It’s a staple at most traditional coffee shops – the handcrafted, woven chairs that would have so many tales to share if they could speak. The traditional Phini chair used to be a characteristic household item yet they have now largely lost their place in Cypriot homes.

To make them requires a specific technique and materials and is a disappearing craft. In an attempt to bring people closer to tradition and keep the art alive, the artistic duo Dio Dio Handmade are organising a workshop all about the making of the Phini chair.

“Experience the making process of the traditional Phini Chair step by step,” they say, “at an authentic chair maker’s workshop. Learn about the iconic woven chair’s cultural heritage through fun and hands-on activities.”

On Saturday those interested in the traditional craft can attend the workshop for free (11am and 5pm) at the Dio Dio Handmade space which is located in Phini village.

The Dio Dio collective is the symbiosis of artists Constantina Achilleos and Finn Tuomas Venalainenas, who create handcrafted traditional and new designs from scratch. Since the beginning of their collaboration, they have been studying the history, culture and craftmaking of the Phini chair in order to understand it, revive it and keep it a part of the island’s life, which is part of the reason why they reside in the village.

Their upcoming workshop hopes to inspire others to take interest in the craft.

Phini Chair Workshop

Learn the craft of the woven Phini chair. Led by Dio Dio Handmade. June 19. 11am and 5pm. Space will be open for visitors from 10am to 7pm. Free. 12 years old and above. Reservation is necessary. Tel: 97-606456

Currently workshop sessions are fully booked, but in between the sessions, our space will be welcoming visitors of all ages. More dates will be announced soon, with sessions starting again in September.