In April, Elizabeth Ashdown brought her vibrant expertise in passementerie to France, where she led a captivating three-day workshop across the historic settings of Provins. After the workshop, we travelled to Paris to join the Textile Tour with Rebecca Devaney and a visit to Declercq Passementerie in Paris.
On the first day, Libby introduced participants to the fundamentals of weaving. With warmth and precision, she demonstrated how a loom functions, what materials are best suited for beginners, and how to start crafting their own woven bands. Each student had the opportunity to select their own colour palette, adding a personal touch to their first loom-woven creations.
Day two shifted focus to rosettes—ornamental flourishes that bring texture and charm to any textile design. With Libby’s expert guidance, students created their own intricate rosettes, learning the importance of structure and balance in decorative design.
The third day was devoted to tassel-making, a highlight for many attendees. Libby walked the class through the process of spinning their own cords, cutting wool to precise lengths, and understanding the key principles of tassel construction. Guests left with not only beautiful handmade trims but also a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and care involved in this age-old textile art.
More about Elizabeth Ashdown below.
Elizabeth Ashdown is a London-based artist and one of the UK's few remaining hand passementerie makers. Her work revitalizes this endangered craft by blending traditional techniques with vibrant, contemporary designs.
Passementerie, the art of creating decorative trimmings like tassels and fringes, has a rich history but is now practiced by only a handful of artisans in the UK. Elizabeth is dedicated to preserving this heritage, creating bespoke pieces for interior designers, fashion houses, and private collectors. Her work is characterized by bold colors and intricate patterns, bringing a modern flair to a traditional craft.
Elizabeth's innovative approach has led to collaborations with renowned brands such as Samuel & Sons, resulting in the "Kaleidoscope" collection—a vibrant range of cords and fringes. Her contributions to the craft have been recognised with the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust ADAM Architecture Scholarship in 2023.