As co-ordinator of the traditional adult crafts programme at The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum I have experience of a wide range of crafts, their origins and their connections to local practices. The team at Kathleen’s Attic can provide a range of traditional workshops which include spinning, weaving, embroidery, patchwork, applique, drawn thread-work and felt making.

We also provide short craft workshops or demonstrations to groups or as part of a large event. Minimum group size is 6 people. These crafts can be incorporated into a themed party with your friends or as a corporate team building activity. They can be adapted to suit people of all ages and abilities. Prices on request.

Scrapbooking

Our Victorian ancestors collected postcards, letters, flowers and greeting cards keeping them together in a scrap book. This tradition continues today with a modern twist. If you would like to collate your photographs using a mixed-media approach this workshop is for you. Coloured inks, stamps and embellishments are used to layer compositions on paper for personalised albums. Smaller Memory Books can also be made which can be an aid to reminiscing or to mark a special occasion.

Victorian Scrapbook

Modern Scrapbook

Memory Book

Rag Rug Workshops

Using a child’s t-shirt to make a butterfly. This traditional technique can be used to create many items such as a placemat and coaster, a large textured art piece, a small rug or a brooch. Participants design their own piece then fill in the shapes using old fabric or clothes brought from home. Memory pictures can be made using a person’s piece of clothing. For occasions such as Remembrance Day, a poppy can be made.

Seasonal Rag Rug Wreath

Using the same rag-rug method participants can make a seasonal wreath for any time of year.

Quilling

This craft originates from the Medieval period. Using strips of paper, participants coil it on a special tool making filagree shapes to decorate a box, frame or card. Alphabet letters can be created and later framed to give as a gift.

Seasonal Quilling

3D pieces of work can be made which can be used as a Christmas decoration. Time Required: depending on the project - 1-2 hours

Six Stitches Embroidery Piece

There are many embroidery stitches which can be off-putting for a beginner. However, if you only learn six you can create modern pieces which can be adapted into mixed media art pieces. This workshop teaches you the basic stitches and shows you how to use them in different ways giving alternative looks. Time Required: 2hrs 30mins

Cross Stitch

Cross stitch is one of the oldest type of sewing stitch. It had a revival in Victorian times when ladies began making alphabet samplers as practice pieces. Today people use modern designs, words and traditional images in their pieces. This workshop will show you how to start, design and sew using a cross stitch style. Time Required: 2hrs

Printing Workshop

Using various printing techniques participants design their own fabric shopping bag. Time Required: 90mins

Family Tree Workshop

Participants paint their tree and add hearts for each family member. A background is added before placing into a box frame to take home. Time Required: 2hrs 30mins

All Wrapped Up

Participants design and create bespoke wrapping paper with a gift card and learn how to make a gift box. Time Required: 90mins

Decoupage Plant Pot or tray

Use a decoupage technique to cover and decorate a plant pot or small wooden tray for your home. This can be tailored to suit someone’s interests i.e. sewing, gardening, cars, knitting etc. The pot in the picture was decorated using vintage newspaper articles. Time Required: 2hours

Seasonal Workshops

Harvest Straw Knot

Learn about traditional Harvest customs then make two types of straw knot to take home. Time Required: 60mins

Fabric Easter Eggs / Christmas Baubles

For a hand-crafted look why not make your own decorations? In this workshop scraps of fabric are used to cover two shapes. Embellishments are then added for a finished look. Time Required: 90mins

Christmas Evergreen Wreath

Collect greenery from your garden or local woods then learn how to make a Christmas wreath to hang on your door. Time Required: 2hrs

Christmas Rag Rug Wreath

Using a rag-rug method, participants can make a seasonal wreath for any time of year. Time Required: 4hrs

Christmas Pom Pom Wreath

This can be made in alternative colours to suit the season.

Christmas Quilling

3D pieces of work can be made which can be used as a Christmas decoration. Time Required: 3hrs

Community Group Projects

There are many craft activities that be used to suit the age, ability and skill level of your group. I therefore tailor an activity to suit your group’s particular needs, the season or theme being studied. Here are some examples of workshops I facilitated with various groups. Talks on seasonal customs are also available.

Easter Wreath Making & Fabric Egg

View more Community Group Projects

#Special Projects I have been involved with various funded community projects. We meet each group initially to discuss their vision. Once this has been decided and agreed, a plan is put in place to achieve the project. If you have a special project in mind, contact me to discuss options. Here are some images of projects we have been involved with:

Under the organisation Artsekta, we worked with a group of local ladies from the Glengormley area for 12 weeks. They wanted to try a range of crafts which eventually would be displayed in Mossley Mill.

The Coalisland Knitted Town project. We met with these ladies over 10 months to help them design, plan and execute their idea of recreating their town in the early 1900s.

The North Ardoyne Cultural Quilt project. This group, over 3 months, explored their own culture and then decided on 15 square panels which would represent their lives and those of their grandparents.

The Brighter Nights cross community project for families. Over the summer we provided crafts suitable for all ages and abilities of children. Parents were encouraged to work alongside and play games with their children. The crafts also helped the child’s motor and thinking skills. All activities were linked to a traditional game from the past.