Craft NI

Bauble making workshop
2023-10-14 14:30 - 17:30 (Europe/London) | 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, 2024-11-07 10:00 - 2024-12-30 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, 2023-12-02 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, 2023-12-02 11:00 - 17:00 | 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, 2023-12-02 10:00 - 16:00 | 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.

Air Dry Christmas Decoration Children's Workshop
2023-12-09 10:30 - 12:00 | Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady, BT49 0FJ, United Kingdom
A one-day workshop with Ceramic Artist Fiona Shannon who will guide you through designing and making festive decorations for your Christmas Tree. Designed for beginners and improvers this class will be a fun creative environment to get crafty using a range of clay techniques. Please bring a box with you as children will get to take their creations home with them at the end of the workshop to dry and paint at home.

Suitable for ages 8 – 12 yrs.

Ceramic Christmas Tree Decoration Workshop
2023-12-09 13:00 - 14:30 | Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady, BT49 0FJ, United Kingdom
In this one-off workshop, professional ceramicist Fiona Shannon will guide you through designing and making festive Christmas decorations and tea lights perfect for your tree and table. Designed for beginners this class will be a fun creative environment to get crafty using a range of clay techniques. Fiona will fire and glaze your decorations to be collected at a later date.
Suitable for 18yrs +

'Brilliant Generations' Christmas exhibition
2024-11-07 18:00 - 2024-12-31 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI’s 2024 Christmas selling exhibition ‘Brilliant Generations’ will open November 7, 6 – 9pm at Craft NI Gallery, Belfast, and run until December 31st!
This year’s Christmas exhibition will showcase the impressive creations of our local designer-makers and aim to inspire discerning shoppers with new, exciting work: whether it is jewellery that sparkles, ceramics with an innovative twist, new exciting work in textiles or wood, Craft NI Gallery are looking forward to sharing their newest creative endeavours with you!
‘Brilliant Generations’ will encompass key messages about what Northern Irish craft has to offer, and hint at the emotions associated with finding the perfect festive gift: awe at the skills and creativity of our local makers; the thrill of discovering a unique handcrafted gift; and the wonder of (re)discovering something new and exciting about craft (and craft makers) Northern Ireland.

Open Studio Event: Alison Lowry, Alistar-R, Rene Mullin and Curlew Cottage Design
2024-11-23 10:30 - 2024-12-01 17:00
A rare opportunity to visit four designer/maker studios not normally open to the public – visitors will have a chance to see their making processes of glass, jewellery & printmaking! Bring some friends and browse their unique, handmade work, and don’t forget to look out for something special in the seconds sale. There will be coffee and cake available at all studios.
Please note the participating studios and opening times:
Alison Lowry
Opening Times:
Saturday 3oth November
10:30 – 3:30
36 Comber St, Saintfield, Co Down
BT24 7AZ 07747033454
mail@alisonlowry.co.uk
www.alisonlowry.co.uk
Curlew Cottage Design:
Opening Times: Thur 28th Nov
6-9pm. (Fri closed), Sat 30th Nov
10-5pm, sun 1st Dec 10-opm.
ZU Aromon Koad, Killylesgh.
joanna@curlewcottagedestgn.co.uk
www.curewcotos.edestgn.co.uk
Rene Mullin:
Opening Times: Thurs 28th Nov
6-9pm, Fri 29th Nov 6-2pm
Sat 30th Nov 10-4pm, Sun Ist Dec
10-8pm (no public loo available)
12 Audleystown Road, Strangford
Co Down, BT30 77LP
rene@placed.ie www.placed.ie
Alistair-R
Opening Times:
Sat 23rd Nov
(all day by appointment only)
Sat 30th Nov – 10.30-5pm
Sunday December 1st 11:30. – 4pm
142 Listooder Road, Saintfield, Co. Down BT24 7LB
07788757070
robbie@alistairr.co.k
www.alistairr.co.uk

Drinks, nibbles and discount night at Steensons
2024-11-28 06:00 - 20:00 | Steensons, Bedford House, Bedford St, Belfast, BT2 7FD
Steensons would like to invite you for an exclusive evening – enjoy 20% off their stunning collections, accompanied by festive drinks and delicious canapés. It’s the perfect opportunity to find a special piece or start your festive shopping in style.
(stock items only – T&C’s apply; on the night exclusive 20% discount on spends over £250)

Twilight Christmas Shopping
2024-11-28 18:00 - 20:00 | North Down Museum, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT, United Kingdom
To launch this year’s Pop-Up Christmas Shop, North Down Museum is hosting a Late-Night Christmas Shopping event.

Join in for an evening of twinkly lights, music, artists demonstrations and shopping. The museum will be festively decorated, the museum café will be open serving food and drink and visitors will be able to explore the museum and purchase unique gifts in a completely different way!

Christmas Artisan Market
2024-11-29 11:00 - 2024-12-01 20:00 | Castle Ward, Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, BT30 7BA
Castle Ward will host its Christmas Artisan Market from 29th November to 1st December!
Held in the theatre space and Stable yard, this market offers a great opportunity to pick up unique, locally crafted Christmas gifts and enjoy delicious seasonal treats. The atmosphere will be festive, with a vibrant mix of products on offer—from home décor to artisan foods. On 29 November, the late-night opening lets you shop under the glow of twinkling lights, with the Mansion fully dressed for the holiday season.
Please note the opening times below:
29 Nov, 13:00 – 20:00
30 Nov & 1 Dec, 11:00 – 17:00
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Adam Frew Christmas Open Studio
2024-11-30 10:00 - 15:00 | Adam Frew Studio, 21 Cullycapple Park, Aghadowey, BT51 4AS, United Kingdom
Adam Frew will be having his annual Christmas Open Studio on Saturday November 30th from 10aam – 3pm. There will be a wide range of pots for sale and also some festive nibbles – a lovely opportunity to meet other craft lovers too!
