Crafty Laois town to host August Craft Month events

Laois craft makers have joined in the action for the national August Craft Month, Ireland’s Biggest Celebration of Craft.

August Craft Month has kicked off, a month-long celebration of local craft across the island of Ireland.

Two events are hosted in Laois, both in Mountmellick which has a historic association with craft, especially its famed Mountmellick Work embroidery.

Local makers Ethelda Ellis and Laois Quilters will be involved in the celebrations and events.

Upcycling Denim Jeans is a FREE craft demonstration at Mountmellick Library, O’Moore Street, Mountmellick, on Saturday,  August 17 from 10am to 2pm.

It is a demonstration of how quilted wall hangings and furnishings as well as bags can be made from old denim jeans.

Members will bring along old jeans and threads etc. for everyone to use during short workshops and help attendees to hand sew small articles that can be taken home with them.

A quilt made from upcycled denim.

Crafternoon Tea will take place at the Mountmellick Museum Studio in the MDA, Irishtown, Mountmellick, on Wednesday, August 21 from 12pm to 5pm.

To support August Craft Month, Mountmellick Development Association invite you to Crafternoon Tea at the Museum Studio celebrating Mountmellick Embroidery. 

"Enjoy the museum visitor experience and wander through the museum exhibits of needlework and much more. Then partake of some refreshments and tasty treats to finish off your inspiring retreat. Here at the museum our origins are deeply rooted in the past, but our vision is firmly set on the future," say Mountmellick Museum.

The event will include a selection of museum short films showing throughout the day, including The Museum Welcome, Culture Night and The Mountmellick Town Trail videos.

There will be a guided tour of the museum which this year features a selection of new storyboards, followed by complimentary tea and treats.

Detail of a dress incorporating Mountmellick Work embroidery on display at Mountmellick Museum.

August Craft Month has a packed programme of over 400 events across all corners of the island.

Events include; workshops, exhibitions, open studios and festivals to allow audiences to immerse themselves in local craft. With a whole range of crafts from ceramics to carving, glass to sewing available to be explored, there is something for everyone, of all ages, and all levels of expertise.

It celebrates a rich craft heritage with artisans keeping ancient traditions alive and new talented makers bringing real vibrancy to the scene.

Led by Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) and Craft NI, the annual celebration is once again part of an island-wide summer programme. This year also sees August Craft Month continue their long-term collaboration with Cork Craft & Design.

See the August Craft Month interactive map on the augustcraftmonth.org website to find events near and far. Share your own craft adventures by tagging @augustcraftmonth24 and use the hashtags #augustcraftmonth2024 #makeseebuy