Transparent Tapestry in the Tradition of Frida Hansen
A Three-Day Workshop with Robbie LaFleur
Learn the wool open-warp tapestry technique developed by Norwegian Art Nouveau artist Frida Hansen in a three-day workshop in Sweden, October 16-18, 2026
Frida Hansen (1855-1931) was an internationally famous Norwegian artist. She began her career as a tapestry weaver during the National Romantic era, working to revive traditional weaving techniques and using historical motifs and symbols. Her personal style evolved with international Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, and Japanese influences. Alongside her monumental art tapestries, she developed a technique of open-warp wool transparencies, used primarily for portieres. These textiles combined open warp with meticulously woven areas to create tapestries with fluid drape and dramatic interplay between color and light.
In this workshop you will study Hansen’s wool open-warp tapestry technique with artist and teacher Robbie LaFleur, who has spent years researching the work of Frida Hansen. The class will be held in the inspiring studio of textile artist Kirsi Manni in lake district of Dalarna.
Why Study with Robbie?
Robbie LaFleur was an American Scandinavian Foundation Fellow in 2019, when she studied Frida Hansen’s transparent tapestry technique in Stavanger, Norway. Since then she has taught thirteen workshops on the technique, in ten U.S. states and in Oslo, Norway.
LaFleur has been following a thread of Scandinavian textiles since she studied weaving at Valdres Husflidsskole in Fagernes, Norway, in 1977. She continued her study with Scandinavian instructors at workshops in Norway and the U.S. She is a Gold Medalist in Weaving from the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, coordinates the Weavers Guild of Minnesota Scandinavian Weavers Study Group, and publishes the digital Norwegian Textile Letter (norwegiantextileletter.com).
Website: robbielafleur.com. Instagram: robbie_lafleur
What You’ll Learn
- Structure of Frida Hansen’s open-warp technique
- Design principles for transparent tapestry
- Materials and yarn selection
- Borders and finishing methods
- Cartoon development
Each student will complete a sample or small tapestry approximately 23–30 cm (9–12 inches) wide. Students may choose from instructor-supplied cartoons inspired by Frida Hansen’s work or develop an original design.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is intended for weavers with previous tapestry experience. Because instruction is individualized, enrollment is limited to ten students.
Dates/Location/Fee
October 16-18, 2026 (3 days)
Class times: 9 am – 5 pm each day (lunch 12-1)
The workshop will be held in the studio of Kirsi Manni, Art&Craft Sweden, in the former Parish Assembly Hall in Siljansnäs, Dalarna, Sweden.
Prästbacken 3, 793 60 Siljansnäs, Sweden
Instruction: 4,900 Swedish kronor
Additional fee for fika and lunch (to be determined), payable to Kirsi Manni
Lodging and Travel
Students need to book travel and accommodation independently.
Recommended:
- Siljansnäs Hotel https://siljansnashotell.se/en/
- Siljansnäs stugby (self-catering cottages) https://www.siljansnasstugby.com
Trains are available from Arlanda Airport and from Stockholm to Leksand. Our host, Kirsi Manni, can arrange pick up from Leksand.
Supply List
Detailed supply information will be sent well in advance of the workshop. Students should expect to bring a suitable tapestry loom with a tensioning device and basic tapestry tools. Robbie will advise each participant on appropriate equipment and materials.
Reserve your place here (coming soon).
Registration is limited to ten participants. A deposit of 1,000 SEK is required to reserve your place. The balance is due approximately six weeks before the workshop. Full payment details and cancellation policies are provided on the registration form.