Plaster Carving Workshop | Mariam Ashraf

Plaster Carving Workshop with Mariam Ashraf

Join us at London Craft Week for a hands-on plaster carving workshop exploring gypsum as a living craft shaped by architectural ornament, geometry, and surface design. Led by Mariam Ashraf, this 3-hour session at Yunus Emre Institute will introduce participants to the full process of creating a small carved gypsum piece, from casting the plaster base to transferring a design and beginning the carving process step by step.

Inspired by Turkish architecture, and focusing on a geometric composition suitable for beginners, the workshop offers an accessible introduction to gypsum as both a decorative and expressive material. Participants will be guided through different stages of the process and introduced to carving techniques that reveal the tactile and sculptural qualities of the medium.

Each participant will work on their own individual 10 × 10 cm piece and leave with a handcrafted plaster work developed during the session.

Open to all levels, this workshop is ideal for those interested in traditional arts, ornament, material processes, and hands-on making.

Date: Friday, 15 May 2026
Time: 6–9 PM
Venue: Yunus Emre Institute, 10 Maple Street, London W1T 5HA
Fee (all materials provided): £50 
Capacity: Max. 15 participants
Instructor: Mariam Ashraf

About the Instructor

Mariam Ashraf is an Egyptian artisan and researcher in Gypsum Craft, Islamic Geometry, and Floral Design. A graduate of Jameel House in Cairo, she is currently pursuing her Master’s at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, where she continues to deepen her practice.

Mariam is dedicated to reviving the heritage of gypsum through contemporary expression. She is one of the featured artists in the 35 under 35 networking initiative by The King’s Foundation, highlighting emerging talents in traditional and Islamic arts. Through her brand Moma, she offers workshops, talks, and creative demonstrations that bring together Islamic geometry, floral motifs, and everyday materials in thoughtful and enduring ways.

Materials

All materials provided.

Age requirement: This workshop has age restrictions (16+). Please check individual event details before booking.

Workshop Policies and Guidelines

• The workshop is primarily taught in English, but some terminology may be in Turkish. Your instructor will clarify any terms or concepts as needed during the class.
• For your safety and comfort, we recommend avoiding wearing loose clothing, especially items with large cuffs and neckties, during classes.
• While the Institute strives to maintain a safe learning environment, students are reminded that they are solely responsible for the security of their personal belongings. The Institute assumes no liability for any loss or damage to personal items incurred during course activities.
• The Institute endeavors to maintain a conducive learning environment by ensuring that courses meet a minimum enrollment. If this requirement is not met by the end of the registration period, the Institute reserves the right to cancel the course/ workshop one day prior to its scheduled start. In such cases, any course fees paid by enrolled students will be promptly refunded in full. Refunds will be processed to the student’s designated bank account, unless the course was purchased online, in which case refunds will be issued via PayPal.
• Applicants can withdraw their application without incurring any charges up until the commencement date of the workshop. No refunds will be issued for withdrawals made after the day of the workshop.
• Photography and videos may be taken during classes for archival and promotional purposes. Your participation in the class implies consent for us to use these materials. If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please inform your instructor.
• Your feedback is valuable to us. If you have any suggestions or concerns regarding the class structure or content, please feel free to discuss them with your instructor, the administrative staff or the coordinator at londra@yee.org.tr

By enrolling in the course, students acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the aforementioned terms and conditions.