Weaving on Driftwood

This tool was developed as part of Cultural Cwtsh, which was an online creative wellbeing hub for the health and care workforce in Wales, created by the Arts Council of Wales in collaboration with artists across the country.

In partnership with the Arts Council of Wales, we’re excited to share this mental wellbeing tool, alongside with many other creative resources, with everyone in Wales!

Hi, my name is Laura and I’ve been working as a woven textile artist, maker, educator and curator since 2003.

I’m really passionate about sharing my skills and love to see others get the same satisfaction from creating a woven textile as I do.

Many assume that weaving is too technical and inaccessible an artform for most to have a go at. However, with this short film I share how anybody can easily get started weaving with only the most basic materials.

Walking daily is vital for my health and wellbeing, and when walking by the sea I love to collect driftwood to weave on to back at my studio, which is what I demonstrate in this project.

Having grown up on the Pembrokeshire coast, I’ve always been inspired by the coastal landscapes. From loving the wide-open spaces to noticing the intricate natural textures and patterns, it’s all very much feeds into my work.

Weaving is a deeply mindful craft – you can’t rush the process, and the focus is very much on colour, texture and linear qualities. I encourage you to tune into your intuition as you weave – focus on a colour palette that pleases you and just go with the inherent flow as you build up your textile one row at a time.

Equipment needed

• Driftwood – Preferably something flat and smooth
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle
• Wooden ‘kebab’ skewer
• Pliers
• Yarn
• Masking tape.

Download the Weaving on Driftwood PDF.