This summer, I am very fortunate to be taking some classes in "boutis" with Madame Francine Born. Madame Born is one of the "Grandes Dames du Boutis" in southern France, and as such, has a vast amount of knowledge related to the history and the traditional techniques of the craft. Along with the many samples of her own work that she brings to the class for her students to study, she also has many stories to share about the history and the tradition of boutis. And of course, through out the class, priceless gems of technique are taught. She showcases her work on her own website: http://www.boutis-provence.fr/ or http://www.boutis.fr/ . (Google will translate). "Le Mireille" is one of Madame Born's designs, using traditional motifs and symbols for the design. In the design on the left, she uses coloured cording in the channels. The same design on the right uses white cording. "Les papillons" (butterflies), combines boutis with ...