The following are course descriptions for those taking part in our Eco-trips holidays : -
Spinning and Weaving
Introduction to the age-old craft of spinning and weaving wool to make a small bag, hat or similar.
Course tutor : Susanna Anker
Stone Carving / Clay Sculpture
An introduction to the tools of stone carving, methods of using them and a relief carving of a natural form on limestone / sandstone panel. Participants may also, or alternatively, learn the techniques of clay sculpture to make a small bust.
Course tutor : Dermot Twohigk
Herb-lore
Plant Magic- Exploration of our native wild and garden plants includes edible and medicinal uses, folklore, gardening tips, herb walk, seasonal recipes, herbal tincture and ointment making.
Course tutor: Kes Clarke
Wood Carving
Beginners will have the choice of carving an oak leaf, or ogham (alphabet from the native trees) inscription, or simple celtic knotwork motif.
Those with some experience will work on a leaf tray in relief, or a simple rustic bowl also in relief.
Course Tutor: Andrew St Ledger, see www.acanthus.ie
Blacksmithing / Coppersmithing
The following will be two different components of the July one-week course. Coppersmithing is also offered as a separate 3-day option for the September week.
Blacksmithing
Use of small portable forge to make hand tools and decorative wrought ironwork - 10 euro materials charge payable with course fee.
Course Tutor: Peter Collins
Coppersmithing / Tinsmithing
A unique opportunity to learn the skills of a master cratsman and make a jug or other container using simple hand tools and recycled materials. Materials charge 10 euro.
Course Tutor: Mark Wilson
Basket Weaving
Traditional willow basketry skills for many uses and the varieties of willow available - Materials charge 10 euro.
Course Tutor: Peter Sheehan
Silversmithing
An introduction to silver jewelry making. Design and make your own jewelry pieces starting with a ring or pendant. If you have a semi-precious stone that you would like to incorporate in jewelry, bring it along. Also bring protective apron and stool / chair if you can. Small materials charge.
Course tutor: Susi Lewisohn view image
Sugan Chair making
Using green wood and sisal to make your own small traditional sugan chair as commonly used in cottages throughout Ireland.
Materials charge 5 euro.
Course tutor : Sean Walshe
Eco-building
The following options will be brought into the course, depending on tutor availability : -
Natural Building
How to make and use traditional 'cob' and 'cordwood'. The cob is made using local clay, sand and straw and built with length of cordwood set into it to make a strong and well insulated wall.
Course tutor : Saul Mosbacher
Hemp-Lime Plastering/ Daubing
Hemp and lime plastering and an introduction to lime and it's use in traditional building including, lime mortars, pointing, plasters, and paints to provide a healthy breathable living space. Please wear clothes you are happy to throw away and bring marigold gloves.
Course tutor : Phoebe O'Brien
Dry Stone & Lime Mortar Walling
Traditional construction techniques for walls, buildings and raised beds plus an introduction to the use of lime mortar which allows a building to 'breathe' letting out water-vapour but preventing rain from getting in. Strong boots are recommended.
Course Tutor: Bob Wilson
For youngsters (8 - 14 yrs) : Woodcrafts
This is available for the August week only. Participants will learn some of the basic skills of using native Willow and Hazel to make a simple chair or other valuable products using simple hand tools under professional guidance.
Course tutor : Mark Wilson
Spinning and Weaving
Introduction to the age-old craft of spinning and weaving wool to make a small bag, hat or similar.
Course tutor : Susanna Anker
Stone Carving / Clay Sculpture
An introduction to the tools of stone carving, methods of using them and a relief carving of a natural form on limestone / sandstone panel. Participants may also, or alternatively, learn the techniques of clay sculpture to make a small bust.
Course tutor : Dermot Twohigk
Herb-lore
Plant Magic- Exploration of our native wild and garden plants includes edible and medicinal uses, folklore, gardening tips, herb walk, seasonal recipes, herbal tincture and ointment making.
Course tutor: Kes Clarke
Wood Carving
Beginners will have the choice of carving an oak leaf, or ogham (alphabet from the native trees) inscription, or simple celtic knotwork motif.
Those with some experience will work on a leaf tray in relief, or a simple rustic bowl also in relief.
Course Tutor: Andrew St Ledger, see www.acanthus.ie
Blacksmithing / Coppersmithing
The following will be two different components of the July one-week course. Coppersmithing is also offered as a separate 3-day option for the September week.
Blacksmithing
Use of small portable forge to make hand tools and decorative wrought ironwork - 10 euro materials charge payable with course fee.
Course Tutor: Peter Collins
Coppersmithing / Tinsmithing
A unique opportunity to learn the skills of a master cratsman and make a jug or other container using simple hand tools and recycled materials. Materials charge 10 euro.
Course Tutor: Mark Wilson
Basket Weaving
Traditional willow basketry skills for many uses and the varieties of willow available - Materials charge 10 euro.
Course Tutor: Peter Sheehan
Silversmithing
An introduction to silver jewelry making. Design and make your own jewelry pieces starting with a ring or pendant. If you have a semi-precious stone that you would like to incorporate in jewelry, bring it along. Also bring protective apron and stool / chair if you can. Small materials charge.
Course tutor: Susi Lewisohn view image
Sugan Chair making
Using green wood and sisal to make your own small traditional sugan chair as commonly used in cottages throughout Ireland.
Materials charge 5 euro.
Course tutor : Sean Walshe
Eco-building
The following options will be brought into the course, depending on tutor availability : -
Natural Building
How to make and use traditional 'cob' and 'cordwood'. The cob is made using local clay, sand and straw and built with length of cordwood set into it to make a strong and well insulated wall.
Course tutor : Saul Mosbacher
Hemp-Lime Plastering/ Daubing
Hemp and lime plastering and an introduction to lime and it's use in traditional building including, lime mortars, pointing, plasters, and paints to provide a healthy breathable living space. Please wear clothes you are happy to throw away and bring marigold gloves.
Course tutor : Phoebe O'Brien
Dry Stone & Lime Mortar Walling
Traditional construction techniques for walls, buildings and raised beds plus an introduction to the use of lime mortar which allows a building to 'breathe' letting out water-vapour but preventing rain from getting in. Strong boots are recommended.
Course Tutor: Bob Wilson
For youngsters (8 - 14 yrs) : Woodcrafts
This is available for the August week only. Participants will learn some of the basic skills of using native Willow and Hazel to make a simple chair or other valuable products using simple hand tools under professional guidance.
Course tutor : Mark Wilson
