Upcycling textile into art

I am excited to announce that I will be hosting a workshop at SKVR in Rotterdam.

This workshop introduces my approach to working with textile waste, transforming discarded materials into tactile and expressive objects. Participants will explore techniques of wrapping, layering, and integrating textiles into existing forms, beginning with small experiments and developing into a larger personal piece.

Through this process, the workshop invites a new way of engaging with materials, where reuse becomes a creative and meaningful act.

Practical Info

Duration
8 week course

Schedule
Every Tuesday, 19:30 – 22:00
12 May 2026 – 30 June 2026

Price (8 sessions)
Up to 20 years: €187.29
21 years and above: €249.28

Level
All levels welcome

Age
18 – 99 years

Language
The course will be held in English

Location
SKVR @ de Hillevliet
Hillevliet 90, 3074 KD Rotterdam

Course Schedule

week 1 — Introduction & Bracelet Making

In the first session, I will introduce my practice using discarded materials and how it developed through hands on exploration.

Participants will learn where the materials come from and begin experimenting with them.

We will then create a bracelet that can also be worn as a hair accessory.

week 2 — Basic Wrapping furniture Practice

We will begin by wrapping a simple stool as a practice exercise. You will see how different density, volume, and the use of one or two colors can change the overall impression.

By completing one piece, you will gain a clear understanding of the process, helping you decide what kind of object or furniture piece to bring for your own project starting from Week 5.

Stools will be provided.

week 3 & 4 —‍ ‍Making a Pochette

Create a small pochette by arranging and sewing your chosen fringe materials.

Learn how to attach fringe to fabric to form a surface, along with the basics of bag making.

No prior sewing experience is needed, and support will be provided throughout the process.

week 5 — Wrapping Furniture, Color Planning

We will start working on your own furniture piece, such as a chair, table, shelf, or lamp. Bring something from home or a second hand source, and we can discuss your ideas together.

Fringe will be loosely arranged to try out color combinations. This process of adjusting and rethinking is often the most enjoyable part of the workshop!

week 6 & 7 —‍ Fixing, Surface Covers

After deciding on the colors, we will begin fixing the materials onto your furniture.

Trimming and making small adjustments to the fringe will help achieve a more refined finish.

Flat surfaces, such as seats or shelves, will be covered with sewn textile panels.

week 8 —‍ Finishing

We will complete the pieces by brushing and refining the surface. If you finish early, you can create a small stole using the remaining materials.

Excited to see all the unique piece come to life!

Good to Know

Hosted by SKVR

This workshop is hosted by SKVR, a cultural school in Rotterdam offering a wide range of classes including music, visual arts, and more.

Registration and payment are handled through SKVR.

The course also offers an opportunity to connect with other participants and experience the atmosphere of a weekly class. Enjoy being part of the local community, with drinks provided during the sessions.

about SKVR

What to Bring

Please bring the furniture piece you would like to wrap for the final project in Week 5.

You do not need to decide on the object in advance. Through the exercises in the earlier sessions, you will gradually develop an idea of what you would like to create.

All other materials for the class will be provided.

No prior sewing experience is required. We will support you throughout the process, and we will work together to complete your piece.

Material Resources

The fringe materials used in this class are sourced from a textile factory in the Netherlands, with the kind support of EE Labels.

Using locally sourced materials and transforming them through upcycling is part of this workshop, inviting participants to learn about circulation and the life of materials.

Throughout the course, you will be surrounded by a variety of colors. Take your time to explore and select those that feel right to you.

Voices from the Workshop

"The process was surprisingly exciting! "

At first it looked complicated, but once I found the rhythm of wrapping, I couldn’t stop and lost track of time. I’d never worked with waste materials before, and it really changed how I see objects.
by Workshop participant
"New friends"

I keep this new furry friend by the entrance, and every time I come home, it feels like this creature like chair is welcoming me back with my cat !!
by Workshop participant
"Making Bracelet"

Choosing the color combinations was so much fun.
by intern