Saturday the 19th of September - 2:30 - 6:30pm Venue: London Craft Council A 4-minute walk from Angel station, and an 8-minute walk from Loop — easy to reach however you're travelling. In this workshop, you will learn how to create a portable oratorio—a traditional Spanish travel altar reimagined as a personal keepsake. These textile pieces, rooted in centuries of tradition, were made to carry what mattered most while journeying far from home. Their purpose was deeply personal: to create a small, sacred space in unfamiliar places, holding memories, intentions, or symbols of home. Each oratorio reflects its place of origin and its creator, with unique designs and symbolic meanings that vary across regions. Historically spiritual objects, they translate beautifully into contemporary practice as vessels for personal meaning—a way to carry a piece of home, remember someone important, mark a significant moment, or simply create a thoughtful, handmade object that holds meaning for you. And because an oratorio is never truly finished—you can continue adding charms, beads, or found objects as your life evolves—it remains a living piece. When you're ready to travel, it folds neatly into a small pouch tied with a ribbon, compact enough to slip into a bag and carry wherever you go. In the workshop, you'll explore the history behind these evocative pieces and learn how to craft your own personal oratorio—choosing imagery, symbols, and materials that reflect what you want to carry with you. Your kit includes fabric, threads, and beads to get you started. If you'd like to add personal charms, buttons, or extra embellishments, please bring them with you—or add them to your piece in your own time after the workshop. The oratorio is designed to evolve with you. Aitor's work extends well beyond the workshop room — his book Embroider Mend Sew, a translation of the best-selling Spanish title Cose, zurce y borda, is published this October, and we're proud to be the first stockist in the world to carry it. We're also hosting an evening launch event in partnership with Selvedge on Friday 18th September — and the book is available to pre-order now. About Aitor Saraiba Aitor Saraiba is a multidisciplinary artist known for his emotionally resonant and deeply personal work, spanning illustration, ceramics, and textiles. Hailing from Spain, Aitor’s unique style has led to collaborations with major brands and institutions, blending his artistic vision with innovative projects. Aitor has partnered with names like Loewe, Museo del Prado, Sajou, and Cohana, creating pieces that merge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary art. His collaborations are celebrated for their sincerity and creative storytelling, making his work widely recognised and loved across diverse audiences. You can see some of his work on instagram @aitorsaraiba Cancellation policy 100% deposit is required at registration. A refund of payment for a class will be given for cancellations only if the spot can be filled by another student, minus a 10% admin fee. Please be considerate. We reserve the right to cancel a class in unusual circumstances. We try to avoid this wherever possible, but sometimes it cannot be avoided. In this situation, of course, a full refund will be given. We're sorry, but Loop cannot be financially responsible for extreme weather conditions or any other situations that are out of its' control. If we need to cancel the class due to any unforeseen circumstances, we will of course offer you a full refund or shop credit (whatever your preference is).
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