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The immensely successful and lauded rug craft and design exploration intensive – Open Studio – is back for a second time this Spring 2024. Register through this link.

‘Open Studio’ is a unique and immersive two week learning intensive created for those who desire a more elevated and comprehensive understanding of Nepali-Tibetan carpet crafting and design.

Ideated by Urgyen Wangchuk of Zekö Designs, Tenzin Norbu of Karnor Carpet Manufacturers, and Michael Christie, The Ruggist, the ‘Open Studio’ concept introduces participants to the realities of carpet making in order to provide genuine authenticity in salesmanship, service, and design.

The entire creative and production team of Karnor and Zekö will be at your disposal to not only ensure your initial designs are expertly transformed into maquettes, but also to assist creatively as you work alongside other creatives, and indeed the weavers themselves, to distill the incomparable beauty and culture of Kathmandu into your future creative work.

Moreover, Michael Christie, The Ruggist, will be your personal liaison, there to assist as needed, working in the studio with you to facilitate a better understanding of the nature of Nepali-Tibetan carpet making. Michael will also serve as guide and primary discussion leader throughout the Open Studio.

It is this concentration of expert savoir-faire which Karnor and Zekö are offering to you as a participant of ‘Open Studio.’

The Spring 2024 session of ‘Open Studio’ takes place April 14 to 26, 2024 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Physical constraints limit the number of participants. In the event interest exceeds capacity, spaces will be filled via a portfolio assessment and lottery to ensure a dynamic and engaging session. Deadline for expression of interest is Friday, February 2, 2024.

Please register your expression of interest in attending by completing this form.

Is ‘Open Studio’ for me?

If you share a passion for handknotted rugs and carpets and are in some way working in the trade of carpets, either as designer, retailer, cleaner or the like, then ‘Open Studio’ is an ideal program to refine your knowledge Nepali-Tibetan carpet making in Kathmandu, Nepal. While ‘Open Studio’ is not open to the general public, it is an inclusive environment for those seeking to expand their business opportunities and knowledge.

What can I expect during ‘Open Studio’?

The casual, yet structured curriculum provides participants of ‘Open Studio’ extensive hands-on studio activities, engaging lectures, and enriching field trips in addition to nearly unfettered access to facilities and information in order to foster a new paradigm for carpetry in Kathmandu, Nepal. Participants will actively engage with all steps of the making process as their own designs are transformed from drawings into 45cm x45cm maquettes, samples if you will, all while production and industry experts contextualize the process.

By working closely and intently with skilled craftspeople, industry experts, and production management participants gain an in depth understanding of the nature of carpeting making in the early 21st century.

Where is ‘Open Studio’ located?

‘Open Studio’ sessions take place in Kathmandu, Nepal primarily on the campus of the Karnor Carpet Manufactory in the borough of Jorpati. Field trips, cultural tours, as well as shopping and dining experiences take place throughout the entire Kathmandu Valley.

What are the dates of ‘Open Studio?’

The Spring 2024 session of ‘Open Studio’ takes place April 14 to 26, 2024 in Kathmandu, Nepal.

What is the purpose of ‘Open Studio?’

‘Open Studio’ is intended to foster and reinvigorate interest in the storied and time honoured craft of Tibetan carpet making. Since the modern carpet revolution began in the late 1980s, accelerating through the 2000s, Tibetan carpet making has continually evolved to suit the needs of the time. ‘Open Studio’ is part of our approach to the next era of carpet making in which we envision a renewed emphasis on quality, craftsmanship, and educated consumers.

After all, how best to design and/or sell something than by understanding how it is made?

Overview of Curriculum

Handknotted carpet making, like most forms of manual weaving, is a process best described in modern vernacular as slowmaking. Time, measured by each and every single knot tied in a carpet, is required to create even small samples – maquettes – of much larger finished works.

As such, each participant shall complete the artwork for two rug designs prior to traveling to Kathmandu. During ‘Open Studio’ participants will be intimately involved in the weaving and finishing processes as both samples are woven. Finished samples will be shipped to the participants after the event.

Pre-Arrival Timeline

Day	Theme	Details
Sunday, April 14	Arrival	Recovery day and Welcome Dinner
Monday, April 15	Introduction	First look at Maquettes, Factory Tour, Seminar: Introduction to Carpet Making Presentation: Working with a Manufacturing Partner
Tuesday, April 16	Structures	Cut Maquettes from Loom. Re-warping of Loom. Seminar: Density, Structure, and Design – Carpets as sculpture not drawing
Wednesday, April 17	Finishing	Observe and participate in Initial Stages of Finishing. Pick your own colour for dyeing.
Thursday, April 18	Colour and Dyeing	Offsite Interactive Tour of Dye Facility
Friday, April 19	Materials Matter	Continue Observation of and Participation in Finishing Seminar: Materials matter: Wool, Silk and more.
Saturday, April 20	Cultural Tour 1	‘Best of Kathmandu’ Cultural Tour by Responsible Treks Guided Tour of the Kathmandu Valley’s Signature Sites
Sunday, April 21	Cultural Tour 2	‘Best of Kathmandu’ Cultural Tour by Responsible Treks Guided Tour of the Kathmandu Valley’s Signature Sites
Monday, April 22	Digital Technology	Finishing Continues. Observe and Interact with Weaving Seminar: Discussion of Digital Technology in Carpetry
Tuesday, April 23	Sustainability & Free Time	Finishing Continues. Observe and Interact with Weaving Seminar: Sustainability, FREE TIME (AFTERNOON)
Wednesday, April 24	Accessibility & Free Time	Offsite Tour of Universally Accessible Weaving Facility FREE TIME (AFTERNOON)
Thursday, April 25	Ethics & Free Time	Seminar: The Ethics of Contemporary Rug Making LabelSTEP Presentation, FREE TIME (AFTERNOON)
Friday, April 26	The Future of Weaving	Seminar: The Future of Weaving Closing Dinner and Party
Saturday, April 27	Departure	Thank you for Coming to ‘Open Studio’

Logistical and Accommodation considerations

The Fee for ‘Open Studio’

With full access to Karnor’s main 10,000sqft facility including weaving, washing, and finishing in addition to the offsite dye shop, this uncommon deep-dive into handknotted Tibetan carpet making offers unprecedented access and insight which only a manufacturer as adept and progressive as Karnor can provide. ‘Open Studio’ is a distinctive opportunity to further your understanding of the vibrant nature of handknotted Nepali-Tibetan carpet making while working in situ with the experts at Karnor who have been crafting rugs and carpets for generations.

The $2,500 (USD) participation fee covers studio space and facilities access, all training sessions and instructors’ fees, materials for two sample maquettes, weaver and supporting staff fees, daily lunch and refreshments during studio (M-F), as well as opening and closing group dinners and the weekend cultural tour. Airfare, accommodations (see below), visa fees, and all other meals and expenses are the responsibility of the participant.

Accommodations

Karnor Carpet Manufactory is located in Jorpati, Kathmandu, Nepal a short drive from the iconic Bouddha Stupa. Karnor and its North American logistics partner Zekö Designs have selected two hotels in Bouddha as the official accommodations providers of ‘Open Studio.’

The Pema Boutique Hotel and its sister property Atisha offer an inclusive Bed and Breakfast Package at a special rate for participants of ‘Open Studio.’ While participants are of course free to make their own arrangements for accommodations, the daily shuttle to and from Bouddha and the Karnor Manufactory departs from Pema Boutique. If you wish to take advantage of the package, please add the ‘Accommodations Package’ when paying the fee for ‘Open Studio.’

For more information about the Pema Boutique and Atisha Hotel, please visit: https://www.pemaboutiquehotel.com/

The package rate includes arrival on Saturday, April 13, 2024 through departure on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Additional nights (if required) can be arranged. The ‘Accommodations Package’ costs an additional $480 (USD)

Free Time

We understand that traveling to Kathmandu opens up myriad possibilities for exploration and networking, especially for those already working in the trade of handknotted rugs and carpets. Likewise, we know that everyone has different areas of interest and specialties. As such, during week two of ‘Open Studio’ the schedule includes three afternoons of unstructured ‘Free Time’ to be used as participants see necessary. Perhaps a more personal exploration of one element of rug making (which we will arrange), an afternoon shopping adventure, yoga, sightseeing, or – because we are realistic people – even a visit to another maker (which you arrange on your own). We only ask you to be respectful of everyone’s time and commitment to making ‘Open Studio’ a worthwhile experience for all participants.

Important Points to Note

Potential participants are reminded of personal responsibility and are strongly encouraged to research and understand the travel requirements of Kathmandu and Nepal. A tourist visa is required and available at the airport upon arrival; a fee is charged. ‘Open Studio’ has been created with the 15 day tourist visa in mind. Most mobile providers offer international roaming service in Nepal, contact your provider for more information; domestic (Nepal) sim cards are available to tourists for a fee.

Further Information

For general inquiries, logistical assistance, and recommendations, please contact either Mr. Urgyen Wangchuk of Zëko Design at urgyen@zekodesigns.com or Mr. Michael Christie, The Ruggist, at openstudio@theruggist.com

We are excited to present Karnor’s very first sample set: Texture Perfect. Our first texture set is now available online for immediate order. The new texture collection contains a selection of samples specifically crafted to vividly express the relationship between design and structure so as to better inform the creation of the next generation of captivating Tibetan carpets made in Nepal.

Four 30cm x 32cm samples recreate the three jewel insignia of Karnor to illustrate how the physicality of the rug impacts the rendering of design itself. Accentuating these main selections is a collection of 16cm x 14cm samples which further illustrate technique, materials, and indeed the savoir faire of Karnor.

As you browse the enclosed selection, imagine not just your design skillfully woven into each texture, rather envision each element as a component that can be recombined and reconfigured to your specifications thus allowing your vision to become reality through the expertise of Karnor.

Coming Soon: Karnor’s first sample collection showcasing the versatility of Tibetan rugs from Nepal. #Handmade #Carpets #Nepal

To all the applicants for Open Studio, we thank you for your registration! The registration is now closed, and we are in the process of selection and notification of applicants. With an amazing slew of craftspeople and artists who have applied, we are more than excited for the coming months to see the full potential of this initiative as it comes to fruition. Tashi Delek and Namaste!

Dear friends,

The year 2023 has a lot going on at Karnor, and we are more than elated to share the developments in this new phase. What does this new phase entail?

The new phase at Karnor entails a deeper exploration into possibilities in texture and qualities in Tibetan rugs, getting our wonderful clients more intimately involved in the rug process through the Open Studio, and opening Karnor’s brand new wheelchair accessible facility to be more accessible and inclusive than ever.

With all these new developments, we also realize that a dedicated mailing list will be greatly beneficial to everyone. Hence, we are opening up a mailing list so that everyone can see our exciting updates as they take place this year and beyond. So sign up, and stay tuned!

Yours sincerely,

the Karnor team

 

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[UPDATE: Registration Closed]

For those who wish a more comprehensive understanding of the carpet design and crafting process, a unique, first of its kind design event launches this October in Kathmandu, Nepal….

Who

Perhaps you are a designer, artist, or creative already working in textiles and rugs or perhaps you share a passion for handwork craft and artistry; maybe you are a retail or trade-only rug showroom considering working directly with makers in Kathmandu but don’t know where to begin, or if it is right for you; you might be a seasoned industry veteran or even a new graduate looking to establish a repertoire of skills unique to carpet making. If this is you then consider participating in Open Studio.

What

Open Studio is the first of its kind design event in which participants will spend two weeks working closely and intently with skilled craftspeople, industry experts, and production management to gain in depth understanding of the nature of carpeting making in the early 21st century.

Where

Open Studio will take place in Kathmandu, Nepal on the campus of the Karnor Carpet Manufactory.

When

October 29 to November 10, 2023.

Why

Open Studio is intended to foster and reinvigorate interest in the storied and time honoured craft of Tibetan carpet making. Since the modern carpet revolution began in the late 1980s, accelerating through the 2000s, Tibetan carpet making has continually evolved to suit the needs of the time. This open studio is part of our approach to the next era of carpet making.

If your interest is piqued, keep reading for more details and then submit your expression of interest, via this Google form. [Registration closed as of August 19 2023]

 

An overview of Open Studio

The firms of Karnor Carpet Manufactory and Zëko Design proudly announce a novel and unique design event which celebrates the longstanding traditions of craft, creativity, and collaboration within the handknotted rug and carpet trade. For a two weeks this autumn, the firms will co-host a group of forward thinking design professionals who aspire to a more elevated understanding of Tibetan carpet making. Through daily seminars, hands-on instruction, and an immersion into the orchestration of carpet making itself, participants will gain unprecedented access to information to better inform their creative work both during the studio and beyond.

The inaugural Open Studio will occur at the Karnor Carpets Manufactory in the cosmopolitan metropolis of Kathmandu, Nepal from October 29 to November 10, 2023.

Zëko – Tibetan for ‘beauty crafted’ – will curate a shared studio space in which creatives will have the opportunity to engage directly – in real time – with weavers as they craft the very work of those designers. This distinctive opportunity to further understand the vibrant nature of Tibetan carpet making while working in situ with Karnor’s expert technicians and craftspeople, presents novice and seasoned designers alike a rare look into the so-called mystique of handknotted carpet making.

In addition to two weeks of studio work, participants will be able to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of Kathmandu, Nepal. Located at the crossroads of historic trading routes, the dynamic multi-cultural city is home to countless temples, flavourful cuisine, seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a plethora of long fabled adventures waiting to be experienced. For those who seek new perspectives and inspiration, Kathmandu is home to countless opportunities.

Would be participants in Open Studio are individuals with a keen interest in designer textiles, specifically handknotted rugs and carpets, who likewise possess a desire to better understand the nature of their crafting, if not also a desire to design their own rugs and carpets. Participants will be able to submit up to three designs which will be woven into sample maquettes during the open studio with participants interacting directly with the weaving and finishing processes. 

Zëko Designs and Karnor Carpets present Open Studio: An exploration of craft for rug and carpet designers.

Ideal for those already working in the rug and carpet trade who wish to elevate their understanding or for those with a nascent desire to learn more about the craft of carpet making and design, Open Studio is an intensive introduction to the intricacies of high-caliber couture carpet making. For two weeks this fall, October 29 – November 10, 2023 participants will enjoy a dedicated personal workspace within the larger collaborative open studio from which they will create and refine artwork concepts to be made into individual rugs and carpets as well collections. Each creative will enjoy daily seminars on materials, construction, and finishing; access to expert tutoring, advice and counselling; and have at the ready, weavers capable of translating their designs into woven maquettes.

In addition, participants will also tour significant cultural and architectural sites, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites; have the opportunity to enjoy ethnically diverse local cuisine; and experience an inspirational and storied city as it blossoms from provincial to cosmopolitan.

With full access to Karnor’s main 10,000sqft facility including weaving, washing, and finishing in addition to the offsite dye shop, this uncommon deep-dive into handknotted Tibetan carpet making offers unprecedented access and insight which only a manufacturer as adept and progressive as Karnor can provide. Open Studio is a distinctive opportunity to further your understanding of the vibrant nature of handknotted Tibetan carpet making while working in situ with the experts at Karnor who have been crafting rugs and carpets for generations.

The $1,500 (USD) participation fee covers studio space and facilities access, all training sessions and instructors’ fees, materials for up to three sample maquettes, weaver and supporting staff fees, daily lunch and refreshments during studio (M-F), as well as opening and closing group dinners and the weekend sightseeing tour. Airfare, accommodations, visa fees, and all other meals and expenses are the responsibility of the participant.

Open Studio is open to anyone, but physical constraints limit the number of participants. Deadline for expression of interest is August 18, 2023. In the event interest exceeds capacity, spaces will be filled via a portfolio assessment and lottery.

To submit your expression of interest, please complete this Google form.

Savoir-faire at your Disposal

Modern carpet manufacturing in Kathmandu, Nepal is a complex industry with many manufacturers, exporters, and subcontractors all working to satisfy market demands for customized handknotted rugs and carpets for upmarket clientele the world over. For this reason, Zëko Design has partnered with its sister firm Karnor Carpets to present this first of its kind event.

Karnor Carpets elevates themselves above other carpet exporters by also being the manufacturer with the majority of all rugs being woven at the firm’s 10,000SFT dedicated onsite weaving facility; likewise, all finishing is done onsite at the Karnor Carpet compound. Only dyeing is contracted out to an expert dyemaster, as without exceptional colour rendering a carpet can be lifeless. Moreover, all of this is overseen and managed by the second-generation owners of the firm as well as a dedicated staff, some of whom have been with the firm for decades.

It is this concentration of expert savoir-faire which Karnor Carpets is offering to you as a prospective carpet designer during Open Studio. The entire creative and production team will be at your disposal to both ensure your initial collection is sampled and ready for presentation at the end of your Open Studio experience, but also to assist creatively as you work alongside other creatives, and indeed the weavers themselves, to distill the incomparable beauty and culture of Kathmandu into your future work.

Moreover, Karnor Carpets has enlisted the assistance of Michael Christie, The Ruggist, to be your personal liaison there to assist as needed. With over twenty-five years experience working in every aspect of the handknotted rug and carpet trade, a passionate love of Nepali-Tibetan carpet weaving, and in recent years a deep-dive into manufacturing in Kathmandu, his expertise is widely known and respected. Not only that, but as a weaver himself, he will be working in the studio with you to facilitate a better understanding of the nature of Nepali-Tibetan carpet making. Michael will also serve as the emcee and discussion leader throughout the Open Studio.

Timeline and Studio Schedule – Subject to Revision

Handknotted carpet making, like most forms of manual weaving, is a process best described in modern vernacular as slowmaking. Time, measured by each and every single knot tied in a carpet, is required to create even small samples – maquettes – of much larger finished works. As such, each participant should have complete (or nearly complete) the artwork for a small three design rug collection prior to traveling to Kathmandu, Nepal for the Open Studio in October. During the Open Studio participants will be intimately involved in the weaving process as all three samples from the collection are woven. Finished samples will be shipped to the participants after the event.

Friday, August 18, 2023 – Expression of Interest Deadline

Friday, September 1, 2023 – Confirmation of Participants

Friday, September 15, 2023 – Payment of participation fee due.

Friday, September 29, 2023 – Artwork due for at least two of three designs.

End of October – Travel to Kathmandu

Open Studio Schedule

Day	Theme	Details
1	Arrival	Welcome Dinner
2	Intro	First look at participants’ samples woven.An introduction to carpet making.
3	Structures	Cut maquette from loom. Re-warping of loom. Seminar: Density, Structure, and Design – Carpets as sculpture not drawing.
4	Colours and Dyeing	Observe and interact with weaving of second maquette. Offsite tour of Dye Facility.
5	Finishing and Design	Observe and interact with finishing. Seminar: Materials matter: Wool, Silk and more!
6	Kathmandu Cultural Tour	Bespoke ‘Best of Kathmandu’ Cultural tour by Responsible Treks: Patan Durbar Square, Swayambunath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.
7	Kathmandu Cultural Tour II	Bespoke ‘Best of Kathmandu’ Cultural tour by Responsible Treks: Patan Durbar Square, Swayambunath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.
8	Finishing and Design II	Observe and interact with finishing. Prepare final design for weaving. Seminar: Introduction to Galaincha Carpet Design Software
9	Responsible making	(Re)colour final design for weaving. Group Interaction. Flex time. Seminar: Sustainability: More than just the Environment.
10	Finishing and Design III	Freeform interaciton with production. Seminar: The Importance of Finishing
11	Final touches	Observe and interact with weaving of final maquette. Seminar: Fair Trade, LabelSTEP and the Ethics of Carpetry
12	Discussion	Group discussion and review of collections. Seminar: The Future of Weaving. Closing Dinner.

Logistical Considerations

Karnor Carpet Manufactory is located in Jorpati, Kathmandu, Nepal a short drive from the iconic Bouddha Stupa. Participants are encouraged to book accommodations in the Bouddha area for maximum ease and convenience. Most reputable hotels offer airport transfer.

Potential participants are reminded of personal responsibility and are strongly encouraged to research and understand the travel requirements of Kathmandu and Nepal. A tourist visa is required and available at the airport upon arrival; a fee is charged. Open Studio has been created with the 15 day tourist visa in mind.  Most mobile providers offer international roaming service in Nepal, contact your provider for more information; domestic (Nepal) sim cards are available to tourists for a fee.

Open Studio concludes just prior to the start of the signifiant holiday Diwali. Also known as the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual ‘victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.’ For those seeking an experience beyond the usual ‘tourist’ fair, Diwali offers a different perspective on Kathmandu.

Further Information

For general inquiries, logistical assistance, and recommendations for accommodations, please contact either Mr. Urgyen Wangchuk of Zëko Design at urgyen@zekodesigns.com, Tsering Neckyab of Karnor at info@karnorr.com, or Mr. Michael Christie, The Ruggist, at openstudio@theruggist.com

Coming Soon: A detailed look at the people and the process behind custom handknotted Tibetan rugs from Nepal.

Last week, the photo shoot for Karnor’s ad placement for the 2022 issue of the Nepal Carpet magazine took place at the beautiful hills of Kakani, just north of Kathmandu. Here are some delightful short clips of the photo shoot by the team at Nepal HipHop Foundation NHFNepal, who made our ad vision a reality. #Rugs #Nepal #Tibetan #Carpets #Textile #Culture

As we bring an end to 2021, and look forward to a more joyous, and safer 2022, we would like to wish all of you a very happy holidays, and hope to see you with renewed spirit and resolve this coming year 2022. We also made a short video on our 30th year, and would like to thank everyone who has been a part of this community.

Last week, on December 3, we at Karnor celebrated 30 years since our founding in 1991 by Tashi and Sangpo. After three decades, we are thankful to all that have made our work possible, and the community we have built around our company. It is not a small endeavour to go through so many major catastrophes and push forward. Nepal is a beautiful land with the most amazing people and cultures, and the resilience of our company can be attributed directly to the people who make our work possible. We hope you enjoy our video and photos, and thank you for being a part of this resilient community. And if you haven’t joined us yet, we invite you on our journey to strive and move forward in this wonderful industry of Tibetan handknotted rugs in Nepal.