About
Handicraft workshops should be enjoyable, simple and accessible. My wish is to develop and preserve textile traditions and to share the rich textile traditions of Dalarna and Sweden, with the world.
Art&Craft Sweden offers wearable art, curated classes, study visits and lectures. Browse the website or contact me directly for custom offers.
My Story
I´m Kirsi Manni, the owner of Art&Craft Sweden. Since 2016 my business is located in the former Parish Assembly Hall of Siljansnäs, Dalarna, Sweden. I have created the textile studio of my dreams, in a tiny village at the heart of Sweden.
My interest in textiles has been passed down through generations in my family of highly skilled crafts women. My grandmother grew her own flax and was the queen of recycling, in order to provide for her large family she had to be creative with resources. My mother is a seamstress and hand weaver, she let me cut into her fabric stash and encouraged my passion. I studied for a Bachelor in Textiles and Mathematics Education at Gothenburg University. For 20+ years I worked as an educator throughout Sweden and abroad, e.g. Tanzania and Hong Kong.
Today I divide my time between my wearable-art weaving, heritage craft, textile conservation and sharing my passion with the wider community through workshops, lectures and the internet. I´m a firm believer that we are creative creatures in our core and I want to invite you to co-create and express your individuality without judgement.
Wearable Art
In 2014 i discovered the world of Saori, free-weaving philosophy. I traveled to Osaka, Japan to learn more about Misao Jo´s creative principles. “Consider the difference between man and machine, be bold and adventurous, look through eyes that shine and share with everyone in the community.”
The Saori philosophy emphasizes inner creativity and playfulness. Self expression through wearable art is encouraged. I love to play on the loom and create one of a kind garments.
For 8 years I was a representative and retailer for Saori Global Ltd i Japan.
Heritage Textiles
The Dalarna region of Sweden is well known for its rich textile culture. When I moved to Siljasnäs, I joined the local folk dance group and as a result I started making my own folk dress. Through the process I researched the material culture and connected with living heritage. As a textile crafter I discovered so many skills that are at the brink of extinction and with very limited documentation. The skills have been passed on from generation to generation and are part of the intangible heritage. Identifying and documenting local craft is of essence.
The “Heritage Craft Grant” from Hemslöjden Dalarna was a sign of approval for my work.
Workshops and Lectures
How can we preserve and share the knowledge of our foremothers? We all stand on the shoulders of these women!
I am lucky to be part a living tradition and have a mother and grandmother with the skills and encouragement to teach the next generation. Also I live in a community with so much intangible heritage, but sorely lacking of documentation.
With expertise in pedagogy, technology and craft; I find myself in a unique position to share that knowledge with the world. Contact me for a tailored talk or workshop.
Contact me
Welcome to send me line. I am open to collaborations or hosting a workshop.
My passion extends beyond national borders, I have hosted Maximo Laura from Peru to share his passion of tapestry weaving. I visited Japan for cultural exchange and I am happy to connect with textile artisans around the world.
My studio is welcoming internships of textile students and artist.
