Co-Creation
Co-creation Experience – Vitina Vinelli – Greece
“Such a fulfilling experience. It was so enriching both human-wise and at the professional level. I received a lot of affection, esteem and professional respect. This was an experience which revolutioned not only me but also the way I relate to the world!”
Introduction
I co-created both with my colleague Ivan Donev, by conceiving an interactive workshop for 26 participants. They chose the drawing, the colours, the tools and objects to decorate their tapestries. I led the process with Ivan and gave them advice. It was an enrichign experience as one of my passions is to transfer, share and co-create. Creative patchwork to showcase at a Craftwork4.0All exhibition in 2026.
Activities Undertaken
The first day was dedicated to decorate a 20x20 tapestry. Everyone could express their creativity inspiring themselves by symbols of the Greek culture, printed on paper or available as an object. They could copy such symbols on the tapestry and decorate it using materials available like threads, tulle, textiles, buttons, colours, strings, dried leaves and equipment such as sewing machines, made available by CUBE and Forme Handmade Goods. These tapestries were then assembled in a unique big tapestry taht will be exhibited. On the second day saw the group split into 2, one with me and the other one with Ivan Donev. With me, they created a table loom with upcycled cardboard. With Ivan, they did creative sewing. Then they switched after 1 hour. They could bring with them some of their creations and every participant was grateful and happy about the experience. I am also glad that through this workshop, attendees had the chance to deepen their knowledge on loom working.
Benefits Achieved
Since the very start, when Vivi (the social media manager) and Alexandra (project manager) from CUBE, as well as Anastasia and Magda from Forme Handmade Goods welcomed me at the location, I felt super at ease. I did not expect that my City and Region where so well-known by the attendees of the event. Having to introduce myself in English made me go back to the good old sensations of having to deal with the public, seeing their smiles and curiosity sparkling in their eyes. I also rediscovered my: - Team working skills, as I loved so much working with Ivan Donev, such a charismatic and talented professional. He is such a cultured yet humble person. He also has an incredibly engaging way of explaining his experience. Also, he trusted me even more than I trusted my self! Looking forward to meet him again and cooperate in the future. - Problem solving skills, as I unexpectedly had to fill in the second afternoon with an activity; therefore I went around the city to find looms or materials to create looms and magically found a woodworker who gave me as a gift some materials for free, so I was able to teach loom working in the afternoon, which was a huge satisfaction both for me and for participants.