The Willow Woman

01/07/2026

A very special moment from the One Million Stars project ✨⭐✨⭐

I was honoured to contribute to this community arts project by creating these willow stars, which were presented to the Uachtarán na hÉireann / President of Ireland Catherine Connolly and Norma Foley - TD
The real achievement belongs to the women, community groups and organisers whose creativity, commitment and collaboration make the One Million Stars project such a powerful symbol of hope, solidarity and awareness around domestic abuse and all forms of violence.

It is very special to see the traditional craft of willow weaving play a small part in a project that brings communities together and carries such an important message.
Thank you to Tubbercurry Frc and Sligo LEADER Partnership Company Ltd for supporting this community project. ⭐
Do you think the star is hanging in Áras an Uachtaráin???😊😊

26/06/2026

When people ask where I got my craft skills from... this is my answer. ❤️

Last week we celebrated the opening of The Green Loy at Carrick on Shannon

This exhibition celebrates local folk art, creativity and the traditions that have been quietly passed from one generation to the next.

It was a proud day for our family. Mam (Eileen/Mrs. Golden/ Granny), now 92, has two pieces on display—an embroidered picture she stitched in November 1949 and her beautifully embroidered linen tablecloth. My Leitrim potato teeming basket is also part of the exhibition.

One of the highlights is the exhibition film, where Vincent Woods visits Mam at home for a chat about her embroidery and the stories behind her work.

If you're in Leitrim this summer, do visit The Green Loy. It's a beautiful celebration of the creativity, craftsmanship and heritage that have always been part of our communities.

❤️

19/06/2026

Weave a willow Bread Basket in Dromahair🧺👍💚

Due to the high interest in the half day workshop, a full day basket making course has now been added. Friday 16th October 2026 10am-5pm, to learn about our traditional Irish Heritage. Materials, tuition and tools included. Bring home your new Willow Bread Basket. Limited spaces.

17/06/2026

"What are you at today?"😄

Usually something different every day!
From community projects and heritage initiatives to visitor experiences and basket-making workshops, I'm lucky to share traditional Irish Basketmaking with so many lovely people throughout the country.
Thank you for all your support over the years.
If you'd like a basket-making workshop for your family, friends, colleagues, school or community group, get in touch.
📧 [email protected]
Local. Lived. Leitrim.

16/06/2026

Did your grandparents use baskets for turf, potatoes, shopping or eggs?

Join me in The Depot, Dromahair for a 3 hour beginners basketmaking workshop where you will weave your own willow flower vase and hear the stories behind Leitrim's Basketmaking heritage.
*For beginners /no experience
*All materials supplied
*Take home your new willow vase
*Fri 11th Sept at 10am
*Booking at Dromahair Development Association/Tidy Towns, phone 0719134986 or 0858017943 or email [email protected]
* Scéalta, ceird agus craic👍

05/06/2026

A soft June day in Leitrim💚🧺

04/06/2026

There's something lovely about seeing a basket in the sunshine 🌞
I've just added new workshop dates and would love to welcome you to weave a basket in Leitrim. Come and spend a day working with willow and leave with a basket you've made yourself.
Workshops take place in Leitrim Village and are ideal for beginners🧺
Link in bio / booking link below.

30/05/2026

Nestbox Update 🐦👌🪺✈️
And just like that, the nest is empty.
After nearly three weeks of constant feeding, fluttering and cheeping, the blue tit chicks all safely left the nestbox today. Hope you have enjoyed watching along as much as I did💛

29/05/2026

Nest box update
It's getting rowdy in the nestbox as the chicks start learning to use their wings. Just a few more days and they will take off one by one ✈️🐦

28/05/2026

News Flash🧺💚
1 place has become available on a Basketmaking Class in Leitrim Village - first come, first served👍
Sat 6th June
10am-5pm
Perfect for beginners
Details in the comments below