![A Cultural Exchange to Slovenia with Bella Peralta](http://guildcrafts.org.uk/cdn/shop/articles/Bella_Peralta-025_1512x1072_crop_center.jpg?v=1716066314)
A Cultural Exchange to Slovenia with Bella Peralta
Guild member and weaver Bella Peralta took part in a cultural exchange to Skofia Loka in Slovenia this Spring.
We asked her to share her highlights from the trip.
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I was contacted back in the depths of the deep dark winter by Chloe Darling who used to work with the Guild some years ago.
Chloe introduced me to the Arts & Crafts Centre in Skofja Loka, Slovenia, who invited me and my longtime colleague Dr.George Blake to visit as they were interested in our work. George is a renowned Hupa artist and craftsman from Northern California and recipient of the Nation Heritage Award.
They arranged a fabulous cultural exchange between us and the most prominent craftspeople of the area.
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We brought some samples of work to share and they were most welcoming, taking us to their Studios and workshops and showing us around their country, just beautiful.
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There was a wonderful exhibition of hand-spun, handwoven Slovenian linen at the Arts and Crafts Centre.
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We visited the textile studios sharing recipes for dyes, colour making, varnish, and so much more along with delicious food. Here I am, raising a glass, third from the right with the Crafts Centre Director, Kati, George and a tapestry weaver, a felt maker, a quilter and a textile artist.
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We also visited a knife maker, a hat maker and a violin maker!
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I spent a day with the Costume Makers of Slovenia who are wonderful seamstresses. Pictured is a traditional costume and an example of beautiful embroidery in silver.
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Thank you to Marija and Kati, our hosts at the Arts and Crafts Centre in Skofja Loka.
They hope to arrange a return exchange to Cheltenham soon.