European Craft Organization

02/09/2026

🟠 Old Techniques, New Design the Estonian perspective 🇪🇪

In Estonia, traditional craft techniques are finding a new life in contemporary design. Skills and knowledge passed down through generations are no longer seen only as heritage to preserve they are being reinterpreted and transformed into modern fashion, textiles, products and materials.

Traditional knitting, embroidery, felting, weaving, natural dyeing and folk costume techniques are being combined with contemporary aesthetics, new materials and innovative approaches.

A great example is OmaMood, a fashion platform connected with the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy, where Estonian textile heritage and traditional craft meet contemporary fashion and design.

Another important field is the development of traditional technologies and techniques through contemporary design and research. Estonian designers and artists are exploring how historical skills can inspire completely new applications from textiles and leatherwork to experimental materials and digital technologies.

This approach is not simply about looking back. It is about asking: What can we create today when we combine the knowledge of the past with the possibilities of the present?

🟠 University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy, OmaMood: https://fashionfestival.ee/program/omamood

🟠 Estonian Academy of Arts, Development of Traditional Technologies and Techniques: https://www.artun.ee/en/research/development-of-traditional-technologies-and-techniques/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

12/08/2026

Nordic Craft Week 31.8.–5.9.2026 starts Monday 31st August with free webinar organized by The Finnish Crafts Organization Taito at 18 pm EEST.

Three Finnish experts talk about the archipelago's craft traditions. Topics include themes from different traditons: clinker boats, Luotolainen fisherman's sweaters and woven ribbons.

• Clinker-built boat tradition
Henrik Norri, boatbuilder, Norboats Ky

• Tradition of knitting the Hailuoto *tikkuröijy* (traditional wool sweater)
Nina Sundell, Master’s student in Cultural Heritage Studies, University of Turku

• Coastal ribbon-weaving tradition
Anna Majors, Executive Director, Österbottens hantverk rf

Webinar will be in Teams and You find joining link in FB event (link at comments). Only online, not to be recorded.

30/07/2026

Natural dyes have long been an essential part of traditional textile dyeing. The new River collection by Matej and Veronika Rabada is created using indigo – a natural dye that has given blue print textiles their distinctive deep blue colour for centuries.

At ÚĽUV, we are delighted to see contemporary makers building on traditional techniques and demonstrating that craft heritage continues to have a place in modern design. Preserving and developing traditional crafts such as blue printing is at the heart of ÚĽUV’s mission, helping to keep this knowledge alive and pass it on to future generations.

More information: https://atelierrabada.sk/

27/07/2026

🟢 Mushroom Dyeing. Colours from the Forest 🌳

Mushroom dyeing is a unique natural dyeing technique that remains relatively rare, even though Estonia's forests are rich in dye-producing fungi. Textile artisan and heritage technologist Airi Gailit has dedicated many years to researching and teaching this craft. Different mushroom species produce a wide range of colours: from bright reds and yellows to greens, purples, and subtle browns, although not all colours are equally lightfast or washfast.

The process requires careful preparation, including drying mushrooms, selecting suitable fibres such as wool or silk, and using natural mordants to improve colour durability. Mushroom dyeing is time-consuming and labour-intensive, making it unsuitable for large-scale production, but it offers a sustainable and rewarding way to create unique textiles inspired by nature.

For Airi Gailit, mushroom dyeing is more than a colouring technique. It is a way of connecting traditional craftsmanship with Estonia's forests and transforming natural colours into meaningful handmade textiles.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzGA1i5EzN0

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Lühifilmid Eesti traditsioonilistest käsitöötehnikatest (2020 - 10/...

15/06/2026

🟢 OmaMood. Celebrating Heritage, Contemporary Design and the Art of Mixed-Material Craft.

OmaMood is a fashion platform created by University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy that explores the meeting point of traditional craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and contemporary design. Rooted in the values of sustainability and slow fashion, it celebrates garments inspired by craft traditions, natural materials, and skills passed down through generations.

At the heart of OmaMood lies the idea that creativity is like a spring: quietly flowing forward, connecting people, places, and generations. Each collection follows its own path while drawing from a shared source. The enduring human need to create, preserve, and reimagine.

The garments presented at OmaMood are more than fashion. They are stories told through materials with memory like wool, linen, handcrafted patterns, and techniques that have evolved through time. Embroidery, weaving, knitting, and other traditional crafts are transformed into contemporary expressions that honour the past while looking toward the future.

OmaMood offers a thoughtful and immersive experience where heritage, nature, craftsmanship, and innovation come together. It invites audiences to reflect on the value of making things with care, embracing authenticity, and creating designs that are meant to endure.

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09/06/2026

Ålands Slöjd & Konsthantverk r.f. invites you to Slöjdfest, an inspiring craft weekend with courses in various techniques on October 10–11, 2026 at Ålands Folkhögskola in Finström, on the island of Åland.

Slöjdfest is a unique opportunity to learn new crafts, deepen your knowledge and socialize with other creative souls. During the weekend, you can choose from a range of different courses, such as creative bookbinding, knife forging and copper foil technique (glass). All course prices include lunch, coffee and dinner on both Saturday and Sunday.

For those who do not live in Åland, there is the possibility of booking accommodation in the Folkhögskola's boarding house.
Registration is open and must be done no later than the end of August, but to ensure a place, you should do it as soon as possible.

Read more about the courses and register at https://slojdfest.ax

Ålands Slöjd & Konsthantverk r.f. www.konsthantverk.ax [email protected]

28/05/2026

🏵️ The Folklore Festival Východná has been one of the largest and most important folklore events in Slovakia for decades. Every year, it brings together lovers of traditions, folk music, dance, and crafts in a unique atmosphere beneath the Tatras 🏵️

The festival is a celebration of Slovak cultural heritage, where folklore ensembles, craftsmen, and visitors of all generations come together. In addition to its rich programme, the event offers an authentic experience of folk culture, traditional flavours, customs, and honest craftsmanship 🤲

This year, as traditionally, the festival will also feature ÚĽUV, which will bring creative workshops and the popular craft fair 🧺

🟠 School of Crafts ULUV / 4–5 July 2026
Visitors will have the opportunity to try working with wire, leather, textiles, wood, and clay, and create original handmade products under the guidance of experienced craftsmen 👐

🟠 ULUV Craft Fair / 3–5 July 2026
A total of 21 folk art craftsmen from all over Slovakia will present their mastery. Visitors will be able to meet potters, knife makers, weavers, bell makers, gingerbread makers, leather craftsmen, makers of shepherds’ whips and folk musical instruments, woodcarvers, producers of wooden utensils, wire craftsmen, jewellery makers, and a traditional blue-print textile maker. The main theme of 2026 will be wire craftsmanship, presented by four craftsmen in different forms. The programme will include exhibitions, live demonstrations, and the opportunity to try working with wire firsthand 〰️🧶🪵 🪈

📸 Matúš Men, archive of The Folklore Festival Východná

Folklórny festival Východná

22/05/2026

🌷 Organized by the Népművészeti Egyesületek Szövetsége / Association of Hungarian Folk Artists the “Pentecost in Buda” event has opened its doors today in Budapest, Hungay.

Until June 7, every day between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM, you can meet folk artists, applied artists, and representatives of traditional Hungarian flavors in the Buda Castle area, at Szentháromság Square and the Margaréta Terrace.

It’s well worth a visit – unique treasures and delicious flavors are waiting for you! 🎨🧺🍯✨

📅 Date: May 22 – June 7, 2026
📍 Location: Budapest, Buda Castle: Szentháromság Square and the Margaréta Terrace
👉 Event: https://fb.me/e/9xgVB1yiy

19/05/2026

🟡 Summer in Estonia means festivals, traditional crafts, and folk culture!

Tallinn Medieval Days bring the Old Town to life with medieval atmosphere, artisan markets, and hands-on craft workshops.

🟡 https://medievaldays.ee/en/

Viljandi Folk Music Festival combines music, handicrafts, traditions, and the unique summer atmosphere of Viljandi.

🟡 https://www.viljandifolk.ee/en

Craft Camp 2026 offers a chance to learn traditional Estonian craft techniques in an inspiring international creative camp.

🟡 https://viljandi.ut.ee/en/craftcamp

If you are looking for inspiration, new skills, or simply unforgettable summer cultural experiences, these festivals are definitely worth adding to your calendar ✨