Maker Adventures for Textile Lovers

Join us for 7–10 day immersive experiences that connect you with the rich textile traditions of Mexico. From silk dyeing in the Sierra Norte to backstrap weaving in Chiapas, each journey offers hands-on learning with master artisans and a deeper understanding of culture, craft, and connection.

Guided by experienced instructors and rooted in respect, these creative adventures invite you to slow down, make with intention, and return home inspired.

June 2025 & Feb 2026: Impressions of Oaxaca (Embroidery)

A 10-day guided artistic journey to explore Oaxaca’s diverse craft traditions, natural beauty, and rich culture. On this embroidery workshop experience, you will take a deep dive into Oaxacan embroidery by engaging in hands-on learning alongside traditional and contemporary artists. On this trip, you won’t be a spectator, but an active maker. Learn more.

Get $800 off our last few spots to join June's immersion. We will also offer this trip from February 5-15, 2026 (applications open now; space limited).

Learn more!

Aug 12-20, 2025: Forage & Dye the Wild Colors of the Sierra Norte

With Alissa Allen of Mycopigments, we are going deep into the mountains of Oaxaca to learn the art of foraging and dyeing with mushrooms and lichens. We'll travel to the Sierra Nortes, where we will explore the region for dye mushrooms with the San Pedro Cajonos community and dye with the silk-producing artisans there while staying in wood-fired adobe cabins and enjoying local, organic homemade meals by our mountain hosts.

Learn more!

August 6-14, 2025: Woven Lives: Following the Thread

An immersion in the culture and textile traditions of Oaxaca, and fascinating, 7-day journey where you will witness the art of weaving in Oaxaca and its transformation over the past fifteen years. We will visit artisans in their studios, study their work up close, and learn techniques in hands-on workshops. 

We will also offer this trip from January 21-29, 2026 (applications open now; space limited).

Learn more!

October 3-10, 2025: Resilient Threads: Chiapas

Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the Mayan Highlands on this unforgettable journey based in San Cristóbal de las Casas. Explore vibrant artisan villages, where master weavers and craftspeople bring ancient techniques to life.

Rooted in centuries of craft, resistance, and beauty, the Mayan Highlands showcase a living textile culture — woven, sewn, & shaped by hand.

Learn more!

November 9 – 17, 2025: Narrative Stitch: Personal Dialogues

Join us for a week-long immersive experience in the peaceful, creative environment of Oaxaca, Mexico. Under the guidance of guest artist Elena Martinez Bolio from Merida, Yucatan, we will use thread to explore our personal histories.

Focusing on themes of identity, individual and collective creation, we will work with techniques such as embroidery, applique, and stenciling on a simple garment that will serve as a second skin to hold and carry our memories.

Learn more!

Dance card full this year? Join us in 2026!

Can't make it this year? Sign up to be the first to know about upcoming maker experiences in 2025 focused on embroidery, weaving, natural dyeing, and the incredible artisan culture of Oaxaca.

Get on the List!
  • Carolyn Kallenborn, Artist & Tour/ Workshop Co-Leader

    Carolyn Kallenborn, Professor Emerita from the University of Wisconsin, is an internationally acclaimed artist working with textiles, film, installation, and community projects. She has 25 years of university teaching experience, leading students in collaboration and developing a personal creative practice.

  • Miriam Campos , Artist & Tour/ Workshop Co-Leader

    Miriam Campos is a 3rd generation embroidery artist from San Antonino Castil­lo Velasco in Oaxaca. She and her family are known for their signature designs and colorful floral embroidery. Miriam has exhibited in museums nationally and internationally including the Rufino Tamayo Museum in Oaxaca and Santa Fe International Folk Art Market.

  • Ana Paula Fuentes, Social Designer & Tour Co-Leader

    Ana Paula Fuentes is a photographer and social designer whose work centers on Mexican culture. Originally from Mexico City, Ana has lived in Oaxaca since 2005 and was the founding director of the Textile Museum of Oaxaca. A cultural guide in Mexico since 2013, she weaves connections between foreigners and locals, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and respect.

  • Elena Martínez Bolio, Guest Artist and Instructor

    Elena Martínez Bolio, a renowned Yucatecan artist with a national and international presence. Elena uses her art to challenge conventions, addressing social issues, particularly those related to women, inequality, and illness. Elena intricately weaves and unravels herself in each piece, channeling raw emotions through her threads.

  • Kim Hunter, Tour Co-Leader & Textile Lover

    Over several trips to Oaxaca, my husband and I have cultivated rich relationships with the land, people, culture, & cuisine of Oaxaca. Our passions have evolved into a business, Traveling Traders Bazaar, which offers hands-on, immersive tours into this fascinating region of the world. It's in this spirit that we share the Oaxaca that we know & love with you.

  • Alissa Allen, Mushroom Dye Master & Founder, Mycopigments

    Alissa is the founder of Mycopigments and instructor for our MyColores adventures. Sharing her passion for mushrooms for over 15 years with fiber artists and mushroom enthusiasts all over the world, Alissa uses brilliant colors found in fungal dyes to entice people to take a closer look at mushrooms and lichens and the role they play in our lives.

  • Celestino Mendez, Zapotec Nature Guide

    Celestino is a local Zapotec member of the Mancomunados of the Sierra Norte, farming and living in his native village of Latuvi. He is a nature guide, leads treks and brings experts to teach Mexican communities about eco-tourism and their natural resources. He is passionate about orchids, and has a deep knowledge of the forests & ecological diversity in the Sierra Norte.

  • Zachary Hunter, Chief Fungivore

    An accomplished forager and chef for 20 years, Zachary has been fascinated by nature since he was able to walk. His wife Kimberly and he live in Oaxaca, Mexico. Starting in 2019, they have been leading MycoAdventures into the mountains of Mexico, to explore the vast world of mushrooms for eating and dyeing while learning more about the ancient knowledge kept by the indigenous people of Southern Mexico.

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