Wicklow County Council is excited to present a new series of textile upcycling mini summer camps and workshops for kids!
Join textile artists Tamara Fiabane and Susie Kenny for their joyful, nature-inspired workshops. Organised by the Environmental Awareness Office in partnership with Wicklow’s Library Service, these mini summer camps are an opportunity you won't want to miss.
The Salty Stitch mini summer camp will take place over two mornings at Arklow and Greystones libraries, where kids will create beautiful crafts inspired by the nearby coastal environment. These workshops will also raise awareness about our Blue Flag beaches.
The Woodland Stitch workshops will feature a morning session at Carnew and Tinahely libraries, focusing on the native old oak woodland of Tomnafinnoge. Participants will engage in stitching and embellishing with beads, buttons, ribbons, and more, creating scenes featuring jellyfish, whales, birds, butterflies, and much more.
As we witness an overwhelming amount of textiles being discarded, Wicklow County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Melanie Corrigan emphasises the significance of these workshops: "Teaching young people the basics of sewing and repair is about more than just creativity—it's about self-reliance and sustainability. These lifelong skills empower children to take care of what they own, reduce waste and make thoughtful choices. It’s a simple, practical step toward building a more resilient and resourceful community."
Director of Services for Climate, Environment, Recreation, and Amenity Theresa O’Brien, strongly supports these workshops as well: "Encouraging creativity and sustainability from a young age is vital. This coastal-inspired textile upcycling summer camp offers the perfect blend of both. Not only will children learn practical skills and environmental awareness, but they'll also connect with the unique cultural and natural beauty of our coastline. It's a wonderful opportunity to inspire the next generation of conscious creators."
These workshops are free, but spaces are limited. Booking is required and can be made by visiting or contacting the respective libraries. Tamara and Susie are excited to work with groups of children aged 8-12 at the following libraries:
Arklow Library
Dates: July 8th and 9th
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Age Group: 8-12
Group Size: 12 (Parents or grandparents are welcome to help)
To book, contact: arklowlibrary@wicklowcoco.ie or drop in.
Greystones Library
Dates: July 15th & 16th
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
To book contact: greylib@wicklowcoco.ie or drop into the library
Tinahely Library
Date: July 10th
Time: 11am – 1pm
Age group: 8-12
Group size: 6
To book contact: sivers@wicklowcoco.ie or drop into the library
Carnew Library
Date: July 10th
Time: 2.15 – 4.15pm
Age group: 8-12
Group size: 6
To book contact: MHenness@wicklowcoco.ie or drop into the library
For more information about these workshops please contact the Environmental Awareness Officer
by emailing eao@wicklowcoco.ie
For more information Blue Flag Beaches | Wicklow.ie
IMAGE: Sample of Tamara Fiabane’s work. Image Credit: Tamara Fiabane.