Earlier this September, we came together for an incredible experience: A Hands-On Journey into Lithography, Lino Cut & Paper at the beautiful Helliden Folk Craft School in Sweden. From September 5th to 7th, we transformed the historic castle grounds and the old art Lithographic shop into a lively creative hub. In total, we were 28 participants in person, joined by an additional 30 crafters online for a companion course exploring Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, and Inclusivity.

More Than a Workshop: A Hub of Creativity We Built Together

Over the three days, our focus was to create a space where craft traditions could meet innovation and collaboration. We divided into three groups, each of us immersing ourselves in a discipline: lithography with JM Schmidt, lino cut with William Bill Haberman, and handmade papermaking with Heike Berl. Watching each other dive into techniques, experiment with materials, and share knowledge was inspiring for all of us.

Every morning began in the Castle restaurant, where coffee flowed and our conversations bubbled with excitement.

A Journey Through the Crafts We Explored

In the handmade paper group, we discovered how Heike Berl turned what we might have thought was a simple process into a rich, sensory experience. She showed us how to transform flax, cotton, and even old clothes into pulp. Each sheet we created was unique, textured, and full of character.

Meanwhile, our friends in the lithography group were busy sketching designs onto stones and creating their first prints at Vulcanön’s legendary workshop. Others among us, under the guidance of William Bill Haberman, learned to carve and print lino blocks, producing striking high-contrast images. The shared energy in our studios was palpable.

The Three-Day Unfolding

Day 1 was all about introductions, getting to know the tools and each other.

By Day 2, the rooms hummed with our collective focus—the sound of chisels against lino, brayers rolling ink, and our laughter spilling over coffee breaks.

Day 3 was a highlight for many of us. We polished our work and gathered for a final reflection session. Seeing all of our finished pieces felt like witnessing dozens of unique stories we had told through craft.

Connecting Worlds: Our Shared Virtual Experience

While we worked hard in the workshop, we were joined virtually by 30 fellow crafters from around the world. The online course featured three inspiring guests who shared their knowledge with our entire community: textile artist Jennie Dahlén, ceramist and entrepreneur Emma Morud, and silversmith Martia Jonols.

It was incredible to hear our collective insights during the group calls. Together, we discussed ways to build creative businesses, make art sustainable, and ensure crafts are accessible to all. The contributions from our online participants added depth and a global perspective to our shared experience.

In Our Own Words

Here are some words from our fellow participants that sum up the spirit we all created:

“I never thought old clothes could carry so much meaning until I pulped them into handmade paper.”

– Online participant from Portugal

“Carving my first lino block taught me patience, but printing the final image was pure joy.”

– In-person lino-cut participant from Italy

“I’ll never see lithography the same way again. It’s not just a craft, it’s a conversation between history and sustainability.”

– In-person lithography participant from Sweden

Lessons Beyond the Studio

This workshop was more than a class—it was a reminder for all of us that traditional crafts can live and thrive in our modern world. We weren’t just learning techniques; we were exploring ways to create sustainably, run creative businesses, and build inclusive communities.

As we packed up our handmade sheets of paper, still drying and textured with little flecks of flax, we all felt that the time had passed too quickly. Helliden’s castle-like setting, the dedication of our instructors, and the camaraderie we built together created a once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere.

This wasn’t just a workshop—it was a celebration of craft, a nod to sustainability, and a heartfelt reminder of the power of creativity to connect us across borders.

For all of us who love working with our hands, crave connection, and care about sustainability, let’s keep an eye on Craftwork4All’s Instagram for updates. This is a journey worth continuing, together.