Discover the timeless art of cane weaving — a craft that allows you to breathe new life into antique furniture or bring your own creations to life.

March 29, 2025

Cane, a natural fiber sourced from rattan, is prized for its beauty, flexibility, and strength. It has graced some of the most iconic furniture pieces of the 20th century. In this workshop, you will be guided through the traditional five-step technique by one of the foremost masters of the craft.

Working on a bespoke wooden frame, handcrafted exclusively for you by a master carpenter, you will learn how to prepare, handle, and transform the fiber into a refined weave — a frame you will take home as a tangible reminder of the day. In a future edition of the workshop, you may even apply your new skills to a piece of your own furniture.

Between sessions, we will share a special meal together in the serene surroundings of the Monastery of Santa María de la Sierra, in Collado Hermoso, Segovia — the home of ÁBBATTE.

PROGRAMME

10:00 – Welcome and introduction to the centre. Morning coffee or tea served with traditional convent sweets.
10:30 – Presentation and introduction to cane weaving. Preparing the cane and tools.

12:00 – Coffee break and a visit to ÁBBATTE’s botanical garden of dye plants, followed by a stroll through the monastery.
12:30 – Weaving the four initial rounds on your frame to create the signature pattern.
14:00 – Lunch.
15:00 – Guided tour of ÁBBATTE’s other spaces: textile workshop, dyeing studio, laundry, and showroom.
16:00 – The fifth and final round: finishing and refining. Exploring the creative possibilities of this weave on different surfaces and furniture.
18:00 – Closing of the workshop.

YOUR MASTER

María García-Casarrubios, founder of Thonet Studio, learned her craft from earlier generations. Her expertise has led her to restore furniture for Spain’s National Heritage and for distinguished private collections.

YOU WILL LEAVE WITH:

The essential tools to create your own cane weaving designs.
A handcrafted frame, woven by you through the five key stages of the technique, to take home.
A printed booklet containing all the knowledge and steps covered during the day.
A deeper connection with an ancient craft that continues to inspire contemporary design.

LUNCH MENU

Starters: Selection of cheeses, pickles, and crudités.
First course: Organic vegetable cream soup.
Second course: Organic chicken curry with rice and dried fruits.
Dessert: Assorted fruits, fresh cheese with quince paste, and convent sweets.
Coffee or tea with artisan chocolates.
Beverages: Wine and beer.
Assorted breads.

REGISTRATION

All materials included: frame, fibers, booklet, etc.
Includes breakfast and lunch.
Certificate of attendance provided.

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