Annele Slišāne is a well-known textile artist in Latgale, author of the project “100 deči Latvijai”, weaver, craftswoman and author of Latgalian prose. She has founded the company “Anneles zeme”, where she makes environmentally friendly toys, weaves rugs, tapestries, rag rugs, sauna rugs and herb rugs from a variety of materials. In the historic Latgale farmhouse “Zeļču sola” (Grass Snake Island), home to the Annele family, weaving master classes are organised and everyone can try their hand at real loom weaving. The place is special because, starting from the country’s eastern border, it is the first populated are on Latvia’s longest parallel – the 57th parallel.
Types of crafts
Weaving, knitting, toy making
The distinctive in their field of activity
An ethnographically authentic environment that can serve as a “time machine” and a venue for creative events and exhibitions. Various materials are used for weaving – natural resources, industrial products and packaging, recyclable materials.
When to book a tour in advance; When to book a master class in advance
Min. 2 days
Vilhelms Laganovskis from Baltinava, a master craftsman for wood, makes personalised wooden products using laser-cutting technique. The range includes souvenirs, boxes in various sizes and designs, baskets, ornaments, charms and more. The master craftsman has his own wooden souvenir workshop, where visitors are welcome to participate in the creation of wooden works, have their photo taken and create their own portrait on the wooden décor.
Types of crafts
Carpentry works, the making of wooden souvenirs, laser engraving, photographer services.
The distinctive in their field of activity
Individual orders – from earrings to vintage carriages. Portrait engraving on solid wood.
When to book a tour in advance; When to book a master class in advance
3 days
The craftspeople village of Briežuciems is a place where traditional crafts are cared for and honoured. Here they bake bread, brew beer, process leather, weave rag rugs, floor coverings, blankets and other items. The weavers have united in the Briežuciems handicraft workshop “Atspole”, where everyone can learn the basics of weaving colourful blankets and other types of handicrafts, as well as see and buy the works of the weavers and craftswomen of Briežuciems.
Types of crafts
Weaving, weaving of scarves, knitting and crocheting, candle making, cake baking, the bread bakery “Kronīši”, a leather brand, a workshop and an exhibition of old sewing machines at Leatherely.
The distinctive in their field of activity
Authentic old looms are used for weaving, and the brown-green colour tones of Northern Latgale. For leather design – specially designed prints and leather painting. Bread at “Kronīši” is baked on dried maple leaves according to an old recipe.
When to book a tour in advance; When to book a master class in advance
Min. 3 working days
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
„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
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.
