Questions

Do I need any experience?

No. Every workshop assumes you have never touched the material before. The teaching is hands-on from the first ten minutes rather than a demonstration you watch.

What language are the workshops taught in?

English and French. Most artisans speak enough of both to teach, and where they do not, someone translates. We also speak Darija and Arabic.

Do I pay online?

No. There is no online payment on this site. You send a request, we confirm the date by WhatsApp or email, and you pay in cash at the workshop on the day.

Is my place booked as soon as I send the request?

Not yet. A request is a request. We reply within 24 hours to confirm the date works, and it is booked at that point.

Can I take what I make home the same day?

For leather, brass, weaving, plaster and zellige, yes. Anything that needs firing — the pottery class and pottery painting — is ready in about four days. Collect it, or we ship it at cost.

Can you ship a finished piece to my country?

Yes, and we do it often. We pack it and quote you the actual postage, with no markup. Tell us before you leave Fes.

Are the workshops suitable for children?

Pottery painting and the cooking class work well from about six years old. The wheel, the zellige hammer and the brass work involve sharp or heavy tools and we suggest twelve and up. Tell us the ages when you book.

How big are the groups?

Usually two to six people. We do not combine your booking with a large tour group. If you are a private group, tell us the number and we will tell you honestly whether the room fits.

What should I wear?

Something you do not mind marking, especially for pottery and plaster. Closed shoes for the brass and zellige workshops. We provide aprons.

Will I be taken to a shop at the end?

No. There is no shop stop and nobody will be asked to buy anything. If you do want to buy something afterwards, we will tell you what it should cost before you go in.

What if I need to change or cancel my date?

Tell us and we will move it. There is nothing to refund because nothing is charged in advance. We only ask that you let us know rather than not appearing, because the artisan has kept the morning free.

Is the workshop accessible if I have trouble with stairs?

Some studios are up steps and down narrow lanes, which is the medina. The cooking class and pottery painting are the most accessible. Tell us what you need in the note field and we will be straight with you about which rooms work.