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Ready 2-hours of relaxation and creativity? Join me for a relaxing and enriching raffia embroidery workshop in May, June or July at my new location in Central London.
This beginner-friendly workshop is perfect for anyone interested in textiles, looking for a creative outlet away from their digital devices, or simply looking for an enjoyable Saturday morning activity. No prior embroidery experience is required – just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!
Table of contents
What to Expect at the Raffia Embroidery Workshop Why You Shoud Attend Who is this workshop for About the teacher The Workshop Venue: The Chandlery, Westminster Bridge Road Workshop Details How to book a place for the workshop Frequently Asked Questions What else can I make with Raffia? Where can I buy supplies for Raffia Embroidery?
What to Expect at the Raffia Embroidery Workshop
During this two-hour session, I will guide you through the fundamentals of raffia embroidery. You'll have the opportunity to work with natural and paper raffia in a vibrant selection of colours, allowing you to create a stunning piece of tropical wall art.
Image of the hibiscus design
Image of the monstera design
You’ll be able to choose between creating a floral hibiscus flower design, or a tropical monstera leaf. All materials and equipment will be provided, as well as some light refreshments.
Why You Shoud Attend
Learn a New Skill: Discover the art of raffia embroidery and gain some hands-on embroidery experience.
Create a Beautiful Piece of Art: Walk away with a handmade raffia embroidery hoop art piece to proudly display in your home.
Learn About Caribbean Crafts: Explore the heritage of the Caribbean through this craft, inspired by the traditional straw crafts of the region.
Relax and Unwind: Enjoy a mindful and creative experience that will help you de-stress and unwind.
Who is this workshop for
Beginners can confidently join this workshop, as no prior embroidery experience is necessary. However, it’s still a great activity for experienced crafters to expand their skills by exploring the unique medium of raffia embroidery. Those seeking relaxation will appreciate the mindful and tranquil atmosphere, providing a welcome escape from the daily grind.
Image of raffia embroidery in progress
The workshop is perfect for solo attendees, offering a chance to focus creatively and connect with new people, as well as groups of friends and family who can share a fun and creative experience. My June dates coincides with Windrush Day, so it's a lovely way to learn more and to honour the Windrush Generation!
Children aged 12 and over are also welcome to participate, however, an adult must accompany any attendees under 18 years old. Due to space restrictions at the venue, a separate ticket must be purchased for each adult accompanying a child.
About the teacher
This workshop will be taught by me, Tihara, a fashion designer, and textile artist who specialises in raffia embroidery. My passion for this craft developed while creating my Windrush-inspired graduate collection at UCA Epsom, where I explored my Caribbean heritage through design. One of my graduate collection pieces was even acquired by the London Museum (formerly known as the Museum of London) in 2021, to help preserve and share the Windrush story.
Image of Tihara teaching at a previous raffia embroidery workshop
I'm always excited to share my love for raffia embroidery with people! I've had the privilege of teaching workshops for well-known institutions like the V&A, The Imperial War Museum and Somerset House, as well as leading engaging team sessions for companies such as Sage Publishing and Not On The High Street.
In 2025, I was formally recognised by The King's Foundation and was selected as one of The Kings Foundation's 35 Under 35, a network of makers and changemakers brought together as part of the charity's 35th anniversary celebrations. Members of this network were chosen to advocate for the values that King Charles III champions, including sustainability, harmony with nature and a commitment to craft and heritage. All themes explored in his documentary 'Finding Harmony: A King's Vision'.
I hope you will join me at the workshops so I can share the joy of raffia embroidery with you too!
The Workshop Venue: The Chandlery, Westminster Bridge Road
The raffia embroidery workshop will be held at the historic site of Melina Place.
Image: Tihara Smith
Image: Tihara Smith
The Chandlery at 50 Westminster Bridge Road is a distinctive four storey Victorian building with a rich past. Originally constructed as a school, it still carries a sense of its heritage through features such as high ceilings, generous windows and decorative brickwork. Set within a gated courtyard on the historic site of Melina Place, the building offers a quiet, tucked away atmosphere despite its central London location.
Since its conversion into serviced offices in 1990, The Chandlery has balanced character with practicality, creating a space that feels both functional and full of personality. The light filled interiors and calm courtyard setting make it an ideal environment for creative work, offering a welcome contrast to the busy streets nearby. Its history as a place of learning and making adds an extra layer of meaning, making it a fitting setting for a hands on raffia embroidery workshop.
Workshop Details
| Date | Various dates in May, June and July |
| Time |
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| Location | 50 Westminster Bridge Road |
| Class size | 1 - 6 people |
Closest Stations
Lambeth North Station Tube Station - 4 min walk (Bakerloo Line)
Waterloo Station Railway Station - 9 minute walk (Bakerloo, Northern and Jubilee line, Waterloo & City, South Western Railway & Southeastern)
Bus Routes
1, 12, 53, 68, 148, 172, 176, 188, 344, 360, 453 & C10.
How to book a place for the workshop
There are limited spaces available for our raffia embroidery workshops, so book your place now using the button below.
- Secure your place early and enjoy our special offers.
- Earlybird price if you book into a public session 21+ days ahead
- Save £10 when you book with a friend
- Buy your ticket with a copy of my book on Class Bento to get money off my book - Raffia Embroidery
I look forward to welcoming you to the workshop and sharing the joy of raffia embroidery with you!
If you have any questions, contact hello@tiharasmith.com
Please Note: Filming/photography will take place at the workshop for promotional and archival purposes. The resulting images and recordings may be used on our website, social media platforms, and in third-party publications. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let us know on the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this raffia embroidery workshop suitable for beginners?
Yes! This raffia embroidery workshop is completely beginner-friendly, all you need is the enthusiasm to try something new.
Is there an age limit?
Children aged 12 and over are welcome to participate, however, an adult must accompany any attendees under 18 years old. Due to space restrictions at the venue, a separate ticket must be purchased for each adult accompanying a child.
Do I need to bring anything to the raffia embroidery workshop?
All materials and equipment will be provided for the raffia embroidery workshop
What if I don’t finish my project by the end of the workshop?
Don't worry if you don't finish your raffia embroidery project in the workshop, you'll have everything you need to finish at home.
Will refreshments be provided at the Raffia Embroidery Workshop?
Light refreshments will be provided for the raffia embroidery workshop.
What else can I make with Raffia Embroidery?
You can discover more joy with Raffia Embroidery in my debut book published by Search Press!
In Raffia Embroidery, I share 10 vibrant, beginner-friendly projects inspired by my Caribbean heritage, including:
- A bold hoop embroidery
- A striking wall hanging
- Tote bag
- A zipped pouch
- Cushion
- and lots more...
You can see and find out more about my book and see some of the projects from the book when I appeared on Sewing Street with Stuart Hillard and shared the techniques I use for raffia embroidery and my inspirations.
Where can I buy supplies for Raffia Embroidery?
Head to my raffia embroidery supplies section on my website to find everything you need.
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