HERITAGE CRAFT STUDIO

Merike Adele Mee

I am a crafter, heritage technologist, and educator. I graduated from the UT Viljandi
Culture Academy, majoring in heritage technology textiles.
I love to create, discover, and look for different approaches and possibilities—
sometimes turning things upside down or pushing the boundaries a little. Crafting
has accompanied me throughout my entire life. In my childhood, Grandma taught me
embroidery, and under my mother’s guidance, I started sewing clothes at an early
age.
Dyeing and designing textile materials have always interested me. Recycling has
inspired me and guided me through life. I have made many new things out of attic
finds or objects that have already lived their first life.
At some point, leather crossed my path as a material. My interest in leather has
grown over time, and there is still much to discover in the world of leather. That is
precisely why I chose leatherwork as one of my areas of specialization during my
studies. Leather, fur, bone—the possibilities of combining them are limitless. I make
various leather items, bags, pouches, bracelets, etc.
Choosing the path of a craft educator provided the foundation for conducting
workshops, masterclasses, and training courses. Using and passing on heritage
skills is extremely important to me. I wish for crafting skills to live on and endure
through generations. I contribute to this continuity by teaching techniques that are
worth keeping alive and passing down.
Craft techniques that I am ready to teach: sewing, knitting, crocheting, Tunisian
crochet, loom weaving, leatherwork, embroidery, needle-binding (nõeltehnika), plant
dyeing, tablet weaving, braid making, block printing, etc.
I run various workshops for both children and adults; longer training courses are
available by prior agreement.