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2024 Workshops

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Tapestry (Gobelenas)

Back by popular demand.

Join us for two Saturdays and learn the wonderful world of Lithuanian traditional tapestry with skilled artisan and LTFAI member, Ramune Jonaitis from Toronto, Canada.

Read more about Ramune.

At this workshop she will tell us about the history, show us how-to basics and guide us through the process of making a simple woven piece. This workshop is beginner-friendly: no prior experience is necessary.

Note: A detailed materials list will be sent to attendees prior to the workshop. This workshop includes two Saturdays 1pm – 2:30pm Eastern Time.

  • Date:  Two Saturdays | Jan 20 and Jan 27, 2024
  • Time:  1:00 – 2:30 PM Eastern Time both workshops
  • Cost:  LTFAI Members $25, Non-members $35 USD
  • Location: Online
  • Registration: Register Today!
  • Future Viewing: Yes, for ALL paid workshop registrations
  • Language: In english

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Braided Sashes (Pintinės Juostos)

Learn how to make finger-woven braids and cards with artist and LTFAI board member Donna Druchunas.

At this workshop she will tell us about the history of these techniques, show us how-to basics and guide us through the process of making a small sash that can be used as a key fob or bookmark. This class is beginner-friendly: no prior experience is necessary.

A detailed materials list will be sent to attendees prior to the workshop.

  • Date:  TBD, 2024
Past Workshops

Here's what you missed.

Traditional Knitting (Mezgimas)

Learn how to knit mittens with traditional Lithuanian patterns with knitting expert and LTFAI member Donna Druchunas.

At this workshop she will tell us about the history, show us knitting techniques and guide us through the process of making a pair of mittens.

Donna looked for information on the knitting of her Lithuanian forebears for years, and finally visited the country to learn what she could. What she learned turned out to be a lot! In this workshop, you will learn: The role of Lithuania in Fair Isle knitting, the evolution of motifs throughout the Baltic states, and the connection of Lithuanian knitting patterns to weaving and other folk art.A detailed materials list as well as a pre-class homework assignment will be sent to attendees prior to the workshop.

Paper Cut Art (Karpinai)

Learn how to make paper art using traditional Lithuanian patterns and motifs with artisan Gabrielle Valevicius .

At this workshop she will tell us about the history, show us techniques and guide us through the process of making an art piece. This class is beginner-friendly: no prior experience is necessary.

Tapestry (Gobelenas)

Learn how to do traditional tapestry with skilled artisan and LTFAI member Ramune Jonaitis.

At this workshop she will tell us about the history, show us how-to basics and guide us through the process of making a simple woven piece. This class is beginner-friendly: no prior experience is necessary.

Straw Ornaments (Sodai, Šiaudinukai)

Learn how to do traditional straw Christmas ornaments and larger decorations with skilled artisan Gabrielle Valevicius.

At this workshop she will tell us about the history of these ornaments, show us how-to basics and guide us through the process to make a couple of basic ornaments to hang on a Christmas tree as well as creating a larger soda of several shapes together. This class is beginner-friendly: no prior experience is necessary.

Straw Angel Ornament

Learn how to make a straw angel Christmas ornament with skilled artisan Gabrielle Valevicius.

At this workshop she will tell us about the history of angel ornaments, show us how-to basics using real straw and guide us through the process to make a lovely angel ornament. This class is beginner-friendly: no prior experience is necessary. 

© 2024 The Lithuanian Folk Art Institute. All Rights Reserved. 

Past LTFAI.org Talks
Here’s what you have missed. Get updates of upcoming events. Sign up for our email newsletter.

Traditional Crosses in Lithuania:
Lithuania is sometimes called the land of crosses. Crosses and unique pillar shrines with various sculptures have been an integral part of the Lithuanian landscape for several hundred years.  They represent not only religious symbolism but national identity especially in times of repression.  We will look at and discuss the amazing wooden carving and iron work of this important folk art and touch on the well known Kryziu Kalnas (Hill of Crosses) site in Lithuania.


Wool (Vilna):
Wool Crafts in Lithuania: Although linen features prominently in Lithuanian folktales and folk songs, we rarely hear about wool. However in the cold climate working with wool was an integral part of daily life forrural villagers in Lithuania. Small farms were self-sufficient; little or no money was needed to supplement the household’s home production. All the women and girls in a family spun, wove, knitted, and felted wool to create all of the households woolens.


Easter Palms (Verbos)
History and Significance of Verbos in Lithuanian Life: Palm Sunday is an important part of the Easter tradition. Learn about the history of decorated palms and get to know the customs and decorative techniques specific to Lithuania. (Please note, this is not a hands-on workshop.)


Black Ceramics (Juoda Keramica)
History and use of black ceramics in Lithuania: The tradition of black ceramics has been documented in Lithuania for centuries. Although eventually falling out of favour due to other pottery techniques, Lithuania is one of the few places that still make this beautiful pottery. Learn about the history, techniques and artistry of black ceramics.


Amber (Gintaras)
Gintaras – Our Golden Heritage: Gintaras, or Amber, has been important to Lithuanians and Baltic people for millennia. Important in terms of culture, art and symbolism. Learn about various aspects of Amber to bring you to a new and better understanding and appreciation of this beautiful “golden stone”.


Easter Eggs (Marguciai)
History and Significance of Easter Eggs in Lithuanian Life: The egg has long been seen as a symbol of fertility and life. Learn about the role of decorated eggs in ancient and modern times. Get to know the customs and decorative techniques specific to Lithuania.

What is an LTFAI talk?

We are excited to launch our online LTFAI Talks. We hope to have a series of talks on topics that are relevant to Lithuanian folk art. These are lectures, not workshops, that will provide interesting information for anyone interested in folk art.

They will be from a half hour to a full hour in length with time for discussion at the end.

Each LTFAI Talk is free but you have to register to get an invitation to the session.

Giles Bugailiskis Bio

Raised in the Lithuanian community in Hamilton, Ontario. He moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, to attend university and was a long-time board member of the Lithuanian Canadian Community there and now serves as the resource person for inquiries about the Lithuanians in Manitoba. Giles has over 30 years of experience in municipal heritage conservation planning and public outreach, having retired as the City of Winnipeg’s Senior Planner for Heritage. He is also a current member of the LTFAI Board.

Ramune Jonaitis Bio

Ramune is a translator and editor, who worked with the Canadian Lithuanian Weekly Tėviškės žiburiai as managing editor for over 20 years.

She is also an artisan who makes mosaics and jewellery using Lithuanian motifs and amber. She is a long time member of LTFAI and has recently served on our board. She learned tapestry-weaving from Aldona Vaitonienė, a master weaver in Toronto, Canada.

Testimonials: My first ever tapestry. I am an artist so I did a little extra with the beads and wire cord to hang. It reminds me of a dress so I had fun with that thought. 😉

I think you did an excellent job with the workshop, especially for those of us with no experience weaving. I have already ordered yarn. The colors in this piece was whatever my friend gave me as I was not able to go out shopping.

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