Tap into your creative side through a series of exciting workshops at Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre this September.

Located in the historic village of Al Jasra, the centre showcases traditional crafts such as pottery, weaving and woodwork and frequently hosts a variety of educational and stimulating workshops.

Read on to find out what will be on offer:

What: Punch Needle Embroidery Workshop
When: September 9 to 11 | 4pm to 6pmDelve into the art of punch needle embroidery with this interesting workshop, which will cover essential techniques, from learning about tools and techniques to basics of using blotting needles and completing intricate designs. By the end of the course, each attendee will create a unique embroidered item of their choice, such as a cup coaster, bag or medal. The workshop runs over three days and is open to those aged 13 and above. The fee is BD22, including all tools materials.

What: Professional Video & Editing on Phone Workshop
When: September 9 to 11 | 4pm to 6pm
One for budding filmmakers to enhance their skills, this workshop is dedicated to professional video editing on mobile. It offers a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge, guiding participants through essential filming rules, composition, lighting and shooting techniques and advanced editing like adding music and sound effects, using their smartphones. Day one will be for theory and the other two days for practical sessions. The workshop costs BD30 and is open to participants aged 14 and above.

What: Pottery on the Wheel
When: September 14, 21, 28 | 10am to 12.30pm
Participants will learn how to use the wheel to shape items, the different types of pottery and the tools used in shaping crafts. They will also learn about pottery wedging and kneading methods and will create a work of art of their own using the pottery wheel. The workshop costs BD40 and is open to all aged 18 and above.

What: The Art of Decoration & Engraving on Gypsum Workshop
When: September 14, 21, 28 | 10am to 12.30pm
Participants will learn about the history of engraving on gypsum in Bahrain, how to identify the material and about the kinds of decoration used in the Kingdom. They will then learn how to use the tools necessary for decorating and engraving on gypsum and the different kinds of design and also learn to identify some Bahraini gypsum decorations.
Finally, they will draw and design an ornament on paper, apply decorations to gypsum molds and produce hand-carved  units. The workshop costs BD30 (including all tools) and is open to all aged 14 and above.

What: Basket Making Workshop
When: September 14, 21, 28 | 10am to 12.30pm
Participants will learn the basics of making baskets from palm tree fronds before moving to the twisting, twining, wicker and coiling processes. Once they have finished learning these methods, they will move on to the actual procedure of making a basket.
The workshop costs BD20 and is open to all aged 18 and above.

What: Traditional Boat Making (Al Banoosh) Workshop
When: September 14, 21, 28 | 10am to 12.30pm
Participants will learn about one of the traditional crafts in Bahrain: the art of making wooden boats. They will learn how to identify the types of wood required; how to chop wood, how to carve it, sanding and how to configure boat attachments before actually making a model of a traditional Bahraini boat. The workshop costs BD30 and is open to all aged 14 and above.

What: Arabic Calligraphy Workshop
When: September 14, 21, 28 | 10am to 12.30pm
An introduction will be given to participants about Arabic calligraphy, the types of main fonts, the tools used and how to employ them. They will also learn how to write letters and words, learn about the rules and the history of Arabic calligraphy, as well as Diwani’s Arabic script history and the tools used in Arabic calligraphy art.
The workshop costs BD35 and is open to all aged 14 and above.

What: The Young Artisan – Cold Ceramic Dough Making Workshop
When: September 14 | 4pm to 6pm
In this creative, interactive workshop, part of Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre’s ‘The Young Artisan’ programme, participants will learn how to make cold ceramic dough – a material used in the manufacture of ceramics, pottery, porcelain and plaster. They will learn how to make ceramic paste, how to colour the dough and maintain its consistency, as well as the dough’s uses.
The workshop costs BD5 and is open to all aged 10-14.

What: Terrazzo Art with Seashells Workshop
When: September 17 | 4pm to 7pm
This unique workshop will teach participants the art of creating terrazzo, a composite flooring material composed of chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass or other suitable alternatives, commonly used for decorative surfaces. Participants will learn to identify appropriate colours for the material, how to cast molds, as well as how to protect and polish the final work. The three-hour session will allow participants to craft three distinct terrazzo works, with all tools provided. The workshop costs BD20 and is open to all aged 14 and above.

What: The Young Artisan – Carpentry Basics Workshop
When: September 21 | 9am to 12pm

Also part of the ‘The Young Artisan’ initiative, this workshop will allow participants to learn the fundamentals of carpentry, including the requisite tools and how to use them safely, and apply their knowledge by building a traditional wooden chest by using their newly acquired skills.
The workshop costs BD5 and is open to all aged 9-14 years.

What: Scented Candle Making Workshop
When: September 25 | 4pm to 7pm
This fascinating workshop will teach participants to craft natural candles using fragrance oils to develop a personal scent. Attendees will be able to identify and learn about manufacturing materials and the various types of candles, including industrial, coloured and perfumed. This three-hour session is priced at BD20, including tools, and is open to all aged 18 and above.

What: The Young Artisan – Creations with Palm Workshop
When: September 28 | 4pm to 6pm
Participants will learn the art of palm frond weaving, a traditional practice still prevalent in several villages in Bahrain where women use wicker palm derivatives and transform them into tools such as food mats, baskets, small plates and hand fans. The young artisans will be trained in wicker saff (palm tree leaves weaving).
The workshop costs BD5 (including all tools) and is open to all aged 10-14.

All workshops are held at the Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre.

GO: EMAIL WORKSHOPS@CULTURE.GOV.BH OR VISIT WWW.CULTURE.GOV.BH FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER.