Marilyn Romatka

The Handicrafts of Gujarat
Documentary / Travelogue

India. The word alone conjures up images of vivid color and pungent spice. The handicrafts one finds there are stunning. Here is your chance to explore many of the skilled craftspersons that make up this national legacy. Follow along with the weaver and the photographer, as they probe the variety of hand-skills in of one of the most artistic states in India: Gujarat.

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Uzbek Ikat: The Personal Saga of an Exceptional Cloth
Documentary / Travelogue

Experience the exotic in your own home; travel to Central Asia in this multi-media presentation. Uzbekistan isn't just blue-tiled monuments. We have been enchanted by Uzbek Ikat in museums and on the runway in New York and London. Go to the source with Marilyn Romatka. Accompany her through Uzbekistan and see how the Uzbek artisans weave the bold patterns into this fabric; each thread manipulated, dyed, and woven into exquisite cloth – truly hand-crafted.

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Creative Crafts of the World
15 Lesson Plans for Teaching Folk Art to Groups of Kids (Book / E-Book)

Creative Crafts of the World is a practical guide for teaching folk art to groups of children, young adults, adults, even yourself! From years of teaching real-life folk art classes, these lesson plans are tried-and-true. Perfect for all levels of skill. Just add students, mix, and create!

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Inkle Loom Weaving: An Introduction

Making cloth of you own – from the very start – is something that many people are curious about… but some folks are intimidated by a 48" wide warp, and very few of them have space in their home for a floor loom! Here is the perfect way to ‘dip your toe in’ to weaving! All parts of the weaving process are covered, from start to finish (over 2 hours of instruction). Bands that are woven on the inkle loom are narrow weaves used for shoelaces, one-of-a-kind dog leashes, clothing trim, backpack straps, lanyards, camera straps, belts, hatbands… bands have 1001 uses!

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Baumschmuck: ‘Tree Jewelry’ from Bavaria

In picturesque Bavaria, Advent season has a heart-warming, hand-made feel. During this time, the 4 weeks before Christmas, everyone has decorations hanging about that were made years ago by the family’s young ones. Start that tradition in your own home with this free mini-lesson in how to make the spice-and-seeds mosaic ornaments called Baumschmuck!

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Braiding with Backbone

This technique is a relatively new invention, that melds ideas from time-honored and proven traditions: the Japanese art of Kumihimo braiding contributes the stand on which the braid is formed. However, the hollow braid that results resembles more closely the English tradition of straw plating. By using wire instead of fiber or straw, the result is a stunning 3D braid that can be used for a variety of jewlery, especially necklaces!

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Beginning Temari Balls

Temari balls are exquisitely wound and embroidered gems that are given in Japan as a very special gift to a loved one on an auspicious occasion. Easy to learn at a beginner’s level, the intrigued student can follow the craft up many layers of complexity, and never become bored with this technique. It has chieved the proud level of an art form.

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European Paper Stars (Papiersterne)

Delightfully easy to make, while looking deceptively complex, these stars are popular in Europe, especially at Christmas time. You will see them hanging in windows there, with light shining through them. The class is geared for adults, but the technique is easy enough for children. No experience needed to make beautiful stars – first time!

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Bow Loom Weaving

This delightful technique originates in SE Asia, and uses a simple loom construct; a piece of bamboo… or for non-tropical climes a dowel from the local hardware store. The woven band sports beaded selvages in the student’s favorite colors, and can be used for bracelets, hatbands, headbands, choker necklaces, cell phone case handles… the possibilities are endless!

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Finishing and Findings for Viking Knitting

This tutorial is offered free of charge, being a durable reference for Marilyn’s Viking Knitting students at conferences across the nation. View the multi-step process of attaching the findings to the pulled coil, from the seat with the best view in the house!

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Viking Knitting

What’s old is hot! This historical jewelry making technique is simple enough for youngsters, yet produces elegant necklaces, bracelets, or even earrings. The materials needed to make the coil can be found in your neighborhood hardware store, or the student can move on to sterling silver. Either way, the necklace comes out stunning!

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