Entering the grove…
Hands-On Practice
The Craft
Step-by-step practical workshops for seasonal crafts, herbal preparations, natural dyeing, and traditional skills. From Brigid's Cross weaving to solstice wreath making.
seasonal craft
Brigid's Cross Weaving
Learn to weave a traditional Brigid's Cross from rushes, a sacred craft honouring the goddess Brigid at Imbolc.
~60 minbeginner
Materials: Fresh green rushes (Juncus effusus), approximately 20-30 stems, A basin of water for soaking rushes, Scissors or a sharp knife...
food
Elderflower Cordial
Brew a fragrant elderflower cordial from foraged blossoms, capturing the essence of early summer in a bottle.
~90 minbeginner
Materials: 20-25 large elderflower heads, freshly picked, 1.5 kg granulated sugar, 1.5 litres boiling water...
textileMembers
Natural Dye with Woad
Extract and prepare woad dye to create the ancient blue pigment used by the Celts, and dye your own cloth.
~180 minadvanced
Materials: Fresh woad leaves (approximately 500g) or prepared woad powder, Sodium carbonate (washing soda), Sodium hydrosulphite (reducing agent) or historical alternative: fermented urine vat...
seasonal craft
Beeswax Candle Making
Hand-dip and mould pure beeswax candles for ritual use and home, learning the ancient craft of chandlery.
~120 minbeginner
Materials: Pure beeswax blocks or pellets (approximately 1kg), Cotton wick (various thicknesses), A double boiler or bain-marie...
woodlandMembers
Green Woodworking Spoon
Carve a functional eating spoon from green (freshly felled) wood using traditional hand tools and techniques.
~150 minintermediate
Materials: A green wood blank (birch, cherry, or sycamore), approximately 25cm x 5cm x 5cm, A small carving axe or hatchet, A straight carving knife (sloyd knife)...
herbal
Herbal Smudge Bundle
Create a herbal smudge bundle from foraged British herbs for space clearing, ceremony, and seasonal ritual.
~75 minbeginner
Materials: Fresh mugwort stems and leaves, Fresh rosemary sprigs, Fresh lavender stems...
seasonal craft
Samhain Lantern Making
Carve a traditional turnip lantern for Samhain, the original Jack-o'-lantern of the British Isles.
~90 minintermediate
Materials: A large turnip or swede (rutabaga), A sharp kitchen knife, A sturdy metal spoon for scooping...
seasonal craft
Solstice Wreath
Craft a winter solstice wreath from foraged evergreens, berries, and dried materials to welcome the returning light.
~120 minintermediate
Materials: A wreath base ring (willow, clematis vine, or wire frame, approx 30cm diameter), Assorted evergreen cuttings: holly, ivy, yew, pine or spruce, Berries: holly berries, rosehips, hawthorn berries...