Every Scandinavian country has something that they can claim as their own, to set them apart from their neighboring countries. In Denmark they claim the heart.
Woven heart baskets are one of the more common iterations in Denmark today. Even Hans Christian Anderson, the famous Danish author, made the woven heart baskets during the holidays, decorating homes and Christmas trees with beautiful designs made with bright colored paper. Sometimes they are filled with small gifts or candy. The oldest paper heart, made by Anderson, can be found today at the Odense City Museum.
Twelve ladies took part in this workshop, we used different coloured felt to create our hearts. Everyone seemed to enjoy the task and we all produced a Danish Heart.

Also today there was a film crew in the Newtownabbey Shed making a documentary that will be shown on the BBC early 2026. The film crew came into the workshop and chatted to the group and filmed some of the women while they were making their Danish Woven Hearts.

EastEnders actress Natalie Cassidy is beginning a new career, although she will be at school and not in Walford. She is renowned for playing Sonia Fowler. Natalie is at the centre of a BBC documentary that chronicles her experiences and journey as she undertakes health and social care training. Learning to Care, will consist of 12 episodes running at half an hour each. It is expected to air on BBC One and stream on iPlayer.

 Newtownabbey Women's Shed really appreciate IMPACT NI for supporting and funding our Arts & Crafts workshops.