Kelly Hood - Heritage Experts | Heritage in Schools

Kelly Hood

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Subject(s):
Science, History, Geography
Curriculum Strands:
Story (History), Local Studies (History), Natural environments (Geography), Environmental awareness and care (Geography/Science)
Counties catered for:
Dublin, Wicklow

Book in-person visit


Step back in time and channel your inner artisan with Kelly's Willow Weaving experience! This ancient craft puts creativity and sustainability in your hands—literally—by guiding you to weave your very own practical garden masterpiece. It's hands-on, eco-friendly, and guaranteed to soothe your soul as you twist and turn natural willow into something uniquely yours.

Weaving isn’t just about making baskets—it’s about weaving connections! Imagine a group of diverse personalities coming together, sharing laughs and stories, all while working toward a common goal. Each creation is as unique as the weaver, yet united by the ancient techniques passed down through generations.

By the end of the workshop, you won’t just walk away with a handwoven treasure; you’ll gain a deep appreciation for how our ancestors (like my own West Kerry grandfather John Daly Russell) used the land’s bounty to craft everyday essentials—from potato baskets to shopping bags. And the best part? You get to take home your own willow creation, a little piece of history made by you.

I can’t wait to weave with you—let’s create something amazing together!

As our wise ancestors would say:
"Is fearr lúbadh ná briseadh"
("It's better to bend than break.")

About this class

Learn the art of basic willow weaving and give your local birds a tasty treat with our beginner’s project.

Willow stems are harvested in winter after the leaves have fallen. The thicker stems will be the framework of the bird feeder, and the thinner, more flexible stems will be used for weaving.

We will harvest and use our stems straight away.

You will use:
fresh cut willow stems
wood weaving base
string
plant saucer

Lessons in the class:
1. Cut 9 x 550mm lengths of willow approximately 7mm in diameter, however you can use any number and make them any size, just make sure it is an uneven number.

2. Insert the bottom of the sticks into the holes in the wood template. This will be the top end of the bird feeder. 

3. Using thinner pieces of willow, weave three ‘bands’, weaving in and out of the framework and tucking in the ends as you go. Continue weaving until you are satisfied with the look. When weaving around the saucer (the middle band), do not make the band too high or the birds will not be able to reach in for the food. Remove the cap and weave around the top end. 

4. Cut a thicker piece of willow about 450mm long and weave the two ends in between the woven band at the top of the feeder. This should be secure enough, but if not, secure with wire or use wood glue.

Testimonials

  • "Very enjoyable. Kids enjoyed making objects from willow like bird feeders etc." - St Coens NS, Wicklow

Additional Information

  • Provides in-person visits
  • Caters for special needs
  • Provides practical/hands-on activities
  • Visits as Gaeilge

Contact Details

Mobile:
087 2249200
Email:
kelly@kellyhood.com
Website:
www.kellyhood.com