BERNICE HARRISON on alternatives to the movies and the mall
Feltmakers Ireland
For many kids it’s the final weekend of the summer holidays, and thanks to Heritage Week hundreds of – mostly free – fun and interesting events are still on all around the country. The best thing is the number of activities – more than 900 – and their diversity.
A favourite of mine is one of the quirkiest: tomorrow’s Feltmakers Ireland open day, between noon and 4pm at its new studio in the Phoenix
Park, in Dublin. The organisation is made up of a group of exceptionally artistic enthusiasts who not only keep the tradition of felting alive but can make just about anything from wool, from delicate dresses and chunky jewellery to pieces of art and daft objects such as felt fruit and veg (above). A child who gets the hang of felting can easily make a cute purse or a pair of booties, and it’s a very hands-on craft, involving soap, lots of water and colourful yarns.
There will be feltmaking demonstrations, a display of work, and refreshments, and if it’s a good day bring a picnic and sit outside. To get to the studio, get on the free shuttle bus in the park, get off at the Ordnance Survey stop and it’s a short walk to the studio at Knockmaroon Gate.
If you get to the park earlier (10.30am-12.45pm), head for the Children’s Art Cart, at Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, which has free art workshops for six- to 12-year-olds.
See heritageweek.ie