Craft NI

Christmas Willow Wreath Workshop
2022-12-03 14:00 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | North Down Museum, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT, United Kingdom
Create your own Christmas door wreath from local sustainable materials grown on the Ards Peninsula.
Clive from Welig Heritage Crafts will enable you to create your own individual piece for this special time of year.
All tools and materials will be supplied, however if you wish to bring your own natural extras like pine cones and dried orange rings please feel free to do so.

Christmas Woodcarving with Green Woodwork Ireland
2022-12-04 10:00 - 17:00 | Moneydarragh Hub, 101 Longstone Road, Newry, BT34 4UZ, United Kingdom
With the festive season only round the corner, this is the perfect opportunity to get into the spirit of Christmas and create a beautiful handcarved decoration to brighten up your home.
During this class Stephen Ryan from Green Woodwork Ireland will teach you the skills needed to produce your Christmas themed woodcarving, each participant can choose from 5 different designs including Santa, Christmas Tree, Gingerbread Man, North Star and Snowman.

You will also learn how to use a large variety of woodcarving chisels safely and effectively. This class is suitable for complete beginners as well as those that want to take their new found skills to the next level. No experience necessary.
Due to the use of sharp tools during the class sturdy boots or shoes should be worn.

Beginner’s Knitting Course - Fingerless Mitts
2022-12-07 18:30 - 2022-12-14 21:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Beginner’s Knitting Course – Fingerless Mitts with Casey Rubenok
Wed 7 & 14 Dec, 6.30-9pm
Over two evenings you will make a pair of fingerless mitts, learning all the basics of knitting along the way: how to knit, purl, cast on and bind off as well as seaming and weaving in the ends of your finished pieces.
All materials are included in the price, provided by Hanks Yarn Parlour and are yours to keep including:
50g ball of wool
1 pair of 5mm needles
1 tapestry needle and a few stitch markers
Please be aware that you may need to spend a little time on your project in between the first and second class.

Christmas Textile Art
2022-12-07 19:00 - 21:00 | The Burnavon, Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DN, United Kingdom
Under the expert guidance of textile artist Louisa Kelly participants will be shown the amazing things they can do with wool, needle and thread. Using the techniques of felt making, stitching and embellishment they will create a beautiful piece of Christmas textile art over the course of two nights, perfect to decorate your home this festive season, or to give as a thoughtful Christmas gift!
All materials will be provided.
Suitable for age 16+

Late Night Shopping: Creative Peninsula Christmas Edit Pop-up Shop
2022-12-08 17:00 - 2022-12-09 21:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
Come along after work for a late night shopping experience with a difference…

Check off your Christmas list after work as the doors open to the Creative Peninsula Christmas Edit Pop-up Shop for two late night shopping experiences on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 December, until 9pm!

Take the stress out of shopping and avoid the crowds while you browse the high quality and unique items and artwork, all while enjoying complementary mulled punch and a mince pie!
Find out more about the Creative Peninsula Christmas Pop-up Edit Pop-up Shop HERE.

Pottery open day with Helen Faulkner
2022-12-10 10:00 - 16:00 | Helen Faulkner Ceramics, 288 Beersbridge Rd, Belfast, BT5 5DX, United Kingdom
Join ceramicist Helen Faulkner her Belfast studio for a festive open day. Visitors will enjoy mulled wine, take part in free decoration making (to be collected after firing), a giveaway and lots of lovely pottery gifts to get ticking off that Christmas list!

Belfast Christmas Potter's Market
2022-12-10 10:00 - 18:00 | 2 Royal Avenue, 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, United Kingdom
Building on the success of the previous three events which showed a great variety of work from both established and emerging potters, Belfast Potter’s Market returns this Christmas in a a new location – 2 Royal Avenue in Belfast!
The market will take place on Saturday, December 10th, 10am – 6pm; there will be live demonstrations, free classes, festive music and mulled punch for visitors to enjoy as they browse the stunning handicrafts.

Christmas Family Fun
2022-12-10 11:00 - 14:30 | The Burnavon, Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DN, United Kingdom
Take part in the Christmas Family Fun day taking place at the Burnavon on December 10. This event promises to be a great day out for all the family, with fun-filled Arts & Crafts taster sessions. Please note that booking is essential – spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.
Free Admission. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Visitors will have to book one of the sessions below:
Session 1: 11am – 12noon (ASD Friendly)
Session 2 12.30pm – 1.15pm
Session 3 1.45pm – 2.30pm

North Down Craft Collective Christmas Art and Craft Fair
2022-12-11 11:30 - 16:30 | The Court House Bangor, 16 Quay St,, Bangor, BT20 5ED, United Kingdom
This year’s North Down Craft Collective Christmas Art & Craft Fair will be help on Sunday 11th December at North Down’s newest creative space, Bangor Court House!
This B2 listed building has been beautifully restored and opened it’s doors last month hosting live bands and comedy acts.
Why not call in and meet the makers, sort your Christmas shopping and relax in the iconic surroundings of the Court House this Christmas!
11.30am – 4.30pm
Free entry

Festive Dorset Button Making Workshop
2023-09-18 08:00 - 17:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
There is something very satisfying about crafting your own Christmas decorations! In this workshop with textile designer, Debbie McCann, you will be introduced to the heritage craft of Dorset Button making and shown how these fascinating buttons can be made into stunning Christmas decorations to adorn your tree. All materials will be supplied including plenty of sparkly yarn and ribbon in festive colours.

Max No: 8 | Suitable for 16+ | Tutor: Debbie McCann [Wee Yarn Designs]

RUA Annual Exhibition
2023-10-13 10:00 - 2024-01-02 17:00 | Ulster Museum, BT9 5AB, United Kingdom
The 142nd Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition of Art is taking place at Ulster Museum.
The Royal Ulster Academy is the most enduring body of practicing visual artists in Northern Ireland, and its annual exhibition is one of the highlights of the Northern Ireland arts calendar. The 142nd art exhibition contains over 300 artworks that use a diverse range of materials to create an inspiring variety of artwork by both local artists and artists from across the globe.
Founded in 1879, the Royal Ulster Academy of Arts is the largest and longest established body of practising visual artists in Northern Ireland. One of its founding principles is to organise, promote or join in organising and promoting in any fashion an Annual Exhibition of work by both members and non–members.
This exhibition is on display in Gallery 6 until Tuesday 2nd January 2024. Free to attend and no booking necessary.

Bauble making workshop
2023-10-14 10:30 - 13:30, 2023-10-14 14:30 - 17:30 | Helen Hancock Glass Studio, Derry
This workshop will be a fun introduction to glassblowing! Join tutor Helen Hancock and learn how to make your own glass bauble or bespoke glass art. Under her supervision, you will be working with specialist equipment and tools and with a furnace running at 1150 degrees.
Protective eyewear and long sleeves are essential. Strictly over 16 years old.

Beautiful Work: Artists and Makers and the Creative Process
2023-10-28 10:00 - 2023-11-30 16:00 | The Braid, 1 - 29 Bridge Street, Ballymena, BT43 5EJ, United Kingdom
County Antrim Open Studios (CAOS) is a network of artists and makers who welcome visitors to their studios. Its members not only like to show people their work but they also like to talk about and illustrate some of the skills and techniques involved in their creative process.
Their inaugural exhibition celebrates the first year of County Antrim Open Studios and showcases the work of a wonderfully diverse group of artists and makers including ceramicists, textile artists, a bookbinder, jewellers, a sculptor and a woodcarver. As part of the exhibition, CAOS will also be holding 20 Meet the Maker events. It includes exhibits that have been created using traditional skills as well as those using contemporary and innovative techniques.
CAOS provides the local community, and visitors to the area, opportunities to engage with, and learn about, local artists and craftspeople, and for local County Antrim artists and makers to meet and learn about each other.

Big Bauble Showcase
2023-11-02 10:00 - 2023-12-31 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
The Big Bauble Showcase is a yearly staple at Craft NI Gallery, featuring a wide range of unique handmade baubles, in limited ranges or one-offs. The event is a highlight for visitors who come back each year to add to their collection.
Stop by to admire and pick up a meaningful gift – these unique designs in porcelain, felt, enamel, textiles or hand blown glass are sure to impress!

Christmas exhibition and Big Bauble Showcase grand opening!
2023-11-02 18:00 - 21:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI Gallery are delighted to invite you to a very special night to of new seasonal work by NI designer-makers!
Come along Thursday, November 2, 6 – 9pm (Late Night Art) at Craft NI Gallery for the opening night of not one, but two of our most special events: the Christmas exhibition, ‘Ag925 – Au750 / Journeys in Silver and Gold’ and the Big Bauble Showcase! These special events mark the beginning of the festive season at Craft NI Gallery and the team would like to extend a warm invitation to a first preview.
Come along and immerse yourself in the makers’ creative journeys in silver and gold; or enjoy this year’s clever bauble designs and bring the delights of the handmade into your celebrations.
This special evening will be accompanied by the soft tunes of concert harpist Aisleagh, mulled wine and mince pies.

Ceramic Gingerbread House Workshop
2023-11-04 10:00 - 14:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Ceramic Artist Fiona Shannon will guide you through designing and making your Christmas gingerbread house which you can use for your festive table. Designed for beginners, this class will be a fun creative environment to get crafty using a range of clay techniques. Your gingerbread house will be fired to be collected at a later date.
Please bring apron and wear clothes that you won’t mind getting a little messy. It is advisable to cut your nails short for this class. 18 yrs +

Christmas Craft Market
2023-11-11 10:00 - 2023-12-21 16:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
One of the most popular festive markets on the North Coast returns! The Christmas Craft Market opens on Saturday 11 November from 10am-4pm and continues until Thursday 21 December.
In the Christmas Craft Market visitors will find unique, handmade presents – from pottery and fashion accessories to jewellery and glass homeware, beautiful artwork, artisan food and much more – all made with love by makers and visual artists based in Northern Ireland with most hailing from the Causeway Coast and Glens area – so by buying a one off handmade gift for a loved one, you’re also supporting a local small business.
The market runs weekly from 11 November to 21 December on Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm with additional opening hours on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9pm.

Kids Christmas Decorations
2023-11-11 11:00 - 12:30 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Join in for a festive workshop making multiple Christmas decorations. Each participant will be given a sheet of porcelain to make beautiful fine porcelain decorations impressed with lace or textured rollers and personalised with letter stamps to make each one individual!

Each child that attends this class needs to be accompanied by a parent for this workshop. This class is suitable for kids age 7+

Pierce-Sawn Brass Ornaments
2023-11-11 11:00 - 13:00 | The Workshop, 4a Church Street, Ballynahinch, BT24 8AF, United Kingdom
Participants will use a jeweller’s pierce saw to create a beautiful brass ornament, and choose from a selection of designs that are beginner-friendly. If time allows, they’ll also be able to add additional texture and personalised stamping to their ornament and their choice of eco-friendly ribbons to finish it all off.
This is a small class with a maximum of 6 attendees so participants will get as much personal instruction and guidance as they need.
If there is interest to join Dee in the future for jewellery-making classes, this is a great place to start learning to pierce saw and work with basic jewellery tools.
Tea, coffee and treats included.

Slip Casting Christmas Baubles Workshop
2023-11-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Join local ceramicists Rebecca Killen and Laureanne Kootstra (The Clay Project) for a Christmas workshop exploring the creative process of slip casting to make a pair of Christmas baubles. During this workshop you will have the opportunity to work with porcelain casting slip, a selection of plaster moulds and coloured porcelain. You will also learn about refining your cast pieces and how to apply surface decoration.
This Christmas evening will be fuelled with festive treats. Your bauble will be fired in our kiln and returned to Millennium Court 4 weeks.
This class is suitable for age 16+

Pop-up Christmas Shop
2023-11-22 10:00 - 2024-01-07 16:00 | North Down Museum, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT, United Kingdom
Come and visit a unique shopping experience this Christmas at North Down Museum. Browse the museum’s galleries, which are filled with beautiful hand-made products from local artists and makers. The perfect place to get that special gift and support your local crafters.

The shop is free to explore during normal opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am–4pm and Sunday 12–4pm.

Kiln Fused Glass Christmas Decorations
2023-11-25 10:00 - 15:00 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
This fused glass workshop is a gentle introduction to glass fusing, specifically designed for complete beginners. During the 5 hour session during which you will learn about glass fusing, types & compatibility and tools, various design techniques and safety in the studio.
Participants will make up to 3 Christmas decorations. A number of designs will be readily available – star, snowman, tree, bauble, sock, robin. However, if you wish, you can make up your own simple design at the workshop.
Closed, comfy shoes are a requirement; comfortable clothing, trousers or jeans are recommended. PPE equipment will be provided (safety glasses and facemasks) however you may wish to bring your own.
This class is suitable for age 16+

Burnavon Winter Craft & Food Fair
2023-11-25 10:00 - 17:00 | The Burnavon, Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DN, United Kingdom
The Burnavon Winter Craft & Food Fair is back for 2023, showcasing some of the most talented crafters and food producers from across the country. There will be a range of handmade jewellery, art, textiles, homeware, artisan food makers, and more, all available to buy on Saturday 25 November.
This is an ideal opportunity to get in the Christmas spirit, shop for the perfect custom-made presents and festive foods.

Form | Function | Flourish
2023-11-30 09:30 - 2023-12-23 17:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
A special ceramic group show which brings together the work of 18 established artists who have been invited to consider form, function and/or flourish, and create work that demonstrates the breadth of expression, skill and innovation in contemporary ceramics.
The exhibition continues until 21 December, and includes makers such as Malcom Murchinson, Anna Donovan, Claire and Karen Gibson, John McKeag, Rory and Helen Shearer, Sandra Robinson and many others.

Made in AND Late-Night Christmas Shopping
2023-11-30 18:00 - 21:00 | North Down Museum, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT, United Kingdom
North Down Museum is hosting a special Late-Night Christmas Shopping event at its Pop-Up Christmas Shop. Join in for an evening of music, artists demonstrations and shopping. The museum will be festively decorated, the coffee shop will be open, the visitors will be able to see the museum and purchase unique gifts in a completely different way.

Festive Dorset Button Making Workshop
2023-12-01 10:00 - 13:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
In this workshop with textile designer, Debbie McCann, you will be introduced to the heritage craft of Dorset Button making and shown how these fascinating buttons can be made into stunning Christmas decorations to adorn your tree. All materials will be supplied including plenty of sparkly yarn and ribbon in festive colours.

Max No: 8 | Suitable for 16+ | Tutor: Debbie McCann

Christmas Artisan Market
2023-12-01 13:00 - 20:00 | Castle Ward, Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, BT30 7BA
Castle Ward will host its Christmas Artisan Market from 1-3 December. In the theatre space and Stable yard you will find a handpicked selection of local designer/makers and food vendors showcasing their work and locally produced products– a great day out and opportunity to pick up locally handcrafted Christmas products. The Stable yard will be dressed in Georgian style with Christmas lights, accompanied by our living history actors telling you the stories of those who called Castle Ward home during the 18th century. On the late night opening, visitors will enjoy a night-time experience of Castle Ward lit up by the twinkling lights.

Please note, this event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre
2023-12-01 16:00 - 20:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
Support your local artists and makers and be inspired to purchase a wonderful handcrafted Christmas gift, made in the borough of Ards and North Down!

For a unique shopping experience, join the makers and artists of the Creative Peninsula as the popular Christmas Fayre makes a welcome return to Ards Arts Centre for 2 days only. Support your local artists and makers and be inspired to purchase a perfect, unique, handcrafted Christmas gift, made in the borough of Ards and North Down.
Visitors will enjoy seasonal live music interludes, complementary gift wrapping, and festive refreshments.

Belfast Christmas Potter's Market
2023-12-01 17:00 - 21:00 | 2 Royal Avenue, 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, United Kingdom
Building on the success of the previous three events which showed a great variety of work from both established and emerging potters, Belfast Potter’s Market returns this Christmas at 2 Royal Avenue in Belfast!
The event will take place on Friday 1st December 5pm- 9pm and Saturday 2nd December, 10am – 5pm.
25 of Ireland’s top potters and sculptors will be gathered together to exhibit and of course sell their beautiful pottery – this festive market will have Christmas music , treats and hot drinks available from the cafe to enjoy while you browse.
