Leitrim’s world class makers on display this August Craft Month

A month-long celebration of local craft makers across Ireland is well underway and this August Craft Month a host of exciting events are taking place in Leitrim.

Celebrating the vibrant local craft scene, people will have the chance to experience demonstrations, exhibitions and workshops across a variety of crafts right on their doorstep as well as supporting local makers by buying products and learning more about their work.

Local makers such as Helena Golden and Frances McGonigle will be involved in the celebrations and events this year.

The programme provides unmissable opportunities to experience, participate in, support, buy and learn about the local stand-out craft sector and, with over 400 events on offer across the island, provides the perfect excuse to hit the road for a craft inspired adventure or staycation.

Here are a couple of exciting events taking place locally this month:

• Basket making experience
• Location: St. Joseph's Hall Community Centre, Leitrim Village
• Date: Saturday, 26 th of August 10am to 5pm
• Price: €80

This workshop, led by Willow Woman, Helena Goldman, will allow people to embrace a wonderful heritage craft and make their own basket.

Over the course of the day, participants will learn how to weave a round willow basket, suitable for use as a bread basket, bicycle basket or fruit basket.

Suitable for beginners, all materials and tools are provided, and each person will finish with a round basket to take home and straps will be included for anyone who wishes to weave a bicycle basket.

Interactive demos with sustainable craft makers

• Location: The Leitrim Design House, The Dock Arts Centre, Carrick on Shannon
• Date: Saturday, 26 th of August 2pm to 4pm.
• Price: Free

This interactive demonstration with Rothlú Jewellery’s Frances McGonigle will show how to turn waste fabric into beautiful wearable pieces, using sgraffito, batik and shibori techniques.

Frances will demonstrate her processes and visitors are welcome to give it a go and get creative alongside this unique craft maker.

Led by Design and Crafts Council Ireland, in partnership with Craft NI and Cork Craft Design, this month-long celebration, now in its second year, celebrates the vibrant local craft scene and gives people the chance to immerse themselves in the wonderful visual and hands-on experience of craft.

For more information, and to see the list of events taking place across the island visit www.augustcraftmonth.org. 

More information at www.augustcraftmonth.org.