From ceramics to porcelain, wood, fabric and even plastic, the craft industry in Brussels is extremely diverse and in great shape! It upholds the increasingly popular values of authenticity, local expertise, reliability and quality. Are you looking to spruce up your home? Are you looking for an original gift? Check out this selection of studios and shops and get to know these gems that are sometimes hard to uncover in the dense urban landscape...
Sculpture, ceramics and porcelain: all materials are welcome!
Founded in Saint-Gilles in 2011 by experienced ceramist Eve Vaucheret, Porcepolis is a studio that focuses on porcelain but in a slightly different way. What does that mean? It’s a place of creation and production as well as a venue for training, learning and the sharing of knowledge in the field of porcelain art.
Gadoue Atelier is a design and production studio in Anderlecht. In ceramics, Eloïse Maës and Audrey Werthle use different techniques such as 3D printing, casting, manual sheet metal construction, etc. The result is the creation of everyday objects such as dishes and lamps as well as murals. Eloise and Audrey also offer textile services, including upcycling and a circular model that allows them to create custom textiles for interiors, and art installations.
Bronze, clay, resin, ceramics: Stéphanie Van Beneden is a natural with all materials! The artist is passionate about animal art and is convinced that surrounding ourselves with beautiful things can enhance our daily life. In addition to her own creations, she also offers courses and workshops in her Uccle studio.
Frédérique Ficheroulle comes from a family steeped in architecture, graphic design, photography and art galleries, and studied interior architecture and design. She then chose to focus on porcelain, which she works with her own hands, in Uccle. The result? Cups, spoons, vases and more, and sometimes a bit of ceramics and wood too! All her pieces are delicate and elegant!
Do you like a cheerful welcome? Then head to Anna's workshop in Forest, Anna Tou Ceramic! After a career as a graphic designer, Anna decided to produce ceramic pieces with lively, organic forms. She is also very enthusiastic about passing on her skills, so people can take classes and sign up for friendly workshops to learn how to model clay. There is even a "ceramics aperitif" option, in case you needed persuading!
Furniture, furnishings and decorations: traditionally made of wood, sometimes plastic
In 2013, designer Laura Greindl founded Atelier 365 in Ixelles, where she designs and builds wooden furniture. Laura has surrounded herself with passionate artisans who use traditional techniques while aiming to create contemporary lines. Atelier 365 also offers short courses in cabinet-making that are accessible to everyone.
Who said that plastic was a waste product? It’s also a raw material! Plastic Factory is a family business in Uccle that recovers bottle tops, sorts and cleans them, grinds them and melts them down to make all sorts of objects, such as boards, bowls, dishes and lighting fixtures. Discover this business!
Denis Dayez has been a cabinet-maker in Saint-Gilles for more than 30 years. He meticulously restores old furniture, paying the greatest respect to its history and to traditional techniques (varnishing with a pad, hot gluing, marquetry, veneering, inlaying, etc.).
In the municipality of Anderlecht, you’ll find a workshop, a design studio and a couple of creators: welcome to La Fabrique du Ciel Bleu! Customers can choose from a catalogue or custom-made design and production, with particular attention paid to eco-design. Here, you’ll find furniture and decorative objects imbued with tradition and timelessness.
Have you heard about upcycling? This trend aims to enhance the value of used products by giving them a new and better life that is often very different from their first. Fenomenal recycles, reuses and recreates, to produce results that will surprise you... and all in the centre of Brussels!
Located in the heart of Marolles, the Deschuytere carpentry and cabinet-making workshop has been producing only custom-made pieces since 1979, so these are unique creations! They take care to use the most suitable materials: solid wood, plywood panels, laths or MDF covered with different veneers. Looking for a bed, a bookcase, a table, a door, or a staircase? Head to Marolles. They’ll also repair or restore your furniture and woodwork.
Textile, nice and gently
Justine Van Impe is a creator of textile objects "that evoke a feeling of well-being, shared fun, and visual and tactile pleasure." The gradation of colours is omnipresent, from a small pompom to a large tapestry!
Laure Kasiers is fascinated by materials and manufacturing processes and studied textile design at La Cambre. She primarily makes wool and linen carpets, using an eco-responsible approach. The yarns come from the ends of the stock of Belgian factories or are produced in Europe, often from recycled fibres. Visitors are welcome at her Brussels workshop!
Are you looking for a gift for a baby? Sophie Mossoux (sossoux) designs rattles, comforters, puppets, stools, etc., all in crochet. The results are as soft and colourful as they are wonderful!
Succumb to the charms of the Brussels artisans
Don't you love coming home with something special that you haven't seen anywhere else? You'll find it in Brussels. Discover the capital's many artisans and treat yourself to a product made with love and dedication.