Atelier Balancê, Aljezur, Aljezur (2026)

This is Atelier Balancê, a creative project that makes stories tangible by researching local traditional basket weaving techniques that are gradually disappearing. My intention is to valorise and safeguard this intangible cultural heritage. I try to convert the value of tradition and culture into new forms and objects and choose to work exclusively with local residual flows. I graduated as an arch

itect, decided in 2019 to put my fascination for crafts into practice and traveled to the Brazilian Amazon. After an immersion in various traditional basket weaving techniques with local basket weavers, Atelier Balancê was born, an interface between craft and art. I'm currently focusing on ghost gear (abandoned, lost or discarded fishing ropes and nets that pollute the oceans) and waste materials from fishermen / ports in the Algarve, Portugal. After unraveling and washing the gathered ropes, I experiment how certain materials cooperate or counteract and can lead to surprising results. Atelier Balancê is an honouring to slowness and traditional crafts, and a call for ecological awareness. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

26/07/2026

'Pega-Flor' is inspired by the mechanism of the finger trap, in which force intensifies the impasse while calm releases it. The gesture invites pause, attentive listening, and patience in the face of tension. A similar object, known as the 'pega-moça' or 'indigenous ring', can be found in certain contexts among Indigenous peoples of the Amazon, symbolizing an inseparable union in wedding rituals.
It is in the lightness of the woven palm leaves that the strength of union and balance is found - both physically and metaphorically.

55 × 28 cm
Handpicked Algarvian palm leaves (Chamaerops humilis)

Created for 'Design, Feito à Mão', a group exhibition at Arquivo Aires Mateus as part of Lisbon Design Week , exploring the intersection of craftsmanship, innovation, and design.

Big thanks to the curators André Matos , Astrid Suzano - Passa Ao Futuro and Vasco Águas for the invitation and making this happening!

Picture 1, 4 and 6 by André Matos
Picture 2, 3 and 5 by Barreiros & Barreiros

09/06/2026

PALMA is a hands-on 3-day basket weaving course exploring the universe of the Chamaerops humilis (Palmeira-anã), also known as the dwarf palm or Palmeira-das-vassouras.

These workshops offer an opportunity to get to know the plant and discover its many creative possibilities. Participants will learn traditional basket weaving techniques including Empreita de Palma and Malha de Palma, while also transforming leftover palm fibers into recycled paper and hand brooms. Beyond learning practical craft skills, working with the palm leaves will help to understand the landscape in which they grow, and the cultural, social and economic value they carry.

The course takes place at .algarve in Aljezur. Set within the beautiful landscape of the Costa Vicentina, it provides a peaceful and inspiring space for workshops, accommodation and relaxation. Heartwarming meals will caringly be prepared by .

I'm Ysaline, the hands behind Atelier Balancê. I'm Belgian and have a background in architecture. After spending 10 months with local basket weavers in the Amazon, I settled in Portugal in 2020 and founded Atelier Balancê. In my practice I apply basketry techniques to natural fibres and discarded ropes, and transform them into new forms and objects. Atelier Balancê is a sculptural and poetic exploration that values ancestral knowledge and respect for nature. I'm looking forward to share with you what I've learned in the past years, and to dive together into the universe of the PALMA.

Whether you’re new to basketry or a dedicated enthusiast, you’re very welcome to join me on this creative journey.

Dates: 15-18th of October 2026
Location: Soul Farm, Aljezur, Portugal
Included: 12h of workshops, 3x nights of accommodation, welcome dinner, 3x breakfast, 3x lunch, petiscos (tapas) evening
Full description on my website (link in bio).
Booking: [email protected]

02/06/2026

Pictures by ♡

24/05/2026

Design, Feito à Mão

Lisbon Design Week
Arquivo Aires Mateus
27 - 31/05

Uma exposição coletiva, no âmbito da Lisbon Design Week, que explora a intersecção entre o artesanato, a inovação e o design.
A group exhibition as part of Lisbon Design Week, exploring the intersection of craftsmanship, innovation, and design.

Curadoria de/ Curated by , Astrid Suzano e .aguas

Autores/ Authors Atelier Gárgula Gótica, Ana Rita de Arruda, André Panóias, Baptiste da Silva, Daniel Alonso, João Francisco, Jürgen Cramer, Lia Raquel Marques, Mariana Filipe, Samuel Reis, Stéphanie Branco, Tânia Grazinas Mendes, Vasco Fragoso Mendes e Ysaline Ophoff.

Com o apoio de/ Supported by , Arquivo Aires Mateus, Cosentino, Banema, Barreiros e Barreiros, Élitis, Gandia Blasco, Anita Blake e Quinta da Ferrosa.

30/04/2026

'When the bread is finished' - a collaboration with anonymous artisans. With skillful hands they carefully crafted traditional bread baskets, still present in many interiors, quietly fulfilling their purpose.

'When the bread is finished' is reimagining the traditional willow bread basket by taking it out of its domestic context and use it as base for new shapes. The black and orange ropes are discarded agricultural ropes.

Currently on view in 's studio in Lisbon, by appointment only.

20/04/2026

INTERWOVEN - a group of Belgian and Portuguese designers brought together by Omarcity and Felipa Almeida, a creative residency, a magical location, dialogue, exchange and collaboration, a encounter of materials, crafts and identities.
This all came together in our INTERWOVEN exhibition at Calipo in Vila Viçosa.

I'm very happy and grateful for the opportunity of being part of this beautiful project.

With Laure van Brempt

Curation: .world &
Location:
Pictures 1 - 6:

Endereço

Aljezur
Aljezur
8670-052

Website

http://www.atelierbalance.net/

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