Iryna Holoshchapova Travnytsia Herbal Doll Workshop SECOND SESSIONy .00

About

Discover one of Ukraines most comforting and symbolic folk traditions in this immersive hands-on workshop led by Ukrainian artist and art-therapist Iryna Holoshchapova.

In this session, participants will learn to create a Travnytsia a traditional woven herbal doll filled with fragrant mint, lavender and other healing plants. In Ukrainian culture, the Travnytsia is far more than a decorative object: it is a protective talisman, believed to purify the home, bring tranquillity and harmony, and promote restorative sleep. These gentle dolls, often gifted to loved ones, symbolise kindness, well-being and the nurturing wisdom of natures herbs.

With patient, step-by-step guidance, Iryna will show you how to weave, fill and shape your own Travnytsia while sharing the folklore, meanings and stories surrounding this cherished tradition including the image of the Travnytsia as a wise and caring herbal grandmother who carries natures remedies.

All materials are provided, and each small session is limited to just 10 participants, ensuring plenty of individual attention. You will leave with your own beautifully crafted Travnytsia to take home.

Iryna Holoshchapova was born in Donetsk and began her career teaching marketing and economics at the Donetsk College of Industrial Automation. After the Russian occupation of Donetsk, she was forced to relocate to western Ukraine, where her life took a profoundly creative turn. Immersing herself in drawing and community work, she retrained as an art therapist and began teaching painting to refugees who had fled eastern Ukraine. Her classes became a space of expression, comfort and healing for many.

Iryna went on to hold numerous art exhibitions across Ukraine, showcasing vibrant landscapes, floral studies and expressive works rooted in memory and place. Now living in the UK, she continues her artistic journey through painting, folk-art traditions and textile crafts including the meticulous hand-knitting of carpets and the creation of nature-inspired artworks. Her teaching blends warmth, cultural insight and a deep belief in the restorative power of creativity.