Yesterday 20th June Primary 6/7 were taught by an award winning and experienced weaver. The woman who taught us was called Mrs Louise McLean from Portrush. Louise told us that ten years ago she was eager to learn the pattern of weaving different kinds of household uses and ornaments.

After she had given us an introduction about what her life was like weaving for a living, she showed us some of her pieces of work and also what we would be using to make our piece of art. We decided to make a circular shaped basket similar to one which Louise had made months ago. Before we all began our piece of work Louise thought that it would be a good idea to try and weave a basket which she had already started. Some of the children took to weaving quite quickly while others took a back seat and looked on to try and take in what pattern was being used.

Once Louise had started the base off for us we all took it in turns to weave. Once we had finished our master piece (which was very good for first timers) Louise showed us examples of other pieces of work and also newspaper clippings of when she came first in Northern Ireland's Craftiest Woman and 2nd in Britain. We saw pictures of a large cup and saucer, a sheep and other farm yard animals, a dragonfly and other household ornaments.

When Louise mentioned obout herself and her son making fish everyone decided they wanted a piece of the action too, so they all made one for themselves.

I loved Mrs McLean coming in to teach us such wonderful pieces of work, it was also great of her to give up more than her time for us.

by Aine

Yesterday a woman called Louise McLean came in to our school and showed us how to make a basket by weaving. She got us some sticks and then she told us about weaving. She then showed us how to make our basket using willow branches which were easy to bend. It took us three hours. Everyone got a chance to twist the rods around to make it. After that we made fish with willow. She then showed us the teacup that she made. It was big and she said that she won a competition with it. I then finished my fish. I enjoyed doing the weaving.

by Sean Paul

Yesterday 20th June Louise MacLean came into our school and did some basket weaving with us. Louise took in some baskets and also a coffee cup she had made. Louise had been in a contest representing the United Kingdom and she came second. Louise showed us how to start the base of the basket and how to build on the sides of the baskets. We made the basket with willow. We all got to make a bit of the school basket. I was the last person to help make the basket. At the end we all got a picture with the basket. Patrick made a cross and got his picture taken. Now its up on our wall. I enjoyed yesterday because we didn’t have to do work.

by Patrick