The Leitrim Design House curated several events as part of August Craft Month 2023, including The Leitrim Design House National Design, Craft & Art Awards, an interactive creative demo with Frances McGonigle of Rothlú Jewellery and a Willow Weaving Demonstration with Helena Golden, also in association with National Heritage Week.

The Leitrim Design House National Design, Craft & Art Awards

To kick everything off we held The Leitrim Design House Design, Craft & Art Awards 2023! On the evening we revealed the finalists for the Awards with the help of our panel of judges. We had an opportunity to hear from 10 shortlisted designers & makers and enjoy the awards exhibition, as well as celebrate the winners chosen by our expert channel. You can read more about the Design Awards here.

Heritage Week: Willow Weaving Demonstration with Helena Golden

To celebrate Heritage Week, we invited an expert in willow weaving to join us and share her knowledge! Returning after a successful event for Heritage Week in 2022, Helena Golden, also known as the Willow Woman, taught us about the ancient craft of willow weaving through an interactive demonstration where visitors were welcome to try their hand. This was a fantastic opportunity, as Helena's willow weaving workshops usually sell out fast!

National Heritage Week is an initiative by the Heritage Council, celebrating all things heritage. It brings together communities, families, organisations, cultural institutions, academics and enthusiasts, to build awareness about the value of heritage and support its conservation.

August Craft Month: Wendy Louise Designs 

We were delighted to meet the wonderful Wendy Louise Designs. Wendy demonstrated what goes into her intricate headpieces. Visitors were invited to join in and ask for advice on what kind of hats or hair accessories would work well for different occasions.This Longford based designer has had a passion from an early age for millinery using traditional skills passed down from her grandparents.

August Craft Month is a unique celebration of craft with events taking place across the island of Ireland, providing exciting opportunities for the public to experience, participate in, buy and learn about craft.