Imagine sitting in a cozy guesthouse in the Jordanian countryside, learning an age-old craft from a local woman who’s been tasseling Keffiyehs for decades. That’s what you get with the Hadab Making Workshop in Umm Qais, offered by Baraka Destinations. It’s a small, authentic experience that combines culture, craftsmanship, and a bit of fun—perfect for those wanting to connect with Jordan’s traditions beyond the usual sightseeing.
What we love about this tour is how accessible and user-friendly it is. You don’t need any prior craft experience—just a willingness to get your hands a little dusty—and you’ll walk away with a handmade keepsake. Plus, the relaxed pace and friendly guidance really make this stand out. The only caveat? Transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to organize your way there. This experience suits curious travelers, craft lovers, and those eager to engage more personally with Jordanian culture.
Key Points
- Authentic cultural insight into the traditional art of Hadab, a craft mainly preserved by older generations.
- Hands-on activity with guidance from a local woman, making it ideal for beginners.
- Create a keepsake: a Tassel bookmark you can take home, serving as a meaningful souvenir.
- Enjoy refreshments during your session, adding a relaxed, social element.
- Location at Beit Al Baraka offers a charming setting with local hospitality.
- Price at $31 per person offers good value for an intimate, craft-focused experience.
What Is the Hadab Making Workshop?
This experience is all about learning the art of Tahdeeb, or tasseling the sides of the Keffiyeh, Jordan’s iconic headscarf. It’s a skill passed down through generations, mainly by older women, and is now a meaningful way to connect with local traditions. The workshop is hosted at Beit Al Baraka, a welcoming bed and breakfast in the village of Umm Qais, which lends a warm, personal atmosphere.
You’ll meet your host, a local woman with years of experience in the craft, who will guide you step-by-step through creating Hadab. The focus isn’t just on the finished product but on appreciating the craftsmanship and cultural significance behind it. It’s a perfect blend of learning and cultural appreciation, wrapped in a relaxed setting.
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The Workshop Itself: What to Expect
Once you arrive at Beit Al Baraka, your experience begins with a brief introduction to the history and importance of Hadab in Jordanian tradition. From there, you’ll be shown how to tassel the edges of a Keffiyeh—an activity that may sound simple but takes patience and a steady hand. The local guide and craftswoman will demonstrate each step and then let you practice on a sample bookmark.
The sample bookmark is a clever choice because it simplifies the process while still allowing you to grasp the key techniques. You’ll be working with traditional materials and tools, which provides an authentic feel. As you work on your tassel, you can enjoy a refreshing drink—likely something cool and local—that adds to the friendly, laid-back vibe.
Many reviewers mention the enjoyable, informal atmosphere, describing the host as warm and patient. One guest mentioned that the host’s “calm guidance made even complex-looking tasseling easy enough for a beginner.” This hands-on element makes the experience memorable and personal.
Crafting Your Keepsake
The highlight for most visitors is leaving with their handmade bookmark—a small, tangible reminder of their time in Jordan. The finished tassel can be customized slightly during the session, and it’s fun to see how your skills improve even slightly as you go.
This craft isn’t just a pastime—it’s a piece of Jordanian textile culture. Having your own tassel bookmark is a lovely memento, especially if you appreciate handmade souvenirs that tell a story. Several reviews point out how fulfilling it is to create something with your own hands, as one guest said, “It’s rare to get such an authentic, hands-on experience that results in a tangible keepsake.”
The Setting: Beit Al Baraka
Set in the heart of Umm Qais, Beit Al Baraka is more than just a meeting point—it’s an experience in itself. With six cozy bedrooms, it offers a genuine taste of local hospitality, with many guests raving about the delicious breakfast made by village women. The house’s warm ambiance complements the craft session, making it a perfect spot to relax before or after your workshop.
While transportation isn’t included, the location is easy enough to reach if you plan ahead. The village setting provides a quiet, scenic backdrop that makes the workshop feel intimate and special.
More Great Tours NearbyPricing & Value
At $31 per person, this workshop is quite reasonable considering the level of engagement and the cultural depth involved. Compared to other artisan experiences worldwide, it offers good value—especially when you consider you’re creating a handmade item and supporting local artisans. Remember, the price includes all materials, guidance, and refreshments, which collectively contribute to a relaxed, inclusive environment.
While transportation isn’t covered, many travelers find the cost worthwhile for a meaningful, hands-on cultural activity. It’s a chance to explore a lesser-known side of Jordan that’s often overlooked in the rush to see more famous sites.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This workshop is perfect for those who enjoy crafting and DIY activities, are curious about Jordanian traditions, or simply want a different kind of souvenir. It’s well-suited for travelers who prefer small, intimate experiences over large tours. Visitors with an interest in textiles, cultural heritage, or local storytelling will find this particularly rewarding.
Given the focus on local women’s craftsmanship, it also offers a way to support women’s empowerment and small-scale artisans. However, it’s not ideal for children under 10, as the process requires patience and fine motor skills.
Final Thoughts
This Hadab Making Workshop is a delightful opportunity to connect with Jordanian culture in a personal, hands-on way. You’ll learn a traditional craft that’s rarely accessible to travelers and leave with a unique souvenir that has real meaning. The relaxed setting at Beit Al Baraka, combined with the guidance of a local craftswoman, makes for a memorable experience.
While transportation is something to plan around, the overall value for the price makes this a worthwhile addition to any itinerary in Umm Qais. Whether you’re a craft lover, cultural explorer, or simply looking for a meaningful activity, this workshop offers an authentic taste of Jordan’s living traditions.
FAQs
Is transportation to Beit Al Baraka included?
No, transportation isn’t included. You’ll need to arrange your own way there, but the location is easy to reach if planned in advance.
What should I bring for the workshop?
Just bring a camera to capture your handiwork and the lovely setting.
How long does the workshop last?
While not specified exactly, craft workshops like this typically last around 1 to 2 hours, allowing enough time for instruction, practice, and refreshments.
Can I book the experience for a specific time?
Yes, you can provide your preferred time when booking, offering flexibility to fit your schedule.
Is this experience suitable for children?
It is not recommended for children under 10 due to the delicate nature of the craft.
What is included in the price?
Your fee covers all craft materials, guidance, and refreshments.
What kind of refreshments are served?
A refreshing drink (likely local and cold) is offered during the activity, enhancing the casual, friendly atmosphere.
Can I take home my finished tassel bookmark?
Absolutely. Your completed craft is yours to keep as a personal memento.
What makes this workshop different from other cultural activities?
It’s a highly authentic, hands-on craft experience led by a local woman, focusing on a traditional skill that’s rarely showcased to travelers.
Is the experience worth the price?
Yes, especially considering the cultural insight, the personal achievement, and the souvenir you take home—all in a cozy, intimate setting.
This workshop stands out as a genuine, culturally rich activity that offers more than just sightseeing. It’s a chance to understand and participate in a segment of Jordanian heritage, making your trip not only memorable but also meaningful.
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