Weaving Plants
Exploring cane, pine needles, bracejo herb in a base of recycled wool from Covilhã, Portugal. Inspired by nature’s forms and materials. An artistic approach to decorative panels and wall coverings.
Edinburgh - Lisbon
This one-of-a-kind art hang weaves together the rich heritage of Portugal and Scotland. Crafted with care and passion, this unique piece embodies the essence of tapestry and low weaving.
This art hang holds a deeper story within its woven fibers. Inspired by a studio exchange between Scotland and Portugal, it represents the shared passion for craftsmanship and the celebration of cultural diversity. Each thread weaved into this piece represents a thread of connection between these two nations, symbolizing the power of collaboration and artistic expression.
The meticulously sourced wool from Portugal and Scotland forms the foundation of this masterpiece, offering a blend of textures and colors that evoke a sense of warmth and authenticity. As your eyes explore the intricacies of this art hang, you'll discover a delicate dance between the majestic pine trees and the enchanting Stipa gigantea. The pine trees, a symbol of resilience and strength, the Stipa gigantea, also known as the giant feather grass, adds a touch of whimsy and ethereal elegance. Their presence invokes a sense of tranquility and connection to the natural world.
Lisbon, 2024
Technique: Hand-woven on a loom
Dimensions: 54 cm (height) + 13 cm fringe up and 10cm down × 34 to 41cm (width)
Materials: Pine needles and Bracejo (Stipa gigantea) from Portugal country side, Scottish Angora Wool, Portuguese wool, Shetland wool
Serie of 2 Panels.
Woven with recycle wool from Covilhã, Portugal, hand spin wool from Island of Fire, Spain and vegetable fibers, cane, pine needles and stipa gigantea.
1 panel Dimensions | 31 cm x 81 cm.
2 panel Dimensions | 33 cm x 93 cm.
These handwoven panels are a tribute to the rural architecture and seasonal hues of the Alentejo, where agriculture, light, and memory are deeply interwoven. The play between structured patterns and organic distortions reflects the interdependence of nature and human craftsmanship. Using a visual language of repetition, interruption, and rhythm, each panel captures the spirit of Interwoven—as a metaphor for culture, community, and continuity. The inclusion of vegetal materials and weaving irregularities echoes the unpredictability of growth and tradition, honouring both imperfection and resilience.
Lisbon, 2025
Peça tecida com materiais recolhidos num passeio pela margem da Lagoa de Óbidos — uma tradução sensorial da paisagem através do toque, do aroma e da cor.
A lã reciclada da Covilhã entrelaça-se com agulhas de pinheiro, rabos de coelho, algas e junco, formando uma superfície orgânica que evoca o ritmo da natureza e o diálogo entre terra e água.
Tecida manualmente num tear de um quadro, com estrutura de tafetá, esta obra celebra a memória dos materiais e a poética do território.
Materiais
Lã reciclada da Covilhã, agulhas de pinheiro, rabos de coelho, algas, junco
Medidas
65cm largura x 60cm cumprimento
Lagoa de Óbidos, 2025
Banana Bark Fiber Study
Experimental textile sample exploring the diverse qualities of banana tree bark, developed through hands-on research in the studio. The composition brings together different sections of the fibre, revealing a range of natural tones—from soft beige to deeper, earthy hues—and a rich variation in texture, from smooth ribbons to more fibrous, irregular strands.
Sourced and introduced by Vanessa from Musaz, the material was explored during a mentorship session within a programme by the European Crafts Alliance. The final stage of this exchange took place in Cross Lights studio, where the fibre was tested on the loom, allowing its surprising flexibility and strength to emerge through weaving.
This sample reflects an early stage of material exploration—an open study of structure, adaptability, and tactile potential—with further developments to follow.
Lisbon, 2026
Technique: Hand-woven on a manual loom
Dimensions: 23 cm (height) + 12 cm fringe × 29/35 cm (width)
Materials: Banana tree, recycle wool from Covilhã