São José Liberto Space hosts ecobag customization workshop
The activity, offered for free, brought together 20 participants with the aim of valuing the creative economy and encouraging sustainable practices.

Last Saturday (30), the São José Liberto Space in Belém was the stage for a creative workshop focused on the making and customization of cotton ecobags. The activity, offered for free, brought together 20 participants with the aim of valuing the creative economy and encouraging sustainable practices.
The activity was conducted by fashion designers from the Amazônia Fashion project — Helena Bezerra, Rose Chaves, and Roseli Coelho — professionals recognized for their work with authorial fashion and for valuing Amazonian knowledge. The workshop is supported by the Secretary of Economic Development, Mining and Energy (Sedeme), through the São José Liberto Space (ESJL).
During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to learn artisanal techniques such as stencil and stamp painting, as well as the application of crochet flowers. The creations resulted in exclusive pieces that combine style, environmental awareness, and cultural identity.
Each registrant received a plain ecobag, like a blank canvas. After technical guidance on painting, using stencils, and applying accessories, participants moved on to the practical stage, transforming their ideas into fashion pieces and putting their creative skills into action. The focus was to allow each person to produce a unique piece with a sustainable purpose.
Materials such as paints, brushes, stencils, crochet flowers, ribbons, and laces were made available and shared among participants, promoting a collaborative environment.
Marcelo Tavares was one of the participants in the workshop. He approved of the initiative and highlighted the importance of training and knowledge exchange for those who wish to grow in the creative sector. The artisan started his business in 2019, during the pandemic, when he began making fabric masks. Since then, he has expanded his production and now works with a variety of items, such as bags, totes, decorations, and accessories. “I am always looking for training to offer something new. Participating in this mentorship with three fashion designers will certainly enrich my knowledge,” said Marcelo.

Fashion and jewelry designer Helena Bezerra shares that, alongside Rose Chaves and Roseli Coelho, she decided to hold an ecobag customization workshop. She emphasizes that the initiative aims to support local artisans, reinforcing the importance of sustainability.
“We know that entrepreneurs in the region need sustainable bags, and instead of acquiring them from other states, we can produce them right here, strengthening our economy and valuing what is made in the Amazon,” emphasized Helena.
According to the designer, the prerequisite for participating in the workshop is knowing how to sew, as each person customizes their own ecobag in the style they desire. Regarding the produced pieces, Helena explained: “The personalized ecobags will be presented at Amazônia Fashion and promise to bring originality, style, and, of course, a lot of sustainability.” Helena also highlighted that the workshop had excellent acceptance: “We already have a waiting list for the next class,” she concluded.

Artisan Claudineia Gonçalves, who has been working for over ten years in the fields of creative sewing and stationery, saw the workshop as the ideal opportunity to learn new techniques and apply them in her creations. She produces Pará ecobags in the colors of the state flag or customized with tourist icons, such as Ver-o-Peso and Ilha do Combu.
“My pieces are unique. I always seek to innovate and keep up with market trends,” said Claudineia.