my story so far…

Inspired by a 'slow' ethos that celebrates artisan skills and the local provenance of materials, I colour my world with natural dyes, using traditional skills to produce contemporary woven and stitched textiles.

With a background in fashion in South Africa, I rediscovered textiles after a 'eureka' moment on a roof terrace in Marrakech in 2007, when I decided to quit my boring corporate job in the UK, follow my heart and become a full time art student. As George Eliot allegedly said... "It's never too late to be who you might have been."

After graduating from Norwich University of the Arts with a BA (Hons) Textiles,
I have spent the last 14 years delivering workshops in weave and plant dyeing and creating textiles experiences in Norfolk and Morocco. More recently my work has centred around promoting local artisans and craftsmanship with various interior design projects, establishing The Holt Sunday Market and the unique concept store that is Make Holt.

Now I feel it is time to focus on my own creativity and embark on exciting new projects!

I am back in ‘my happy place’ and am thrilled to be able to invite you to join me on one of my ‘Colours of the Sun’ Textiles Experiences, starting in April 2025.

Based just outside Marrakech in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, I am currently collaborating with the amazingly talented weavers and dyers who produce hand made carpets for Atelier Talasin.

follow me on instagram @avivaleightextiles