Arts & Crafts, Music, Trad Arts

Traditional Crafts Drop-In Day

(Sat 22 July: 12pm-4pm)

Join us a fun and welcoming day of crafting activity celebrating some of the wonderful traditional craft skills in Scotland. Featuring crafts including basket weaving, straw work and ceramics alongside live storytelling and traditional Scottish music, this is an open invitation to anyone interested in learning some more, or just looking to enjoy a day of crafting amongst friends.

Director of TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) Steve Byrne says: ‘Many traditional craft skills have been practised for generations, often passed down through oral and local community routes. At a time when we are thinking about sustainability, reuse and renewal, the skills and knowledge held by traditional makers are even more valuable than ever.’

~~~~~

Programme

12pm-4pm - Straw Work with Elaine Lindsay
Learn to make your own "hairst knot", traditionally worn by farm workers in the northeast of Scotland. Elaine Lindsay has been working with straw for 40 years, and through her company Something Corny has produced a wide variety of pieces for fashion shows as well as television and theatre, alongside teaching and demonstrations both at home and abroad. Elaine has a wealth of knowledge on the traditional uses of straw amongst communities in the northeast which she will share on the day.

12pm-4pm - Making History: Hidden Stories
For 2023’s Making History: Hidden Stories, Historic Environment Scotland and Craft Scotland paired three craftspeople with three community groups to explore untold narratives around three historic properties. A specially-commissioned short film will be shown alongside examples of some of the finished artworks resulting from the project.

12.30pm-2pm - Basket of Stories with Douglas Mackay and Hermione Toulson
Join in relaxed sessions of crafting, storytelling and conversation. What can we weave today in creative response to land, heritage, culture and the interrelation between them? Inspired by a Story Blanket gifted by Canadian First Nation tellers, and by Scottish Traveller traditions.

2pm-3pm - Ceramic Art with Jennifer Alford
Join ceramic artist Jennifer Alford for a hands-on demonstration of her craft. Jennifer will share some of the techniques she uses in creating her pieces and give you the chance to make your own pinch pot out of clay. No experience necessary and beginners definitely welcome! Based in Angus, Jennifer studied at the Design & Craft Council of Ireland’s Ceramic Skills and Design course in Thomastown, Ireland. Her work is shown in galleries and museums including the National Museum of Ireland.