Valentīna Daukste from Baltinava is a well-known weaver in Latgale and the owner of the farm “Upeskrasti”. She weaves rag rugs, rugs made of yarn, called tapestry, and she knits gloves, socks and scarves. In summer, she weaves blankets from fresh herbs, which are used for sauna or for a nice scent in the room. You can meet the weaver at various craft markets.
Types of crafts
Weaving and knitting
The distinctive in their field of activity
Herb blankets and miniature tapestry
When to book a tour in advance; When to book a master class in advance
3 days
JOLAMPS is a modern brand created by Jolanta Salmiņa. We offer luminaries for households and public interiors. Lamps are unique in their variety of materials and shapes, and in a wide variety of colors. Paper, fabric, thread, twine and metal hoop constructions are used in the manufacture of luminaries. JOLAMPS works with the customer to create a special lamp design according to the customer’s wishes. Each lamp has a careful 100% hand work, focused attention and love for this process.
„Līdumnieki” – a lively place where various cultural, sports and family events take place. In the spacious premises of the centre, there is a weaving and knitting workshop, a blacksmith’s forge and a candy-making workshop. Here you can learn to play folk instruments, learn ethnographic singing, and explore local folklore. Exhibitions, concerts, themed workshops and many other exciting events take place at the centre.
Types of crafts
Weaving, knitting, crocheting, handicrafts, metalwork in the blacksmith’s workshop “Kaļve”, bread baking.
The distinctive in their field of activity
Digital looms, semi-automatic looms by Pēteris Viļumsons, home looms. Weaving of plants with a loom, use of flax to make fabrics and a wide range of other leisure and entertainment facilities, a museum with exhibitions, rooms suitable for events.
When to book a tour in advance; When to book a master class in advance
1 week
Ludza Crafts Centre is located at the foot of the mighty Ludza hillfort. Here everyone is invited to watch craftspeople at work and learn traditional crafts. You can participate in weaving, ceramics and sewing workshops, try on the costumes of ancient Latgalians and order folk costumes from any region of Latvia. Works by local craftspeople are displayed in the exhibition hall of the centre. Organisation of events to promote and preserve Latgalian traditions. The Ludza Crafts Centre organises the Great Latgalian Market and the annual Green Market on the Saturday before Līgo festival, Latgale Days with demonstrations of craft skills, Latgalian music and food. “Latvian Heritage” award winners.
Guided tours about the life of the ancient Latgalians, the principles and rules of the social environment – during which listeners get involved in activities. There is also a recorded TV version available in Latvian and English.
When to book a tour in advance; When to book a master class in advance
2 days
Zelma Pīgožne, the creator of the brand “Zelma Kraft”, is a second-generation leather goods designer. Zelma creates leather bags and accessories, combining historical traditions with modern technologies. “Zelma Kraft” values are sustainable design, quality, and identity. Unique and at the same time practical goods to highlight your individuality.
Types of crafts
Leather goods – hand-made bags, accessories, small items. New – design clothing with leather details.
The distinctive in their field of activity
Made on-site in the workshop, hand-made, classic design. Few examples of identical colour, as the materials that are used are leftover stock from manufacturers/design houses where only one sheet of leather has remained.
When to book a tour in advance; When to book a master class in advance
1 week
The leather goods workshop “Kristāla Kurpīte” in Rēzekne has been operating since 1997 and is run by the shoemaker Andris Kačkāns – his company is the largest manufacturer of footwear that is required by folk art groups in Latvia. Pastalas, dance shoes, boots – that’s the master craftsman’s everyday life. The shoemaker’s passion is historical footwear, and he also makes ethnographic shoes to order. All footwear is 100% hand-made.
Types of crafts
Hand-made pastalas in genuine leather, archaeological style boots for women and men, footwear for folk dance groups and choirs, footwear to wear with ethnographic costumes, footwear for historical films.
The distinctive in their field of activity
Footwear making from a pattern, on-site measuring, specific individual orders.
When to book a tour in advance; When to book a master class in advance
1 week
Since I remember myself, I have always been bound to go a different way from the mainstream. Tasteful elegance, quality and originality are the values I offer to my customers with every product created by Ego Go Eco. The second core value of the Ego Go Eco is the longevity of the environment in which humans must live. Therefore, in collaborate with different manufacturers, every product is sewn using textile materials that have been given another breath and life. This approach provides an extremely small number of products and thus undoubted originality.
The museum “Andrupenes lauku sēta” offers a journey into the Latgale countryside of the early 20th century. There is a century-old country house, a barn, a black bath, a blacksmith’s forge and many ancient tools and household objects. You can learn about the potter’s workshop and kiln. By prior arrangement, you can taste traditional Latgalian dishes. Special Latgale Culinary Heritage offer – the Andrupene bread. Behind the museum there is a walking trail through the bog, which is equally magnificent in all seasons.
The master craftswomen of the weaving workshop “Indra“ have preserved an old tradition of weaving blankets that is characteristic of the Latgale region – laseitos koldrys. In the workshop you can see a textile collection, learn about the weaving process and try your hand at weaving a floor runner. The workshop organises exhibitions and master classes, carries out projects. The craftswomen participate in the event “Meet your master craftsperson”.
Types of crafts
Weaving, knitting and other handicrafts, with plans for soap-making and wax candle making in the future.
The distinctive in their field of activity
The weavers have inherited and preserved the skill of weaving laseitos koldrys.
When to book a tour in advance;
3 days
When to book a master class in advance
1 week
Krāslava Crafts Centre is located in one of the buildings of the 18th century palace complex built by the Counts Plater. Four thematic workshops are permanently active here: pottery, woodworking, weaving (handicrafts) and the culinary heritage workshop. The crafts centre offers master classes, seminars and training in traditional crafts.
