Norah Casey Instagram – As the temperature hit 25 degrees we headed up to the village of Sarnadas in the parish of Alte and a little weaving workshop, Casa do Esparto, based in the repurposed Escola Primária das Sarnadas. It’s one of a network of artisan spaces of the Loulé Criativo project which is revitalising ancient creative traditions in the region. There I met this wonderful woman Donna Aldegundes Gomes, born in the village, she proudly tells me she’s 89 years old and 60 years a weaver. She has a big heart, skilful hands and a wide smile. You can tell she loves what she does. Now she is passing on her knowledge to new generations and enthusiastic amateurs like me. She and the other women in the collective use Esparto grass which grows wild in this area – the Barrocal lands of the Algarve interior. Essential back in the day for carpets, rugs, baskets and much more, the women are bringing back the traditional method and weaving patterns to create lovely unique pieces, some decorative, many practical. I was in the baby class making key rings which was a lovely hands-on, gentle and calming experience. Hands touching hands, heads bent close together nudging the grasses into new shapes and patterns. #creativityinaction @loule_criativo @visitalgarve