Experiences
Come and join us on one of our unique workshops and learn about our exclusive Moroccan textiles hand crafted in our specially designed atelier. Gain an intimate, hands-on experience of our work, immersing yourself in heritage skills and long-established weaving and dyeing traditions that have been passed down between generations amongst High Atlas Mountain tribes.
Using the Henna plant sourced from a small farm close to the Sahara desert, learn how to hand dye our gorgeously soft yarn. This wool has been sheared from the rare, locally bred, Siroua sheep, hand washed in mountain streams and handspun in village homes. We offer a spectacular full day trip to the High Atlas Mountains to see this work where you can experience first hand the life and culture of a community of Amazigh village women. Our range of half day and full day workshops also include the art of weaving on a small loom, introducing you to the use of the traditional, but almost extinct, Berber knot to create contemporary textiles,
Our ateliers are located in the small, quintessential town of Ait Ourir, at the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains and just a 35 minute drive from Marrakech. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and come and experience a truly authentic side of Morocco.
Experiences
Meet Your Tutors
Your workshops will be delivered by our very own master artisans, Fadma and Ahmed.
Reviving the art of Moroccan rug-making in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, they work with traditional techniques to keep ancient knowledge alive.
Raised amidst looms in a matrilineal community practicing lost traditions around weaving, particularly plant dyes, Fadma specializes in the Berber Knot. It’s a long-lost practice of Moroccan rug-making that gives the finished textile a unique texture and shape. Today, she heads our cooperative of more than 70 Amazigh weavers.
Ahmed grew up in a nomadic family that traversed the rugged terrain of the Atlas Mountains. To his knowledge, he is the only dedicated dyer in the world specializing in henna-dyed wool for rug weaving. He primarily dyes wool from Siroua sheep, an endangered Moroccan breed from the Atlas Mountains known for its soft, glossy fibers.
FAQ
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Atelier Talasin is situated in the small provincial town of Ait Ourir, just 35 mins from Marrakech and on the main road to Ouarzazate.
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Not at all, just a love of textiles and a willingness to learn something new!
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Yes, a 30% non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking.
The outstanding amount is due, in cash, on the day (there are, if needed, several cash machines in Ait Ourir where money can be withdrawn).
You may change the date of your booking up to 24 hours prior to the experience in the event that your plans change.
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Like so many Moroccan houses, there are lots of stairs to climb! Atelier Talasin is situated in a modern building with several flights of stairs, so you do need to be reasonably able to climb up and down the stairs easily.
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Transport to and from Marrakech is in private taxi and included in the price of the workshop.
When completing your booking please let us know where you are staying and provide a Whatsapp number.
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Yes, let us know if you have any dietary requirements and we would be happy to prepare something special for you.
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Half day workshops (3½ hours)
Morning pick up from Marrakech at 09:15. Workshop runs from 1000 – 1330.
Afternoon pick up from Marrakech at 1345. Workshop runs from 1430 - 1700
Full day workshops
Morning pick up from Marrakech at 0915.
Workshop starts at 1000 and ends at 1800 with refreshment breaks and lunch included.
Return to Marrakech arrive approx. 1845
Visit to Dye & Weave Atelier
Morning visits run from 1100 to 1330pm, afternoon visits from 1430pm to 1700.
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All materials and equipment are provided.
Wear comfortable clothing and sunscreen.
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Please note: we allow still photography during the workshop but please, no video. We want you to enjoy the experience directly and not through a view-finder!
Due to cultural sensitivity, on your visit to the weaving atelier/Atlas Mountains, please do not photograph the women and children.