Contemporary Marie Antoinette: Tassel Making Workshop in the Cotswolds 2026

Contemporary Marie Antoinette: Tassel Making Workshop

3-Day Intensive | Cotswold Textile Workshops | May 2026

Step into the gilded world of 18th-century French passementerie and discover the extraordinary tassels that adorned Marie Antoinette's private apartments at Versailles. This three-day intensive workshop explores the spectacular trim-making traditions of the 1700s—when passementerie reached its absolute zenith—and reimagines them for contemporary interiors.

A wonderful pair of double curtain tieback tassels I saw on a recent trip to Paris. Isn’t the colour palette gorgeous?

What You'll Learn

During this hands-on workshop, you'll master traditional French tassel-making techniques while developing your own modern design aesthetic. Working with luxurious materials and learning centuries-old construction methods, you'll create statement tassels that balance historical craftsmanship with bold, contemporary vision.

An exuberant, lively and colourful handmade tassel made by Elizabeth Ashdown in her London studio, featuring bold and unexpected colour combinations including sage green, tangerine orange, pink and blue.

Key Techniques Include:

  • Traditional French snailing

  • Cord spinning

  • Constructing decorative skirts with movement and drama

  • Ruff making, Cartisan, Satin Wrapping and more

  • Finishing techniques for professional-quality results

Historical Context Meets Modern Design

Marie Antoinette's passementerie represented the pinnacle of decorative arts—each tassel a miniature sculpture, meticulously crafted by specialist artisans. We'll examine historical examples from Versailles, studying their construction, proportions, and innovative use of colour. Then, you'll translate these insights into your own contemporary designs, exploring how bold colour, unexpected materials, and modern sensibilities can breathe new life into this ancient craft.

A handmade passementerie tassel in pink, orange, blue and green made by passementerie artist Elizabeth Ashdown, one of only 4 hand passementerie artists left working in the UK today.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is perfect for textile artists, interior designers, makers, and anyone passionate about decorative arts and historical craft techniques. What matters most is curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to immerse yourself in detailed handwork.

What's Included

  • Three full days of expert instruction

  • All materials and tools for creating multiple tassels

  • Comprehensive printed step-by-step instructions

  • Small class size for personalised attention

  • Tea, coffee, and refreshments throughout each day

A spectacular double tassel decoration dangling from the corner of a silk cushion in Marie Antoinette’s state bedroom at Versailles.

Take Home

By the end of this workshop, you'll leave with one completed tassel, a thorough understanding of traditional techniques, the confidence to design your own pieces, and a community of fellow makers who share your passion for exquisite craft.

Dates: 7th - 9th May 2026
Location: Cotswold Textile Workshops, Park Street, Cirencester, GL7 BX.

For further information, and to book your place: please click here.

Join me for three days of making, learning, and celebrating the enduring beauty of one of passementerie's most iconic forms.

Elizabeth Ashdown