September brings a packed calendar of handicraft workshops to Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre and the House of Basket Weaving, hosted by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA). From gypsum carving to bead loom weaving, the sessions run most weekends through the month, with artisans on hand to walk participants through techniques that have shaped island life for generations.
Whether you’re after a weekend activity, a creative outlet, or something to do with the kids, here’s what’s on.
12 September | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Al Jasra Handicrafts
Gypsum carving has long featured in Gulf interiors, from wall panels to decorative screens. This session scales the craft down to a single object: a hand-carved incense burner, shaped and engraved under the guidance of practising artisans.
12, 19 & 26 September | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm | Al Jasra Handicrafts
Bahrain’s fishing and pearling history runs through this workshop, which introduces the materials and methods once used to build wooden vessels for the Gulf. Expect demonstrations alongside hands-on practice.
12, 19 & 26 September | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm | Al Jasra Handicrafts
Participants learn to centre clay, shape it on the wheel, and follow the process through to a finished form. It’s messy by nature, but it’s also one of the more grounding workshops on offer this month.
12, 19 & 26 September | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm | House of Basket Weaving
Held in the House of Basket Weaving itself, this session teaches the saff technique used to turn palm fronds into baskets, mats, and household items that were once staples of everyday life on the island.
12, 19 & 26 September | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm | Al Jasra Handicrafts
A broader look at traditional weaving methods, this workshop covers the fundamentals for anyone keen to pick up a new hands-on skill over three sessions.
12, 19 & 26 September | 10:00 am – 12:30 pm | Al Jasra Handicrafts
Naqda embroidery is known for its metallic thread and fine detail. This workshop covers the basic stitches and motifs behind a textile tradition that’s typically passed down within families.
19 September | 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm | Al Jasra Handicrafts
An evening session for anyone drawn to colour and pattern, this workshop guides participants through painting a decorative tray from start to finish.
26 September | 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm | Al Jasra Handicrafts
Decoupage involves layering cut paper designs onto a surface to build up a finished pattern. It’s a relatively low-tool craft, which makes it a good entry point for beginners.
27, 28 & 29 September | 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm | Al Jasra Handicrafts
Happening on three evenings, this workshop covers tailoring basics, from working with fabric to constructing a simple garment.
29 September | 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm | Al Jasra Handicrafts
Participants explore aromatic notes and blend a personalised fragrance to take home, working through the base, heart, and top notes under the session leader’s guidance.
Designed for children, these sessions run for two hours on Saturday mornings and offer a gentle, hands-on introduction to craft.
12 September | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Al Jasra Handicrafts
Children shape and decorate their own pottery cups, learning the basics of working with clay along the way.
19 September | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Al Jasra Handicrafts
A simple loom-weaving session that introduces kids to bead pattern-making, building fine motor skills as they go.
26 September | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Al Jasra Handicrafts
Kinusaiga is a Japanese technique that uses small pieces of fabric to build up an image, similar in spirit to mosaic work. Children create their own piece using offcuts of silk or cotton fabric.
Most workshops run across three Saturdays in September (the 12th, 19th and 26th), so it’s worth checking which date suits you before booking.
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