FUN workshops covering a range of activities are back at Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre, organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca).
A Pottery on the Wheel workshop will cover topics including types of clay and tools used in shaping, methods of clay wedging and kneading and how to shape and sculpt wheel potter clay.
Two sessions will be held for the same workshop – one from 10am to 12.30pm and the other from 4pm to 6.30pm, on August 12, 19 and 26. It is open to adults.
An advanced workshop on the art of Al Naqda will highlight a time when women’s attire was hand-embroidered with silver thread, using a special needle known as Al Naqda.
This type of embroidery is also frequently used in clothes, scarves and ‘bukhnaqs’ (head covers), with khoos – which are thin strands of metal that come in either gold or silver – requiring a special needle to be pulled through cloth.
The workshop will include a basic introduction to the tools used in Al Naqda and ways to use the khoos, besides training on the art. It’s suitable for those aged 13 and above.
Another workshop will introduce participants to the history of Arabic calligraphy, the main types of fonts and its importance as an art form. They will also learn about the tools used and how to employ them.
A boat-making workshop will teach participants how to identify the different types of wood and chop them for manufacturing model ships, how to mould ship’s accessories as well as draw and carve a piece of wood and sand it.
Both events are open to those aged 14 and above, and all four workshops will take place over the course of three weeks – on Saturday, August 19 and 26 – from 10am to 12.30pm.
Meanwhile, smartphone lovers seeking to capture great images with the gadget can attend the Professional Mobile Photography workshop on August 15 and 16. Participants should be aged 14 and above to attend the event that will go on from 5pm to 7pm.
An Introduction to Mosaic Art workshop will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday for those aged 18 and above – from 4pm to 8pm. It is an artistic technique that uses tiny regular or irregular pieces of stones, glass and ceramics to create a whole image or object. Attendees will be introduced to various types of tiles as well as glue and cutters used to create the mosaics. Participants will learn how to use the cutters to create different shapes, make art using mosaic tiles and fill in gaps with grout.
A Scented Candle-Making workshop will teach participants how to make natural candles using a variety of scents and fragrant oils. They will learn how to pair fragrances and make their own custom scent, which they will use to create their own unique scented candle.
The workshop will be held on Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm and is open to adults.
Registration is required at culture.gov.bh.