05 - 09 MAY 2027
The Shapes of Esparto
WITH ANDOR STUDIO
A workshop on Crafting and Shaping Plant Fibers
In this hands-on course, we’ll explore The shapes of Esparto as a starting point to learn traditional craft techniques.
Over three immersive days of learning, we’ll create brooms, brushes and other functional or decorative objects, using only sustainable materials such as esparto and organic cotton and hemp cords. These will be available in a range of colours, allowing each piece to be uniquely personalized.
Esparto is a natural, durable and biodegradable plant fiber, native to the Iberian Peninsula. Working with esparto is a conscious choice that combines tradition, sustainability, and low environmental impact, as the techniques can be adapted in participants’ home countries using locally sourced native fibers.
Our first contact with this versatile fiber will introduce us to its rhythm, strength and many possibilities. From there, we’ll explore the braiding technique used in basketry, opening space for experimentation and personal expression, always grounded in traditional know-how. We’ll also learn how to prepare esparto — both dry and wet — and exchange visual references, playing with colour, composition, and design.
Guided by Daniela, each participant will have the freedom to develop their own creative and personal style through Esparto. Weather permitting, we’ll head into the surrounding nature of Cerdeira to gather natural elements to incorporate into our pieces, encouraging sustainable and creative thinking, and a deeper connection to the nature.
At the end of the course, each participant will take home all the pieces they’ve created. No previous experience is required — just a willingness to learn and create with your hands.
Daniela Monteiro Torres is an artisan and co-founder, along with Helder Espada, of ANDOR Studio, a creative space based in Barcelona. The studio specializes in handcrafted wood design and carving, as well as textile creations — with a particular focus on handwoven brooms, using ancient techniques.
With a degree in Philology, Daniela spent over a decade working as a translator before discovering her passion for traditional crafts. A self-taught artisan, she developed a distinctive approach to hand broom making, exploring different manual techniques.
In 2021, Daniela and Helder began a project focused on handcrafted solid wood skateboards, which led to the founding of ANDOR Studio in 2023. In addition to their own designs, they create exclusive pieces for prestigious institutions like the Vitra Design Museum, the Fundació Joan Miró, and the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Cerdeira is excited to welcome Daniela and ANDOR Studio, and to provide an opportunity to learn from those who bring creativity, authenticity, and sustainability to the world of craftsmanship.
Learn more about ANDOR Studio and their work.
COURSE details
SCHEDULE:
May 5th:
3:00 pm: Accommodation and check-in of participants
5 pm to 7:30 pm: Reception at the studio. Course introduction and presentation of the group and trainers;
May 6th to 9th:
course from 10 am to 6 pm, with a two-hour lunch break (1 pm to 3 pm)
May 10th:
Until 11 am: check-out from accommodation
Want to know more? Ask us for the full program at artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com ✨
CONDITIONS:
Deadline for enrollment: March 5th, 2027.
Special discount for newsletter subscribers available for early bird registrations by October 17th 2026.
THE COURSE FEE INCLUDES:
IntIntegration in a small group of participants;
Training 6 hours a day, speaking in English and Portuguese;
Lunch during the course, from 6th to 8th May;
All the materials needed for the course;
IMPORTANT!
Leave extra space in your luggage! We also recommend bringing extra space in your luggage to take your pieces home at the end of the course.
ACCOMMODATION UPGRADES AVAILABLE:
Course participants can rent a Schist House located in Cerdeira. (you can check them out at https://www.cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com/accommodation#houses)
All course participants will benefit from a 50% discount on the price of each Schist House during the course days. This rate is not cumulative with other discounts or promotions.
Please note that all accommodation options have limited availability and will be booked according to the order of registration and payment. For more information on accommodation, contact reservations@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com.
ENROLLMENTS AND MORE INFO:
artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com
+351 913 989 281*
*(call to national mobile network)
CANCELLATION POLICY FOR COURSES AND WORKSHOPS
You may withdraw within 14 days of registration, paying the correspondent transfer fees. Following the EU consumer protection legislation, payments are not refunded past 14 days of registration. The payment will be fully reimbursed if the training cannot be held because of insufficient students.
Suppose the training is canceled by Cerdeira - Home For Creativity for reasons of significant force such as a pandemic, civil disorder, a natural catastrophe, medical or family issues of the teacher, and others beyond our control. In that case, Cerdeira will offer a voucher for a different workshop of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years.
PAYMENT INSTALLMENT OPTIONS
You can pay for the course in up to 5 monthly installments, depending on the course. Payments are automatically deducted from your chosen payment method starting from the date you submit your registration form. Please be aware that additional costs for this service apply, depending on the selected installment plan. At checkout, after selecting your preferred option, make sure to review the total amount to be paid before completing your registration. Please note that if installment payments are not fulfilled within the established timeframe, your registration will be canceled without a refund of the amounts already paid.
If you have any questions, contact us at artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com.
PHOTO GALLERY
