Discover the Endangered Art of Passementerie in Magical Marrakesh

Join me in February 2026 and immerse yourself in the endangered art and craft of passementerie while experiencing the vibrant culture of Marrakesh! I am delighted to be joining the team at Creative Experiences once again to teach a fabulous 8 day passementerie holiday.

From February 24th to March 3rd, 2026, join me and Creative Experiences for an extraordinary 8-day retreat dedicated to the exquisite art of passementerie – the centuries-old craft of creating decorative trimmings, braids, and tassels. This isn't just any craft holiday; it's a rare opportunity to learn endangered skills that are quietly disappearing from our world. Earlier this year I taught a wonderful Passementerie holiday with Creative Experiences in Paris and Provins and I wrote a journal post about our time away - you can read this journal post by clicking here - this will give you a wonderful overview of what to expect in Marrakesh.

A gorgeous rosette that one of my students made during our passementerie holiday in France.

During our week together, you'll master four essential passementerie techniques:

  • Passementerie weaving using a frame loom – creating intricate braids and trimmings using traditional methods.

  • Rosette making – crafting delightful textile embellishments which can be used to adorn furnishings, hats or even turned into jewellery.

  • Tassel making – creating a beautiful key tassel using techniques such as ruffs, satin shading, and striping.

  • Cord spinning - classified as a ‘critically endangered’ craft in the UK, you will learn a variety of cord spinning designs and techniques which you will use within your weaving, rosettes and tassels.

Why Marrakesh?

Marrakesh isn't just a stunning backdrop for our retreat – it's the perfect inspiration for understanding decorative textile arts. The city has a rich textile heritage that spans centuries, from the intricate geometric patterns of Berber weaving to the sumptuous silk work and tassels found in the souks.

Our carefully curated group excursions will take you deep into Marrakesh's textile quarter, where you'll witness master craftspeople at work, explore traditional techniques that echo the passementerie methods you're learning, and gain a profound appreciation for how decorative arts flourish within cultural context. These experiences will deepen your understanding of every braid you weave and every tassel you craft.

Your Creative Adventure Awaits

This retreat is expertly organised by Creative Experiences, whose 15 years of curating exceptional craft holidays means every detail is thoughtfully planned. Our home for the week is the elegant Radisson Blu Hotel, Marrakech Carré Eden – a stylish 5-star escape nestled in the heart of the lively Gueliz district. With exceptional service, modern amenities, and a sun-drenched studio space with floor-to-ceiling windows, it's the perfect setting for detailed creative work and inspired learning.

To book your holiday

Visit the Creative Experiences website to book your place on this special passementerie retreat. With 8 days and 7 nights to transform your understanding of passementerie while exploring the wonders of Morocco, this is more than a holiday – it's a gateway to preserving precious traditional, endangered skills in one of the world's most magical destinations.

Spaces are limited for this intimate creative experience. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Elizabeth Ashdown