An evening of memories and exploration of traditional skills in Offaly. Sylvia Thompson, Irish Times Journalist and author of Hands On: the art of crafting in Ireland introduced us to her book on traditional skills in Ireland.

This beautiful book is based on Sylvia’s widely read column for the Irish Times and celebrates the wealth of crafts practised throughout Ireland.   Hands On: the art of crafting in Ireland details the history of forty eclectic crafts from basketmaking to woodturning and provides concise information on where to see them, where to learn them and whats involved.

The book is broken into five categories, each then containing more detailed information on specific crafts;

Sylvia discussed the categories which are Studio based crafts, Stitching and weaving crafts, Home based crafts, Outdoor crafts and Restoration and Conservation Crafts. We reminised on days gone by when traditional skills were a way of life and we valued the skills of hand -making.

Sylvia shared her experiences of meeting the craft makers in their studios, how they work and the skills required for different crafts.

Padraig Larkin, basketmaker shared his passion for traditional weaving methods and brought us through his varied range of baskets and weving techniques. Padraig explained the teaching process and how you could learn the basics of making a small basket in a day and a larger one in a two day workshop.

Following on Sylvia introduced us to award winning fiber artist Frances Crowe. Frances told us that tapestry weaving is one of the oldest forms of woven textiles and the basic techniques have remained the same for centuries. Frances showed us amazing examples of her own work and explained what you could learn in her workshops. Frances runs workshops for Adults and children in spinning and tapestry weaving. She showed us examples of pieces that can be made from her beginners workshop.

We then had the opportunity to learn from Frances Fitzgerald about the art of patchwork and quilting. Frances had amazing pieces made form her childrens drawings, one of which she won an award for. She explained the skill and patience involved in this wonderful craft and how satisifying it is to see your completed piece. In fact one of her students from a one day workshop showed us a fabulous bag she had made. Frances also noted  the social aspect of  patchwork and quilting while you learn the basics of using a sewing machine, the basic techniques that can be applied to may products such as bags, cushion covers and wall hangings. All you need is you imagination!

All in all, thanks to Sylvia, Padraig, Frances and Frances and Offaly Local Development Company we had an really interesting evening. Kilcormac Community Centre was buzzing with the excitement and anticipation of the upcoming programme. There was plenty of time for refreshments and chat with other craft makers and to meet the craft tutors that were there.

More details of this programme to follow.

Padraig Larkin (Basket Weaver) came to Ballinahown to show us how to build a living willow hut.

It took us a day, and the results can be seen in the video below. The willow was still alive when it was planted into the ground so it will root and then grow. Padraig tells us the branches will thicken up and the structure will become solid after two years. Hopefully we’ll get some more photos up on the site here as the structure grows. It was a very interesting craft/gardening project which explored traditional weaving techniques,  given that the fruits of our labour will continue to grow and change with time.

If you are in the area why not pop by to Ballinahown Craft Village and visit this living growing willow hut.