Crafters’ Souk

This artisan craft kit introduces you to basic weaving skills and to the colorful world of one of Morocco’s iconic carpet styles. Boucharouite carpets, (pronounced boo-shay-REET), a Moroccan Arabic word meaning ‘a piece torn from used clothing’, or a ‘scrap’, are both practical and sustainable. Strips of recycled fabric and clothing are woven and/or knotted and secured with wool. Patterns are abstract and asymmetrical, yet full of meaningful tribal symbols

Your Craft Kit includes:

• 11” x 14” Hand-carved cedarwood loom/frame

• Recycled Fabric

• Wool yarn

• Cotton warp string

• Hand-carved walnut wood weaving comb

Instructions and Support:

• Recorded video lessons from start to finish the studio

• Printable PDF with full written instructions

• Special video visit with the women weavers of Amizmiz

• Access to a private Facebook group for community support

Artisan Collaboration

This weaving project is designed in collaboration with our Moroccan artisan partner Saida from Berber House.

Meet Saida in her Artisan Profile.

Learn More

Discover more about the colorful history of Boucharouite carpets in Morocco here.

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Roaming nomad Tuareg tribespeople have long transported their tent homes and belongings around the Sahara Desert by camels. With limited natural resources they developed ingenious ways to make what few possessions they carried both decorative, meaningful, and multi-functional.

These camel saddle sticks (ame ssaggab), are carved in groups of 4, and when lashed together with wooden crossbars using goat leather they formed the 4 legs of a sedan chair/saddle to be placed on a camel, providing seating for the women, children, and baby animals during travel. Once settled, the chair is turned upside down to create a table or additional storage in the tent. Each set is carved and engraved with the same simple geometric motifs by Tuareg artisans (Inadan) in the tribe.

Many of these unique treasures have found their way along well-established trade routes to the souks of Marrakech. They are commonly sold individually as purely decorative pieces now, but they can still provide functional beauty when used as hanging poles for weaving or macramé projects, wall hangings, to drape side curtains, or display jewelry.

Details:

• Vintage wood pieces may show the wear of use and age

• Rare Finds

• Patterns vary

• One of a kind

 FIND MORE HERE

 Read More on the Blog:

Vintage Tuareg Crafts

 Discovery Craft Kit:

Tuareg Inspired Sahara Wall Hanging

DIY Tutorials:

5 Ways to Incorporate Tuareg Camel Saddle Sticks in Home Décor

Brass foliage charms with hand hammered decoration. Made entirely by hand by Moroccan artisans in Marrakech.

Patterned brass metal work has a long craft tradition in Morocco and is traditionally used to make decorative mirrors, lamps, hardware, and more.

These brass ornament charms are a contemporary addition, as art and craft are ever-evolving to meet the design tastes and needs of the time-even in Morocco.

Details:

• Approximated 2” diameter

• Handmade in Morocco

• Minor irregularities and unique character

• Contemporary Craft

• Brass

LEARN MORE HERE

Watch Video:

Metal Zouak Artisan Atelier

Related Discovery Craft Kit:

Moroccan Brass Charm Wall Hanging

DIY Tutorials:

Moroccan Brass Charm DIY Home Decoration

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Decorative felted wool balls. Made by hand Marrakech artisans. Felted wool is a disappearing craft in Morocco. Traditionally used to make prayer mats and horse blankets, these products are now being imported into Morocco. The remaining artisans practicing this skill are now primarily making felted wool products to cater to the tourism market: hats, handbags, and felt ball necklaces.

The process is simple, yet requires practiced skill and time. Hand carded and dyed sheep wool is shaped into form by hand just by using constant pressure, water, and Sabon Beldi (black olive soap). Each ball is then individually decorated with hand embroidery by a local craftswoman.

These delightful felt balls can be used for many different craft applications including embellishments for weaving, macramé, pillow accents, garlands, wall hangings, jewelry, home accessories, or simply place them in a favorite bowl to enjoy their whimsical character.

Details:

· Approximated 2” diameter

· Assorted styles and colors

· Sold only in bags of 50

· Patterns vary

· Made from dyed Moroccan wool, black olive soap, embroidery thread

LEARN MORE HERE

Read and Watch:

Making Felted Wool in the Marrakech Souks

Discovery Craft Kit:

Felt Embroidery Christmas Tree Garland

DIY tutorials:

On the Ball Curtain Tiebacks

Roaming nomad Tuareg tribespeople have long transported their tent homes and belongings around the Sahara Desert by camels. With limited natural resources they developed ingenious ways to make what few possessions they carried both decorative, meaningful, and multi-functional.

These camel saddle sticks (ame ssaggab), are carved in groups of 4, and when lashed together with wooden crossbars using goat leather they formed the 4 legs of a sedan chair/saddle to be placed on a camel, providing seating for the women, children, and baby animals during travel. Once settled, the chair is turned upside down to create a table or additional storage in the tent. Each set is carved and engraved with the same simple geometric motifs by Tuareg artisans (Inadan) in the tribe.

Many of these unique treasures have found their way along well-established trade routes to the souks of Marrakech. They are commonly sold individually as purely decorative pieces now, but they can still provide functional beauty when used as hanging poles for weaving or macramé projects, wall hangings, to drape side curtains, or display jewelry.

Details:

• Vintage wood pieces may show the wear of use and age

• Rare Finds

• Patterns vary

• One of a kind

 FIND MORE HERE

 Read More on the Blog:

Vintage Tuareg Crafts

 Discovery Craft Kit:

Tuareg Inspired Sahara Wall Hanging

DIY Tutorials:

5 Ways to Incorporate Tuareg Camel Saddle Sticks in Home Décor