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Ra-Ro Journal
Rare Stories
Stories, news and behind the scenes of Portuguese craft. What’s happening in the workshops, at the fairs and at Ra-Ro.
Baskets at home: 8 ways to decorate with Portuguese baskets
Eight simple ways to use Portuguese baskets at home, from throws in the living room to bread on the table. Plus the fibres behind Portuguese basketry and how to make a basket last.
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Pieces with soul: how handmade objects change the energy of a home
Handmade objects in natural materials bring texture, warmth and a story into a home. Why they change how a room feels and how to start, one piece at a time.
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A cosy home in winter: 10 ideas with handmade pieces
A cosy winter home comes from layers of wool, warm light, a shared table and natural materials. Here are 10 simple ideas with pieces handmade in Portugal.
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How to decorate your home with Portuguese handicrafts without it looking like a souvenir shop
Decorating with Portuguese crafts works best with few pieces, well chosen and given room to breathe. Principles, ideas by room and mistakes to avoid.
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Portuguese wool: sheep breeds, burel, Ecolã and how to choose a wool piece
Portuguese wool comes from native breeds such as the Serra da Estrela, the Churras and the Bordaleira. How they differ, what burel is, who Ecolã is and how to choose and care for a piece.
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Empreita, palm and esparto: what they are and how they differ
Empreita is the braid made from dwarf palm leaves, sewn into baskets, bags and hats. Esparto is a tougher grass, used for rugs, heavy baskets and rope.
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Portuguese gifts: authentic handmade gifts from Portugal and how to send them abroad
A genuine Portuguese gift has a known place, a named maker and a living technique. Ideas for every kind of person, what travels well and how to ship it abroad.
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Pão-por-Deus: Portugal's All Saints' Day tradition, its origin and customs
Pão-por-Deus is Portugal's 1 November tradition in which children go door to door asking for bread, cakes, nuts, pomegranates and chestnuts. Where it comes from, how it is asked and what is given.
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Portuguese clay bowl (alguidar): what it is, what it is for and how to care for it
The alguidar is a wide mouthed Portuguese clay bowl used for kneading, seasoning, marinating and serving. How to choose, prepare and wash yours.
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Portuguese wool blankets: cobertor de papa, manta lobeira and shepherd's blanket, what is the difference
The cobertor de papa is a churra wool blanket woven in Maçainhas, near Guarda; the manta lobeira and the shepherd's blanket are two versions of it. The Ecolã shepherd blanket comes from Manteigas a...
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Portuguese smoked pork belly (barriga fumada): what it is, how to cook it and where to buy it
Barriga fumada is Portuguese pork belly, layered with meat and fat, cured and smoked. How it differs from lard and bacon, how to cook it and where to buy it.
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Samphire (salicornia): what it is, where it grows, how to eat it and what plant salt is
Samphire is a salt marsh plant with a naturally salty taste. Where it grows in Portugal, how to cook it and how to use plant salt in place of some of your salt.
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