Memories from Finland from a week long willow bark weaving workshop and from daily dips in some of its 100 000 plus lakes

It is a dream setting in Kankaanpaa, Finland for workshops in all sorts of creative topics. While I was there, I could have chosen to do silver jewellery, setting stones in jewellery, 20 different ways of making a mark on fabric and then of course the one that I was so happy to be on- willow bark weaving. The old wooden college buildings are situated by a lake where you can cool down by swimming and keep fit when taking part in the workshops. Kankaanpaa is a the small town which visibly embraces its handcraft culture. Food was tasty and nourishing accompanied by typical northern rye bread and local berries. I am sure to go back again as it was such FUN and I felt like a student again! Anybody want to come with me next year, I will translate if required.

Creative fun with Willow bark will be a new workshop for next Autumn.

However, I am back now tending to my garden and catching up on everything else that needs to be done to carry on with creativity and craft skills. Workshops for the Autumn Winter 2016 are on the www.blacksmithshopcrsfts.co.uk page. You may find it easier to view them in list form as then you do not have to scroll through the summer months when I only carry on with the Knitting Club Wednesdays 1-2p.m. £5-00 and Sewing on Wednesdays and Thursdays 9.30-12.30p.m. £15-00. The Clubs are wonderful and have a steady number of people attending but there is room for a few more, if you are interested.

Workshops have already started to sell and Glass fusing is sold out on 18th October and the Willow deer on 22nd of November has only two places left but there is another deer workshop with vacancies on 8th November.

To book, send me an email and I will forward you a booking form. Or ring me!

Are you wondering what to buy for a relative or a friend's Birthday? Vouchers are available for any value.

I love your comments and try my hardest to provide an interesting and varied set of workshops with as competitive prices as I possibly can. Get in touch if I can give you more information.

Please feel free to forward this email to your friends who may be interested in what is on offer.

Kindest Regards

Anna AIraksinen