This introductory course introduces braiding as a creative practice in its own right, starting with the traditional flat weaving technique, revisited with a hybrid approach combining plant fibers and textile materials. Using this familiar foundation, participants are invited to experiment with unique combinations of materials, textures, and techniques.

At the end of the course, the trainee will be able to:

• Identify and select traditional and contemporary materials suitable for braiding, understanding their properties and potential
• Master the fundamental techniques of flat weaving (or flat weaving), including the essential techniques for creating braided surfaces
• Experiment with hybrid materials, combining plants and textiles to explore new textures and creative expressions.

Explore weaving from a resolutely contemporary angle by experimenting with plant-textile hybridization to create original and unique materials.

Guided by basket weaver Marie Drouet, participants will be introduced to revisited traditional skills, in an approach that combines artisanal heritage and contemporary creation.

At the heart of this training: learning hybrid weaving techniques, which transform this practice into a true creative force. Weaving becomes a tool for sensitive exploration, allowing us to question form and surface, while opening up perspectives for new projects, at the intersection of craftsmanship, textile art, and material innovation.
Over the days, participants will acquire the essential skills needed to create a variety of samples, gradually mastering the interactions between materials, structures, and textures.

Program

Day 1

Morning

Fundamentals of braiding and discovery of materials and 3-strand braids

Theory and awareness

• Welcome participants and presentation of the training
• Introduction to braiding and materials: history and fundamental principles of flat braiding, presentation of traditional and contemporary materials (properties, preparation), Marie Drouet's artistic approach and inspiring examples
• Preparation of materials: learning the steps for preparing plants and textiles (soaking, cutting, etc.)

Afternoon

Fundamentals of braiding and discovery of materials

Discovery of the possibilities of 3-strand braiding and hybridization

• Mastering 3-strand braiding: making First samples to master the technique and variations of this fundamental braid
• Hybridization of the 3-strand braid with textile: experimenting with the integration of different textiles into the 3-strand braid to create new textures

Day 2

Morning

Exploration of 4- and 5-strand braids and in-depth hybridization

Discovery of 4- and 5-strand braids

• Mastering 4- and 5-strand braids: creation of first samples to acquire specific techniques and understand the structures of these braids

Afternoon

Exploration of 4- and 5-strand braids and in-depth hybridization

Advanced hybridization of braided materials

• Principles of complex plant-textile combinations: further exploration of hybridization strategies, Playing with contrasts and harmonies between materials
• Experimenting with the hybridization of plant and textile materials in 4- and 5-strand braids, creating varied samples exploring different combinations

Day 3

Morning

Shaping and Creating Volume through Sewing

Shaping through Sewing

• Introduction to the principles of shaping flat braids using sewing techniques, examples of simple creations (curves, waves)
• Creation of initial samples of braids shaped through sewing, exploring the possibilities of shaping and direction

Afternoon

Creating Volume through Sewing and a Group Project

• Advanced exploration of shaping, sewing techniques to create structures with examples Advanced
• Collective creation: pooling individual braids, collaborative work to create a collective work exploring volume through assembly and sewing

Day 4
Morning
Design and start of the personal project

Launch and progress of the personal project

Creative process and conceptualization: from sketch to model, how to move from sample to work, reflection on form, message, integration of techniques and materials (3-, 4-, 5-strand braids, shaping and volume through sewing)

Beginning of the creation of the personal sculpture. Participants begin to bring their project to fruition, with the support and individualized advice of the instructor.

Afternoon

Finalization of the Personal Project and Training Review

Progress of the Personal Project

• Participants focus on continuing their personal sculpture, consolidating the techniques learned and exploring their creativity.
• Individualized support from the instructor.

Day 5

Morning

Continuation and Finalization of the Personal Project

• Participants focus on continuing and finalizing their personal sculpture.
• Individualized support from the instructor.

Afternoon

Finalization of the Personal Project and Training Review

End of Course Outline Training

• Time allocated for participants to organize their creations and prepare their oral presentation
• Collective presentation of projects: each participant presents their final sculpture, their creative process, the challenges encountered, and the key learnings of the week
• Constructive discussions and feedback from the group and the instructor
• Satisfaction assessment, feedback collection, discussion on opportunities for continuing the practice
• Presentation of MaNa Campus certificates
• Workshop cleanup

• Classroom, multipurpose room, workshops with professional equipment
• Materials provided
• Individual and collaborative work
• Workshop work
• Active participation and experimentation of participants are encouraged

• Collective and personalized monitoring of work, regular updates
• Self-assessment of technical skills
• Collective feedback
• Half-day attendance sheet
• Certification of completion issued by Campus MaNa