Kakaw Designs
Kakaw Designs
5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
About
Backstrap weaving, traditional embroidery, pompom-making, and more in our beautiful central Antigua garden. We partner with master artists and artisans who are proud to share their traditions. Classes come with a snack, PDF guides with pre-recorded videos + access to free materials as well as for purchase.
Please reach out via WhatsApp or email to schedule your class or studio visit.
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- Lauren HChicago, Illinois2 contributionsNatural Dye Trip & Backstrap Weaving ClassesMari and team are great to work with! I went on the 9 day Natural Dye trip and it was incredible. Mari also helped coordinate a backstrap weaving class for me at the Kakaw studio in English before the trip really kicked off. Mari is doing some really cool work to support community artisans and helping bring resources to ensure their art and their knowledge can reach a wide audience. It was a great experience all around! The studio is gorgeous and I definitely recommend classes in their gardens. If you have the opportunity to take a longer trip with Kakaw it is absolutely an incredible experience where Kakaw takes care of all the logistics from arriving in Guatemala city to getting to Antigua and coordinating hotels and food at every stop along the way!Thank you for joining us on the natural dye adventure! It was a pleasure to host you, Lauren :) We hope you can return again soon, we'll be waiting for you! -MariWritten February 7, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Traveled soloWritten January 31, 2024
- Mariane L1 contributionAwesome experienceWe had a brilliant time learning to weave. The team was lovely and the location was a little heavenly garden covered by trees with a pretty fountain - we'd highly recommend making time for it when visiting Antigua! The host also provided delicious cocoa tea and banana bread during our break...we loved cocoa tea so much we took some back with us!Thank you for joining us! We're glad you enjoyed your class and the garden setting :) And we hope you're still enjoying the cacao husk tea at home. We love it, too!Written February 10, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2023Written February 8, 2024
- Sharon G20 contributionsUnique and authentic experience with wonderful teacher!What a wonderful experience! I took a personal class with Everilda to learn backweaving in their beautiful outdoor courtyard. Everilda was an amazing teacher! She was extremely kind and patient and made this process fun and educational all at once. I am so happy I decided to try this unique art and I am grateful for the time Everilda took to help me. I would highly recommend this unique and fun experience. I purchased a loom and look forward to finishing my piece at home.We're so glad that you enjoyed your class! :) Doña Everilda was really impressed with how quickly you learned plain weave, and I saw that you even went on to do some brocade figures! Big achievement! I hope you enjoy finishing up your loom at home. -MariWritten February 14, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten February 13, 2024
- Emily DLong Beach, California9 contributionsPeaceful and patient weavingAmazing class! The teacher is so patient even though I was slow at learning and did not prepare with the materials. They provide everything to learn how to backstrap weave. They have some water to drink. It’s held outdoors in the courtyard. It’s a physical activity though so come prepared to WEAVE! And have fun. Thank you for the fun time.Thank you for joining us in our garden! We hope you enjoy the rest of your trip in beautiful Guatemala. -MariWritten February 24, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten February 22, 2024
- MelKensington, Maryland13 contributionsGreat embroidery classI had a wonderful private embroidery lesson at Kakaw Designs. It included historical information as well as embroidery techniques. Everything was translated into English so I had no problem keeping up. I highly recommend taking a class with them (or just buying from their exquisite shop if you’re feeling lazy).We're so glad that you enjoyed your class with Claribel. She is not only a master embroideress but a truly delightful teacher, so passionate about sharing her traditional artform from Sumpango. We hope to see you again! :)Written June 2, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2024Traveled soloWritten June 1, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
17 reviews
Excellent
16
Very good
0
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Sharon G
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania20 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
What a wonderful experience! I took a personal class with Everilda to learn backweaving in their beautiful outdoor courtyard. Everilda was an amazing teacher! She was extremely kind and patient and made this process fun and educational all at once. I am so happy I decided to try this unique art and I am grateful for the time Everilda took to help me. I would highly recommend this unique and fun experience. I purchased a loom and look forward to finishing my piece at home.
Written February 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're so glad that you enjoyed your class! :) Doña Everilda was really impressed with how quickly you learned plain weave, and I saw that you even went on to do some brocade figures! Big achievement! I hope you enjoy finishing up your loom at home. -Mari
Written February 14, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emily D
Long Beach, CA9 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Amazing class! The teacher is so patient even though I was slow at learning and did not prepare with the materials. They provide everything to learn how to backstrap weave. They have some water to drink. It’s held outdoors in the courtyard. It’s a physical activity though so come prepared to WEAVE! And have fun. Thank you for the fun time.
Written February 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for joining us in our garden! We hope you enjoy the rest of your trip in beautiful Guatemala. -Mari
Written February 24, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sandy Pfaff
Dublin, Ireland6 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
I had such a great time learning to weave at Kakaw designs! I emailed them to ask about a little longer workshop than the ones they have listed on their website. It was no problem! They set up a 3 day course where I learned to set up the loom, learn the basic principle of weaving, and learn some brocade.
It was amazing, I learned so much! Eve is a great teacher, very kind, patient and an amazing craftswoman! She has eagle eyes and can spot a missed thread immediately!
At the end of the 3 days I got to take my loom with me!
It was amazing, I learned so much! Eve is a great teacher, very kind, patient and an amazing craftswoman! She has eagle eyes and can spot a missed thread immediately!
At the end of the 3 days I got to take my loom with me!
Written June 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank YOU for reaching out with your request. It is a pleasure to facilitate in-depth learning of textile traditions, especially backstrap weaving, because it is such a personal artform and practice. We're glad you enjoyed your classes with Doña Eve!
We hope you find a lovely spot to display your beautiful loom back home. Please let us know if we can help you with anything else!
Written June 12, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Naomi W
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Solo
Such a privilege to get a private backstrap weaving lesson with Eve as well as be helped by Evelyn and Mari. I plan to take another lesson at Kawkaw designs in Antigua when I return.
Written April 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for including us in your Antigua stay! It is a pleasure to host backstrap weaving classes, and I know Doña Everilda was really impressed with your progress during the class :) We hope you continue to enjoy your weaving journey.
-Mari
Written April 5, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anna Viola-Goodman
Sautee Nacoochee, GA13 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
I contacted Kakaw Designs to ask about a weaving class for my 7 year old son and I to take. They were very helpful and helped me set expectations. (I wasn't quite sure how my 7 year old could handle something so technical).
On the day of class, we arrived at a beautiful garden setting to meet with Doña Everilda, our teacher. She was wonderful and helped both me and my son learn the art of backstrap weaving. We were served snacks and water and the whole class was just so peaceful and wonderful.
I highly recommend taking this class. It makes you appreciate this wonderful ancient art so unique to Guatemala.
On the day of class, we arrived at a beautiful garden setting to meet with Doña Everilda, our teacher. She was wonderful and helped both me and my son learn the art of backstrap weaving. We were served snacks and water and the whole class was just so peaceful and wonderful.
I highly recommend taking this class. It makes you appreciate this wonderful ancient art so unique to Guatemala.
Written March 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit, Anna! Your son did great, we hope he enjoyed it :) It's lovely to see a young kid interested and motivated to weave.
Muchas gracias and hope to see you again soon.
-Mari
Written April 1, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KateCamp4bi
Bainbridge Island, WA46 contributions
I have a whole new appreciation for the beautiful textiles that you see all over Antigua after taking this class. It was easy to learn the basics but you quickly understand the hours and months of work that go into creating one piece. The two hour time flies by as you learn the parts of the loom and how you can make a simple woven piece and/or one the includes the embroidery. The location is lovely and the teacher was wonderful and patient. Will be back for more classes!
Written March 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're so glad you were able to join us, Kate! Your brocaded "mosquitos" look great :) We hope you enjoy your weaving journey, and we hope you'll come back for another workshop! I'm sure Doña Everilda will be happy to show you more brocade, too!
-Mari
Written March 19, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
World_Traveler97034
Lake Oswego, OR7 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
I was in Antigue for a week accompanying my husband on his medical mission trip. After searching for a class to learn a Guatemalan craft with a Guatemalan master I found Kakaw Designs. I signed up for three days of private lesson to try to learn backstop weaving techniques used by traditional weavers in Guatemala. With no prior experiences with weaving (of any kind) I was a bit worried. But Evelyn was the most patient teacher. She guided me and helped me every step of the way. I had so much fun and managed to weave a beautiful cloth!
I highly recommend taking this class if you have the time. To immerse yourself in the culture of the local artisans is definitely the highlight of the week I spent in Antigue.
I highly recommend taking this class if you have the time. To immerse yourself in the culture of the local artisans is definitely the highlight of the week I spent in Antigue.
Written October 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're so glad that our paths crossed, and that we could help facilitate a special experience for you. We love receiving requests for multi-day classes, it's special to help others really get into the details of backstrap weaving. Thank you for choosing us! We hope to see you again soon.
Written October 18, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ewparker
San Juan, Puerto Rico110 contributions
Sep 2024 • Solo
I so enjoyed this class. I had never woven anything before ( except pot holders as a little girl) and my teacher, Everilda, was patient and very clear with her instructions. We also could chat together as mothers and creatives, which was extra enriching. I gained a real appreciation for the work of the weavers, and the variety of weaving throughout Guatemala. Sucy was also very friendly and helpful guiding me through the store and talking to me about the different pieces for sale. I plan to do it again.
Written September 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We hope to see you back again! Thank you for joining us. Doña Everilda is such a wonderful teacher and person. Did she say that Sucy is her daughter? :) You can see where she got her textile love from.
Hasta la prĂłxima!
Written September 25, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lynn S
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
Wonderful workshop, knowledgeable, patient teachers. Looking forward to being in contact online, and hope to return next summer.
Written August 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're so glad that you enjoyed your class :) Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to seeing you again next year! You can come back for more weaving or a different activity, as you'd like. Muchas gracias!
Written August 8, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LillyR
Washago, Canada30 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
What an amazing experience! I enjoyed every moment of learning the techniques, significance/symbolism and generally chatting with Doña Eve. I knew from the class description that weaving was taught on class looms to practice techniques but fell in love with weaving so much that I purchased my own loom to work on and keep. I found the price to be quite reasonable for the loom and the classes were great value given the detailed instruction and guidance given. My Master Weaving instructor Doña Eve was patient and friendly. Her clear instructions were so helpful. She was very patient with my Spanish as well! Each class was complete with a lovely snack and tea served each class in a tranquil garden setting. Hope to return again soon! Montón de gracias!
Written June 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review! You sure learned and advanced a lot on your loom; your brocade figures are beautiful! We're glad you enjoyed your time with Doña Eve... she's a wonderful weaver and friend 💙
I'm also glad you opted to purchase your own loom so that you can take home your work. I hope it gets displayed in your home.
Written June 10, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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