Focusing on our well-being and personal identity, artist Ada Rovai invites you to create a fabric doll that reflects your inner self.

This workshop will be a creative and introspective experience, where you will craft a handmade doll that represents your personal story, emotions and identity. Using fabric, thread and filler fibre, Ada will gently guide you through a process that blends meditation, making, and personal reflection.

The workshop begins with a short, guided meditation to centre us all, followed by hands-on creation using knotting and wrapping techniques. The final part of the workshop encourages optional sharing, where we are encouraged to reflect on our newly created dolls and their meaning.

This is a safe and inclusive space for a wide range of ages, where Ada will guide you on a journey of self-discovery through creativity.

What is a self-doll:

Think of a self-portrait as expressed through doll-making. According to Ada, this concept and the techniques used to make these dolls of self-significance originate in the multicultural communities of Brazil.

About the facilitator:

Ada Rovai is a Brazilian visual artist currently based in Adelaide. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Visual Arts and works at the intersection of craft, meditation and storytelling. Her long-term project Self-Doll commenced in Brazil and has engaged over 900 participants for since 2013, and reflects her passion for well-being and identity through creative expression. Ada’s workshops focus on nurturing emotional connection, presence, and the rediscovery of inner narratives.

What you need to know

• Workshop fee includes all materials and use of tools.

• We supply everything you need to create your self-doll.

• Suitable for beginners 10 years and older

  • Participants 15 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Participants 15-17 years attending alone must have written permission to attend by an adult.

  • No previous doll-making skills required.

• If your circumstances change and you can no longer attend this workshop, please email niki.vouis@ahc.sa.gov.au before 5pm, Thursday 16 October 2025. We cannot issue refunds after this time and date.

• Tea and coffee provided.

Inclusion in the Fabrik mailing list

By registering for a Fabrik workshop or event your name and email address will be added to our contact list. This means from time to time you will receive Fabrik program updates by email. If you wish to opt out, please email the Public Programs Officer (nvouis@ahc.sa.gov.au) directly with Contact List Opt-Out in the subject heading and your full name in the message.

Doll making and outcomes from previous self-doll workshops