10h - 13h
13h - 14
14h - 17h
Friday 12th of June 2026
Breakfast
Workshop: Twining with local plant fibers and discarded ropes
Lunch
Workshop: Handbroom making
Free evening
9h - 10h
13h - 14h
14h - 18h
18h
Saturday 13th of June 2026
Breakfast
Free morning
Lunch
Workshop: Empreita de palma
Tapas evening
9h - 10h
10h - 13h
13h - 14h
Sunday 14th of June 2026
Breakfast
Workshop: Coiling with local plant fibers and discarded ropes
The Final Lunch
practical info
Price :
What’s included ?
What’s not included ?
Participants :
Booking :
€490 *
4x workshops
1x welcome dinner
3x breakfast
3x lunch
1x 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 11/6 until Sunday 14/6. You’ll share a room in Casa Grande or Casinha, which will be entirely reserved for participants of the retreat.
