Moulding fabric: The art of upcycled textile basketry by Emma Cassi.
In many textile traditions, leftover materials are not mere scraps, they are the seeds of unexpected beauty. In this hands-on workshop, you will explore how to transform remnants of fabric, wool, and ribbons into sturdy, functional baskets and decorative pieces for the home. We’ll experiment with spinning, plaiting, and layering techniques to mold soft fibers into sculptural shapes that fuse color and texture in surprising ways.
Through this process, you’ll discover how simple, leftover fabrics can gain renewed purpose. Each participant will learn fundamental braiding and coiling methods, then combine them to build unique vessels or tea coasters that reflect their personal style. Inspired by Emma Cassi’s passion for reimagining textile waste, the workshop provides a meditative space to slow down and reconnect with our sense of touch.
No prior experience in weaving or basketry is required, just an openness to exploring new forms and letting your creativity guide you.
By the end, you’ll carry home not only a beautiful, handmade object, but also a fresh perspective on the possibilities of recycled textiles.
The duration of the workshop will be roughly three hours.
All materials needed will be provided for the duration of the workshop.
In many textile traditions, leftover materials are not mere scraps, they are the seeds of unexpected beauty. In this hands-on workshop, you will explore how to transform remnants of fabric, wool, and ribbons into sturdy, functional baskets and decorative pieces for the home. We’ll experiment with spinning, plaiting, and layering techniques to mold soft fibers into sculptural shapes that fuse color and texture in surprising ways.
Through this process, you’ll discover how simple, leftover fabrics can gain renewed purpose. Each participant will learn fundamental braiding and coiling methods, then combine them to build unique vessels or tea coasters that reflect their personal style. Inspired by Emma Cassi’s passion for reimagining textile waste, the workshop provides a meditative space to slow down and reconnect with our sense of touch.
No prior experience in weaving or basketry is required, just an openness to exploring new forms and letting your creativity guide you.
By the end, you’ll carry home not only a beautiful, handmade object, but also a fresh perspective on the possibilities of recycled textiles.
The duration of the workshop will be roughly three hours.
All materials needed will be provided for the duration of the workshop.
Emma Cassi.
Emma Cassi, originally from France, brings a creative experience and an intuitive connection with nature to her workshops at XTANT.
Her artistic journey took a transformative turn during an art project in Aubrac, where she discovered the beauty of capturing landscapes and the resilience of communities preserving endangered traditions. This experience led her to study landscape drawing and garden art at the Beaux-Arts in Dijon. She established a distinctive style, merging vintage lace with beads and sequins into exquisite jewelry designs.
In 1999, Emma moved to London and flourished as a stylist and jewelry designer, collaborating with renowned brands like HP France Japan, Designers Guild, Cath Kidston, and Anthropologie.
After sustaining an injury from years of meticulous embroidery, Emma reinvented her creative practice. Earning a degree in massage therapy, she delved into herbalism and olfacto-therapy, exploring natural dyeing with plant infusions as a means of expressing her deep bond with the natural world.
Instagram: @silkbyemmacassi