26/05/2019
The Bábóg Project aims to give people a simple and symbolic way to pay tribute to each baby and child that died in Ireland's former Mother and Baby homes.
It is estimated that there are approximately 6000 babies and children who were born and died at Mother and Baby homes around Ireland.
This project has no other aim but to acknowledge that each of these infants were human beings with human stories, no matter how short and they are therefore deserving of our love, care and attention.
By making a doll for each child, we are in a way sitting with them for those 2 or 3 hours that it takes. We are acknowledging that they existed, that they were important and they are worthy of our time and attention. We acknowledge their story, without ever knowing it, and the stories of their mother and father.
Doll making is an ancient craft, it is a craft that can capture our feelings of love and caring. The dolls made for the Bábóg Project are beautiful in their simplicity. They are small enough to fit into the palm of a hand. They are made with natural, inexpensive materials such as cotton and wool and are easy to make. The finished dolls will be gathered together by the Bábóg Project and we are hoping that they will be part of a travelling exhibition.
The Bábóg Project invites you to join us, to make a doll for at least one child. To spend a few hours out of your life in homage to the short life of another. We currently have a number of patterns and tutorials available for free on our page The Bábóg Project or via email thebabogproject@gmail.com and finished dolls can be sent to The Bábóg Project c/o Courtmacsherry Community Shop, Courtmacsherry, Co Cork.
We will be running 2 doll making workshops in Clonakilty on June 22nd 3.30pm – 6.30pm and June 23rd 11am – 2pm at Clonakilty Community Arts Centre.
No doll making or sewing experience is necessary.
We ask for a small donation to cover the costs of the materials (3 euro) but we will ask that the finished dolls are left with the project.
Please note that this workshop is not appropriate for children and although this venue is not wheelchair suitable we will be running future workshops at other venues.
Please note we are not trained counselors or therapists, we understand this is a very emotional subject and would ask anyone attending our workshops to be fully aware of and take responsibility for their own mental wellbeing.
To book a space (which is advisable as spaces are limited) or for more information please email thebabogproject@gmail.com
