Weave a Willow Christmas Stags Head in the Walled Garden

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Join us on Sunday 15th November, from 10.00am to 4.00pm, for our Christmas Willow Stag Head Workshop. During this relaxed, hands-on workshop, you’ll weave your own striking stag’s head using sustainable willow grown here in our Salley garden.

Experienced local willow artist Heather McDermott will guide you through every step of the process. First, you’ll learn how to prepare and shape the willow. Then you’ll master several traditional weaving techniques before bringing your stag’s head to life. Whether you’re a beginner or have woven before, Heather will help you build your skills and confidence throughout the day.

Once you’ve finished your sculpture, you can decorate it with fairy lights, baubles, ribbons, ivy or berries to create a unique Christmas display. Alternatively, remove the festive decorations after Christmas and enjoy your handcrafted willow stag’s head as a year-round feature in your home or garden.

Throughout the day, you’ll also discover why willow is one of the world’s most sustainable natural materials. Weather permitting, we’ll take a short walk to our Salley garden where we grow the willow used in many of our workshops. You’ll see how we harvest it and learn why willow has played such an important role in traditional crafts for generations.

Your Christmas Stag’s Head Workshop includes

Expert tuition from willow artist Heather McDermott

All willow, tools and materials

A handcrafted Christmas willow stag head to take home

Morning and afternoon tea or coffee with eats and treats

A delicious homemade lunch

Tickets are £90 pp inc VAT

Limited to 10 spaces.

Book early to secure your space

No previous experience is necessary. However, working with willow requires a reasonable level of manual dexterity and hand strength. lease wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear as part of the day may include a short walk around the garden.

Come with friends, family or colleagues. Equally, come on your own and enjoy meeting like-minded people in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

This workshop also makes a thoughtful early Christmas gift for anyone who enjoys gardening, traditional crafts or spending time in nature.

Finding us

Helen’s Bay is accessed via the A2 Belfast/Bangor carriageway, following signs for Helen’s Bay.

Drive down the Craigdarragh Road for 0.8 miles. You will see the Walled Garden on your left.

Take the left hand turn at the 30mph speed limit sign, before the railway bridge.

Drive down our temporary stoned driveway, into the car park

Follow the signs to the workshop

For information about our other events and workshops CLICK HERE