Kildare makers get involved in largest ever 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 Kildare.

Celebrating the vibrant local craft scene, people will have the chance to experience 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 Constance Seymour and Tamzen Lundy 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:

Needle Felting
Location: Cons creation craft shop, Main Street, Castledermot

Date: Sunday,  August 13 at 10:30am to 3:30pm.

Price: €95

Join Constance Seymour in a creative workshop needle felting a 3D sculpture, starting with a toadstool and some little critters as you explore how to create a realistic animal.

No experience is required and all supplies are included.

A light lunch is provided and participants will be able to bring home a mat and needles for their next project.

Making a Magic Wand Felted Pencil
Location: Maynooth Library, Main Street, Maynooth

Date: Friday, August 18 at 2pm to 3:30pm.

Price: TBC

This workshop will allow participants to learn the basics of wet-felting, the world’s oldest form of textile making and is perfect for kids 7+ and Potterheads of all ages.

Tutor Tamzen Lundy is a textile professional of 25 years’ experience and will offer a fabulous introduction to a very sensory craft. This workshop is suitable for beginners and will introduce the group to the basics of wet-felting before moving on to felting around a pencil.

Each student will get the chance to make their very own magic wand pencil, just like the one used by Harry Potter character Rita Skeeter.

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.

Share your own adventures by tagging @dccireland @craft.ni @corckcraftanddesign @augustcraftmonth23 and use the hashtags #augustcraftmonth2023 and #makeseekbuy