02/06/2026
Tucked in alongside our artisan makers will be 4 artists demonstrating their skills! Be sure to take a look at our interactive demonstrations, where we encourage the public to have a go and ask questions on these heritage crafts.
We are delighted to have Paul Cassidy from CCassidy Bodhransshowing us the steps needed to make a traditional Irish bodhrán. Paul is an expert Irish craftsman known for producing high-quality, handmade bodhráns, often featured in workshops and artisan markets. He’s known for delivering quality instruments, with some used by notable performers.
Gavin from GGaia heritage arts & crafts joins us again to demonstrate techniques in green woodworking and carving by hand. Green woodworking is the craft of shaping unseasoned, freshly cut wood (often within a year of felling) using traditional hand tools, exploiting its high moisture content for ease of carving and, as it dries, creating exceptionally strong, tight joints. Key techniques include splitting, turning on a pole lathe, and shaving with a drawknife on a shave horse.
We welcome Anna back to showcase with us from MMuddy Fingers McGurnAnna was a contestant on the Great Pottery Throwdown, so some of you may recognise her from there. The show was an incredible and positive experience which inspired her to develop and find her own style of making. She will share some of her techniques with us on the wheel.
Stephen Menarry will be demonstrating the techniques used in willow weaving a basket which will be up for raffle at the end of the day. Just leave your name & contact details at his spot to be in with a chance of winning the end product.
Willow weaving is a deeply rooted, ancient Irish tradition dating back to at least 2000 BC, with techniques often using locally grown willow to create functional, durable household items. Traditional, often rustic, items like the skib (potato-straining basket) and creel (used for carrying turf or produce) are iconic to rural Irish life Traditionally in Ireland, in every town, there would have been somebody growing some willow. They may have grown it and sold it as a crop to makers, or they may have used it themselves. Basket weaving would have been a traditional skill passed down through the generations.
Studio 1 is a community interest company (CIC). Our aim is to support, sustain and promote artisans and the handmade industry in our local district of Strabane. While also engaging with the community to share our skills and knowledge, and the history of heritage crafts that Strabane once thrived on. Call by Castle Street & Castle Place to our Artisan Market to have a chat on Saturday!
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