Step inside the studio of Gabriela Martínez Ortiz in Mexico and discover how embroidery has helped her to 'heal in a thousand ways' and how craft has enabled her to re-think the way she designs and lives.

Part of the British Council's Why I Make film series for our global programme, Crafting Futures. Commissioned to celebrate craft and share maker's stories from around the globe; to inspire us and to show the value of craft in our history, culture and world today. From embroidery in Mexico to glassblowing in the UK and batik in Malaysia, find inspiration in the stories and work of these practitioners as they tell us, 'Why I Make'.

We caught up with Gabriela after the outbreak of COVID-19, to find out how her practice has been affected and her thoughts for the future, read the interview here. 

How can you get involved? #WhyIMake

Share the film to help celebrate Gabriela's work and craft.

We want to hear from you. Share your story if you’re a craft practitioner, or if you’ve taken up a craft recently, tell us why you make. #WhyIMake 

See the full film series on our YouTube channel here. 

About Gabriela Martínez Ortiz

Gabriela is a textile artist, designer and founder of Ofelia & Antelmo. She creates contemporary designs using traditional techniques, specialising in hand embroidery to create graphic repetitive patterns on her fabrics. She invites us to slow down and consider the pace and importance of what can be made by our own hands.

Visit Gabriela's website
Find Gabriela on Instagram and Facebook

Feeling Inspired? 

Gabriela has an online tutorial series, so you can learn how to create your own embroidered designs. 

Discover examples of embroidery on textiles across the world and throughout the ages in the Victoria & Albert Museum's collection online.

The Embroiderers' Guild has lots of useful information, from workshops and exhibitions to how to become a member.