Heritage station
Siriani OÜ Ruhnu bridesmaid wreath workshop
Thu 23.07 – Sun 26.07The Ruhnu bridesmaid wreath workshop introduces the unique wedding traditions of Ruhnu Island and its Coastal Swedish heritage. Ruhnu’s culture has developed over centuries in an isolated island community and clothing and adornments have always played an important role during festive occasions, especially weddings. Under the guidance of an instructor, participants will make a tradition-inspired bridesmaid wreath, using ribbons, artificial or dried flowers, beads, and other decorations. The finished headpiece, inspired by Ruhnu’s folk culture, can be worn right away at the festival.
The workshop is suitable for all ages. No previous crafting experience required.
Duration: approximately 1 hour.
Price: €15–20 per participant. (Price includes all the materials and instructions.)
Bead necklace workshop
Thu 23.07 – Sun 26.07Since ancient times, women have worn bead necklaces as protective talismans. In the 18th and 19th centuries, they were mainly made, using colourful glass beads of various shapes. Some were made from matching beads, while others combined different forms, colours, and even materials. Folk tradition says that wearing beads protected against evil. In this workshop, participants will create tradition-inspired bead necklaces under the guidance of an instructor, using glass and other beads. It is also possible to make bracelets and earrings.
The workshop is suitable for ages 10+ (younger children with a parent). No previous crafting experience required.
Duration: approximately 0,5–1 hour.
Price: €5–15 per participant. (Price includes all the materials and instructions.)
TikiMari Käsitöökool OÜ
Thu 23.07 – Sun 26.07TikiMari brings ancestral patterns back to everyday clothes. With 17 years of garment design experience, we know embroidery doesn’t have to be just a wall picture or cushion – it should stand up to life and the washing machine!
We’re breaking the myth that embroidery is difficult and help you get past the fear of starting. At TikiMari there are no test pieces – just bring an old sweatshirt or fabric bag from home and, with encouraging guidance from our skilled instructors, transform it into your own long-lasting embroidered piece.
Workshops for the whole family:
- Preschoolers – button and bead play in an embroidery hoop (a playful first encounter with stitches). The price includes the hoop and materials to take home so the play can continue! – €15
- School-age children – felt “squishy” creature (learn embroidery while making a soft toy). – €20
- Teens and adults – archaic, Muhu, or botanical embroidery workshop. The price includes a starter kit, a video guide for independent practice, and personal one-on-one help to get you started. – €25
- Family package – mum or grandma embroiders, child creates! A joint workshop for one adult and one child. – €35
MTÜ Edev Eremiit
Thu 23.07 – Sun 26.07Meelis is on of the best-known keepers of traditional wooden craft heritage in Estonia. For the last 15 years, he has been exploring and reviving Estonian folk working methods, using heritage tools and local materials to research and recreate everyday objects from the past. It’s Meelis’s mission to keep Estonian woodcraft traditions and skills alive.
In the workshop, you can make various wooden items – from toys to instruments.Cricket instrument / cat satchel / seagull’s cry / small buzzing toy – €5, Farm children’s toy animals – €5–10, Whistle – €10, Hair-needle – €15, Wind whirligig – €15, Tower of Hanoi – €20, A wooden container with a lid – €25, Spoon – €20–30
Tastes of Old Võromaa (UMA MEKK)
Thu 23.07 – Fri 24.07On Thursday and Friday, the Heritage Town Viljandi tent welcomes visitors to UMA MEKK – the Old Võromaa local food and drink network, presenting the region’s rich food heritage and the work of small producers.
Throughout the day, you can taste products of Old Võromaa, try making butter from fresh cream yourself, and learn how to grind traditional kama. In addition, you can test your skills at a Võro language guessing game, and buy local goods.
Come and discover the tastes of Old Võromaa!
Alo-Allar Altmets
Thu 23.07 – Sun 26.07Altmets Art is offering two workshops at Viljandi Folk this year: one for rings and one for bracelets. Participants create their own jewellery, adding a custom pattern to either a ring or a bracelet. Materials can be chosen according to preference, which also determines the final price.
- Making a brass ring costs €10 and takes 15–25 minutes.
- A brass bracelet costs €20 and takes 25–45 minutes.
- Rings can also be made of silver, with an additional €15 material fee.
Wreaths by Marju Kivi
Thu 23.07 – Sun 26.07My name is Marju Kivi and I’m a trained florist. In my work and bouquets, I primarily use flowers gathered from the forest, fields and garden. I love to reuse natural materials.
It’s my second year at the Viljandi Folk Music Festival and I decorate the food areas with beautiful natural flower arrangements.
This year, I’m offering a fresh-flower wreath-making workshop. I will introduce the history and meaning of wreaths, show wreath-making techniques, suitable materials and plants, and guide you in making your own wreath.
Price: €7 (materials included).
Blacksmiths
Thu 23.07 – Sun 26.07During the festival, blacksmiths from RaKo Vana-Vigala Forge (part of Rapla County Vocational College) will open a live forging workshop. You can chat with the blacksmiths, buy forged items, and see how glowing hot iron is shaped into finished products.
You can also try your hand at striking your own lucky coin or nail, and join a guided workshop.
- Lucky coin / nail – €5
- Forge a nail – €20
- Forge a leaf-shaped pendant or keychain – €30
- Forge a heart (for couples) – €40
Workshop: “The Graphic Art of the Mulgi Coat”
Sat 25.07 – Sun 26.07
The workshop concept and title originate from textile artist Anu Raud. During the workshop, participants will explore the history of the traditional Mulgi coat, as well as the techniques used in its making and decoration.
You will learn how to make decorative cord, and, inspired by historic Mulgi coats and Anu Raud’s cord-woven rugs, create a small textile artwork on a piece of fabric.
If possible, please bring some wool yarn and a small piece of woollen fabric on which to create your design.