WORKSHOP INSTRUCTOR

2023

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Ensamble Artesano supports thousands of artisans across Mexico under fair-trade principles. Ensamble Lab is a program created to foster innovation through short courses led by designers, promoting ethical and meaningful collaborations. I led an eight-session training program for four women’s artisan groups in San Andrés Larráinzar, Chiapas, all specialists in backstrap weaving:

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Mujeres Mayas, Tentic — 25 artisans
Mujeres Unidas, Talonhuitz — 6 artisans
Pe'jeluch, Cabecera Municipal — 12 artisans
Tzutzben, Tzutzben — 3 artisans

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The workshop combined creative exploration with technical development. The first two sessions focused on color exercises and sketch-based experimentation to encourage innovation within their traditional techniques. With my guidance, these explorations were translated into feasible design proposals. By session three, the groups developed 25×25 cm woven samples to refine colors, motifs, and brocades before moving into product development.

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Sessions four and five introduced pattern-making and garment construction, guiding artisans to apply their weaving skills to new silhouettes and product categories. In the final sessions (six to eight), we developed product prototypes to present to Ensamble Artesano. Some of these prototypes were later refined, produced, and sold through Ensamble Artesano’s online store, generating royalties for the artisans.

 

This project strengthened my ability to merge creative facilitation with practical training, supporting local economies through design innovation grounded in traditional craft.