Studio Barn at Arduaine Gardens

Earlier this month Studio Barn went on tour to Arduaine Gardens (Pronounced Ardooanne or Ardoonie depending on whom you’re talking to). A National Trust for Scotland owned garden in Argyll http://www.arduaine-garden.org.uk/. It has fabulous views across the sea it is a beautiful garden to wander around at all times of the year. Last year the NTS threatened to close it and there is now a Support Group hoping to raise the £1.5 million it needs to remain open. As part of their plan to raise awareness of the gardens they have been having themed days during the summer. We were asked if we would like to take part in the Craft Festival they had planned. We were delighted to do so. As a family we have known and loved Arduaine for many years. There used to be a campsite just half a mile or so along the road where we would camp and then explore the shore.

Polly demonstrated chair caning. A traditional craft she has been doing for many years. There is a waiting list for chair seats to be re-caned but if you are interested in learning more about having a chair re-caned then please do contact Polly via the Studio Barn website http://www.studiobarnargyll.co.uk/

Kate sat in the sun and demonstrated needle felting and chatted to anyone who showed an interest. This now completed ‘Daisy’ cushion is for sale in the Barn and will be added to the website shortly.

Alex manned the stall with its eclectic but interesting and wide ranging assortment of crafts, paintings and drawings, cake and jams, and made lots of sales all the whilst telling people about the new Gallery/Studio.

Other demonstrations of traditional crafts included Kathy Potter-Irwin from Ardfern making very sturdy & absolutely gorgeous baskets.  She’s making a traditional Irish potato basket here.

Louise Oppenheimer weaves on a very simple frame ‘loom’ using her fingers rather than shuttle and heddles.

It was a great afternoon, folk music in the background and visitors wandering around the beautiful gardens in the sunshine.