Gonks + Gifts Workshop, Waterford Cultural Quarter, Waterford

Playful figures and festive macramé keepsakes

This workshop offers a seasonal activity that combines gentle reflection with light-hearted making. It is designed for community groups, wellbeing programmes, and social settings where a relaxed and inclusive craft suits a wide range of abilities. The outcome, a small box filled with festive handmade pieces, makes it particularly suited to fundraising events or group projects where the finished sets can be gifted or sold to raise support.

A spirit of playfulness

The theme of playfulness is introduced at the start with a short guided meditation, encouraging participants to let go of daily concerns and welcome in a lighter, more joyful state of mind. A colouring-based journalling activity follows, where participants decorate festive shapes such as gonks, baubles, and candy canes while reflecting on simple sources of cheer in their lives. This playful beginning sets the tone for the practical work that follows.

Simple materials, familiar actions

Participants create a small collection of festive items using straightforward techniques. A gonk figure is made with a large bead nose, wool hair or beard, and a tall hat. Alongside this, simple macramé is used to form miniature ornaments such as a tree, a candy cane wrapped with rope, and a wreath around a curtain ring. The methods involve knotting, wrapping, and gluing, all kept accessible with step-by-step guidance. The activity encourages personal touches in colour, texture, and style, supporting both individual creativity and a sense of play.

A festive box of cheer

By the end of the workshop, each participant will have gathered their creations into a small cardboard gift box. Inside will be a gonk and a handful of macramé ornaments, all handmade in a shared, playful spirit. Each box is unique, offering a tangible reminder of joy and lightness in the season. The boxed sets can be kept as personal keepsakes, given as thoughtful gifts, or offered as part of fundraising efforts, extending the playful cheer beyond the workshop itself.