Brigid 1500-Weaving the Land

Artist Helena Doyle and myself, Lucy Bell of Growing Wild have funding to run a series of 4 workshops this autumn 2024, we’re hoping to create a journey over the four sessions to immerse people in natural weaving linked to the pagan goddess Brigid, bringing in elements from stories of Brigid such as her skirt and cloak, we will spend time exploring natural fibres, crafting and weaving around the fire, exploring and using willow and other natural materials, making natural twine, God’s eyes and simple coil pots among others.

Email me if you’re interested in being part of this project.

This project is funded by Brigid 1500 through Kildare County Council.

There will be 4 sessions over the course of the project.

The dates are:

Session 1: Sunday 22nd September, half day session. Introduction to the materials and weaving.

Session 2: Saturday, 28th September,  half day session. Weaving explorations.

Session 3: Sunday 20th October, full day session. Playing with living willow structures.

Session 4: Saturday 26th October, half day session. Bringing it all together!

We’re aiming to explore lots of different elements of weaving with natural materials such as nettle cordage, simple coil baskets, gods eyes, willow tissue lanterns, basic willow basket techniques and also going to explore using willow as a living structure too, with the aim of bringing that all together into a sculpture piece on my land, we’re leaving that a little open to see what the group comes up with as we get creative!

We will meet on my land, harvest from the bog behind me, light a fire and sit around getting our weaving creativity going!