The Joy of Learning Traditional Crafts

Michelle takes us through the varied programme of the hands on heritage learning on offer in the High Life Highland Ranger Service

In a world that often prioritises technology and convenience, there's a profound joy in reconnecting with traditional crafts. At High Life Highland, we've embraced this joy, offering "You Time" sessions - short meetings once a week, where I have been providing participants with the opportunity to learn and engage in various crafts in a community environment either at the Library in Fort William or at the Community Outdoor Learning Hub in Glen Nevis. Keep scrolling to see the crafts we offered in Lochaber in the first half of 2024

February: Metal Embossing

We kicked off our 2024 sessions in February with a captivating metal embossing workshop. Nine enthusiastic participants joined us to learn the intricate art of transferring designs onto metal sheets. Using a range of tools, they created stunning embossed patterns. To keep the session affordable, I repurposed Ranger supplies, purchasing only a few additional items. This approach not only minimises costs (Lessons are only £6.50 or free for High Life Members) but also demonstrates the importance of resourcefulness in crafting, as most crafters know!

Metal embossing at Fort William Library

March: Iris Folded Cards

March brought a touch of elegance with our Iris folding card-making session. Using pre-cut paper and card templates, participants discovered the beauty of this paper folding technique. One participant found such joy in the process that she has since taken up Iris folding as a hobby, crafting her own cards for various occasions, including Christmas cards. This session showcased how crafting can spark long-lasting passion and creativity.

Folding Iris Cards

April: Natural Hand and Lip Bam

In April, we ventured into the world of natural beauty products. Participants experimented with beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, lavender oil, and almond oil to create their own hand and lip balms. Participants thoroughly enjoyed the process of concocting their unique recipes. This session tapped into the joy of using natural ingredients to craft personal care items, which helps us understand more about the materials we use daily in personal care products.

Natural Lip Balms

May: Recycled Glass Bottle Terrariums

May's session focused on sustainability with recycled glass bottle terrariums. Participants used clay beads, gravel, soil, stones, moss, plants, and activated charcoal to create miniature ecosystems within glass bottles. The challenge of assembling these terrariums without being able to fit their hands into the bottles added an element of fun and challenge. One participant cleverly brought a jar with a larger opening. The finished items will grow on in participants homes as their own mini-ecosystem.

Terrarium - a mini eco-system

June: Pewter Casting

In June, we explored the art of pewter casting. With five participants, each crafted unique items, with oak leaves being a popular choice. They learned to make moulds from clay and silicone before heading outside to melt pewter and pour it into their moulds. The resulting creations were stunning.

A Growing Learning Community of Crafters

Over the months, I've witnessed the development of a dedicated group of individuals who eagerly attend every session, regardless of the month's theme. One participant even adjusts her work schedule and travels a considerable distance to join us, highlighting the strong sense of community and passion that these sessions engender. While our core group remains steadfast, we also welcome new participants who bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to each special interest craft.

Through these diverse sessions, I've not only been able to teach the valuable skills in hand cafting, but also cultivated a uplifting and welcoming space where creativity, tradition, and community flourish. Each craft, from metal embossing to pewter casting, has brought joy and fulfillment to our participants, proving that traditional crafts have a timeless appeal in our modern world.

Working with Wool

Later in June I will be travelling to Badenoch and Strathspey to deliver some wooly workshops at the Highland Folk Museum. These are longer workshops designed to do a deep dive and to transform the raw material of woollen fleece into a finished product. If this sounds of interest to you - read about the 5 hour long workshops and how to book a place here:

Join us in celebrating the joy of learning traditional crafts, and perhaps you'll find yourself inspired to embark on your own creative journey with us at High Life Highland.

Michelle Melville is High Life Highland’s Heritage Ranger, is passionately dedicated to preserving Scottish natural and cultural heritage, through her commitment to mastering and teaching traditional Scottish Highland crafts. A skilled artisan, Michelle excels in a range of hand crafts from carving and weaving to stained glass creation and needle felting. Her talent in these crafts is not just a personal pursuit but a vital part of her role in engaging and inspiring communities. Michelle's deep connection with Gaelic culture and folklore enriches her engagement work, whilst initiatives, such as the celebrated ‘Lochaber Story Quilt’ are a testament to her dedication in promoting Scotland's rich cultural history, and preserving traditional crafting skills for years to come.