Straw Marquetry – Level 1 Beginners’ Workshop

Try your hand at straw marquetry at Atelier Maga (You must understand French and speak it reasonably well to take part in this workshop.) Fancy a unique craft experience in the heart of Chambéry? Step inside Atelier Maga, a welcoming and eco-friendly ‘third place’ situated in the historic Faubourg Montmélian district. Sarah Desaintjean, a cabinetmaker and passionate marquetry artist, invites you to discover a time-honoured and vibrant craft: straw marquetry. Suitable for beginners, this 3½-hour workshop is a truly creative escape. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the history and secrets of this exceptional technique. Sarah will teach you the precise, traditional techniques of the craft. You’ll learn how to prepare the coloured straw, flatten it, cut it meticulously and assemble it to play subtly with its natural reflections and lustre. Here, creativity flows freely. You’ll choose your design from a selection of templates and create your own colour palette using a colour chart featuring over sixty carefully selected shades. Under the watchful eye of the artisan, your hands will be busy shaping, from start to finish, the fully personalised cover of a unique notebook or beer mat. The added bonus of the experience? This friendly and inspiring session can be followed by a homemade gourmet break – a snack, lunch or breakfast, depending on the session you choose. Leave feeling proud of your creation and enriched by this rare artistic skill. An ideal activity to enjoy on your own, with family or with friends! Practical information: 4 sessions per month. Booking required. All materials provided. Single price: €85. Ages 14 and over (involves handling a scalpel).