Weekend in the Woods.

clare | environment | event notice Saturday April 28, 2007 23:37 by CELT - Centre for Environmental Living & Training info at celtnet dot org c/o East Clare Community Co-op, Main Street, Scariff, Co Clare, Ireland. +353 (0)61-640765 +353 (0)87-632 4644

5th / 6th May 2007, Bealkelly Wood, Tuamgraney, Co Clare.

CELT's Big Woodland /Countryside Skills Training Event.

CELT presents, in association with Muintir na Coille (Coppice and Allied Trades Association), choice of 15 courses in environmental and ecological trades for all levels. Trainees already having basic skills are welcome to develop their skills further with the guidance of our highly qualified tutors. Courses are open to all over 14 years and 'Woodcrafts' course open to 8 - 14 yr old children of CELT tutors and course participants only.

Last year's Weekend in the Woods Spring Photo Report here: http://www.indymedia.ie/article/75955

PROPOSED COURSES.

Leather shoe making
Introduction to basic shoe design, pattern-making, cutting, stitching, etc. Making a pair. Materials cost 50 euros for your own pair, includes necessary tools to continue.
Course tutor : Stuart McIntyre

Dry Stone & Lime Mortar Walling
Traditional construction techniques for walls and buildings - also garden features (retaining walls, raised beds, seats, steps) plus an introduction to the use of lime mortar which allows a building to 'breathe' letting out water-vapour but preventing rain from getting in. Steel-toe-cap boots are recommended.
Course Tutor: Bob Wilson

Herb-lore
Plant Magic- Exploration of our native wild and garden plants includes edible and medicinal uses, folklore, gardening tips, herb walk, seasonal recipes, herbal tincture and ointment making.
Course tutor: Kes Clarke

Greenwood Furniture
Selection of different types of native green hardwoods and using them to make interesting furniture using the natural shapes and grain of the wood. Materials charge 20 euro.
Course tutor : Warren Pickles view image

Bushcraft
An introduction to living in the wild - using the skills of the hunter-gatherer together with a bit of common sense and knowledge of the plants and creatures of the forest, to not only survive, but enjoy it ! Bring a sharp knife and waterproof clothing + a change of clothes.
Course Tutor: Del Harding

Wood Carving
Using local timber, participants will learn carving techniques and use/care of hand tools. Materials charge 7 euro. Carve an ogham panel or oak leaf panel in 2d (2 dimension)
Course Tutor: Andrew St Ledger

Ti-pi making
Make a 9ft 'children's lodge' - cutting and stitching of canvas plus construction info. Have the experience of making one collectively or 'make your own' -Materials charge 100 euros (if taking away your own ti-pi)
Course tutor : Ti-pi Dave (087-237-3643)

Blacksmithing
Use of small portable forge to make hand tools and decorative wrought ironwork - 10 euro materials charge payable with course fee.
Course Tutor: Peter Collins

Coppersmithing / Tinsmithing
Making basic containers using recycled materials. This is a unique opportunity to gain basic skills in coppersmithing using simple hand tools - Materials charge 10 euro.
Course Tutor: Andy Harris

Basket Weaving
Traditional willow basketry skills for many uses and the varieties of willow available - Materials charge 10 euro.
Course Tutor: Peter Sheehan

Gate-Hurdle making
Construction of a portable Gate-Hurdle using native timber. These were traditionally used for animal pens, but have become popular as moveable garden fencing.
Course tutor: Eoin Donnelly

Natural Building
On this course we will continue with the building ofthe cordwood roundhouse, we will build a section of solid cob, and finish the last of the cordwood. We will make a demonstration section to show how cordwood and clay straw can be used in timber frame context. We will work on laying a packed clay floor we will also build a simple but clever wood burner with an oil drumand install it in the building. All in one weekend! (Bring Wellies or be prepared to tread mud in bare feet).
Course tutor: Saul Mosbacher

Silversmithing
An introduction to silver jewelry making. Design and make your own jewelry pieces starting with a ring or pendant. If you have a semi-precious stone that you would like to incorporate in jewelry, bring it along. Also bring protective apron and stool / chair if you can. Small materials charge.
Course tutor: Susi Lewisohn view image

Sugan Chair making
Using green wood and sisal to make your own small traditional sugan chair.
Materials charge 5 euro.
Course tutor : Sean Walshe

Thatching
Continuation of thatching the roof of our traditional round-house - an introduction using local reed.
Course tutor : Harry Bartelink

Felt-making
Techniques of teasing out and dying wool to create both 2 and 3 dimensional felt-work of artistic design, but with practical use.
Course tutor : Joan Casey

For youngsters (8 - 14 yrs) : Woodcrafts (Children of tutors and course participants only)
Providing children with a basic skills-base for design and construction of simple 'rustic' furniture, musical instruments, shelter building and camping skills. Instruction in use of hammer and nails, rope-making and weaving techniques to encourage children to continue making things at home. The tutor will supervise use of hammers and saw - other sharp tools (e.g. knife, axe) will be used by the tutor only.
Course tutor : Mark Wilson (Many years experience as fully registered tutor with Irish National Teachers Organisation / Heritage Council 'Heritage in Schools' project).

COURSE FEES : 125 euro IN ADVANCE or 140 euro if paying on the weekend.
Woodcrafts (8 - 14 yrs) 2 days 85 euro,
Annual MEMBERSHIP is a requirement - 15 euro.
Concessions available for students / unwaged on request only.
- Plus any materials charge (payable in advance if possible, or directly to tutor)
- POST your full payment (+ membership if applicable) to confirm booking - cheque or PO payable to CELT.

Online booking here: http://www.celtnet.org/booking-online-page.html

Courses run 10.30am - 5.30pm.
Please do arrive early on the Saturday to Register etc. at the gate. Its a further 10 minute walk down to the workshops.

Canteen (Good wholesome food available).
Also a Teahouse & Camping for participants only in the designated area. Leave only your footprints.

Strong boots / Wellingtons, Raingear, Penknife are recommended.