Craft NI

In Praise of Shadows
2024-12-12 10:00 - 2025-01-18 16:00 (Europe/London) | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
A solo exhibition by Maya Todd, ‘In Praise of Shadows’ is an evocative exploration of the interplay between fibre and form, where the boundaries of textiles are pushed to create three-dimensional sculptural shapes.

This exhibition showcases the delicate and ethereal qualities of linen and Irish wool, materials chosen due to their importance in local heritage.
Through the meticulous construction of these textiles, the artist captures and casts shadows that continuously shift and transform, creating a dynamic relationship between light and form. The result is a captivating dance of shadows, inviting viewers to contemplate the transient nature of light and the subtle beauty of crafted textiles.

Craft NI @ RUA 2025
2025-10-19 10:00 - 2026-01-04 17:00 | Ulster Museum, BT9 5AB, United Kingdom
Craft NI has been invited to present a Guest Showcase at the 144th Royal Ulster Academy of Arts (RUA) Exhibition at the Ulster Museum. This exciting partnership between the RUA and Craft NI brings together two leading organisations dedicated to nurturing and celebrating artistic excellence.
The Academy has a long-standing commitment to recognising craft as an integral part of contemporary visual culture: RUA academicians exhibiting this year include celebrated ceramicist Anne Butler, glass artist Alison Lowry and renowned silversmith Cara Murphy, whose exquisite, sculptural silver vessels and tableware have been commissioned at the highest levels, including Downing Street and as the maker of four Grand National trophies.
The Craft NI Showcase will further expand on this celebration of material-based practice, featuring works by Adam Frew, Andrea Spencer, Anne Earls Boylan, Caitlin Murphy, Celine Traynor, Derek Wilson, Grainne Watts, Jack Doherty, Jakki Trainor, Janice Gilmore, Joel Smith, John Piekaar, Mark Hanvey, Mario Sierra (Mourne Textiles), Patricia Kelly and Scott Benefield. From wheel-thrown porcelain to blown glass sculptures, woven textiles to meticulously crafted jewellery, visitors will encounter a diverse spectrum of work that demonstrates both tradition and innovation.

Big Bauble Showcase
2025-11-06 18:00 - 2025-12-30 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
An annual staple at Craft NI Gallery during the festive season, the Big Bauble Showcase features a wide selection of limited ranges and one-off baubles all handcrafted to a high standard by local designer-makers in porcelain, felt, enamel, textiles or hand blown glass. The event is a highlight for visitors who come back each year to add to their collection.
Stop by to admire the skills of local makers and pick up a meaningful gift!

THE GIFT
2025-11-06 18:00 - 2026-01-31 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
THE GIFT, Craft NI Gallery’s Christmas selling exhibition, will showcase thoughtfully-designed and beautifully-crafted works that highlight the concept of considered gifting, as well as showing the gifts and dedication of designer-makers, reflecting their mastery of material and unique design. These contemporary works, functional or decorative, will be objects made to be cherished and given with intention. Visitors can expect to see unique creations, whether it is jewellery, ceramics, textiles, glass, wood, jewellery and mixed media.
The exhibition will refresh the concept of festive gifting with unique, handcrafted gift ideas that celebrate and support talented makers, thoughtful gift givers and cherished receivers in equal measure.

Participating makers: Andrea Hayes, Andrea Spencer, Anne Earls Boylan, Claire Hart, Egle Banyte, Gail Kelly, Hugh Cummins, Jakki Trainor, James Gilbert, Janice Gilmore, Joanna Komorowska, Joel Smyth, Patricia Kelly, Sue Cathcart, Ursula McGivern.

Flowerfield Christmas Craft Market
2025-11-15 10:00 - 2025-12-23 16:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
The Flowerfield annual Christmas Craft Market opens on Saturday 15 November from 11am-4pm and continues until 23 December.
This contemporary craft market on the North Coast returns with over 35 independent craft makers and unique, special gifts. Featuring homeware, jewellery, textiles, clothing, artisan food and more, visitors will be able t obrowse for festive gifts as well as support local makers.
The market runs Monday – Saturday from 15 November to 23 December 10am – 4pm with additional opening hours on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9pm.

Open Night at The Boat House Gallery
2025-11-21 17:00 - 21:00 | The Boat House Gallery, 60 Causeway Rd, Bushmills, BT57 8SU, United Kingdom
Stop by the Boat House Gallery on Friday, November 21st, 5 – 9pm for a festive evening and soak in the warm, creative atmosphere! A great evening to enjoy live music, browse for works from local makers and see Adam Frew’s live demo at the potter’s wheel!

Crafted on the Coastline
2025-11-22 11:00 - 15:00 | The Courthouse, 75 Main Street, Bushmills, BT57 8QB, United Kingdom
Stop by for a day of creativity at The Courthouse Bushmills with Crafted on the Coastline, a celebration of craft and artistry from makers across the Causeway Coast and Donegal.
On Saturday 22nd November, 11am–3pm, discover a vibrant exhibition featuring nine talented makers, each bringing a unique perspective and skill. The exhibition includes a Mini Makers section, where children of all ages can take part in drop-in creative activities – free, fun and no booking required, all within the same space as the makers.

Made in AND: Pop-Up Christmas Shop
2025-11-27 18:00 - 20:00 | North Down Museum, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT, United Kingdom
The Made in AND Christmas Pop-Up Shop returns to the North Down Museum!

Featuring twinkling lights, live music, and craft demonstrations, it’s the perfect evening to start the holiday magic and get a sneak peek of all the beautiful items available. Discover a beautiful selection of handcrafted gifts and artwork made by over 25 talented local artists and crafters.
Whether you’re shopping for a unique present or simply soaking up the seasonal spirit, this is the perfect place to find something special for your loved ones.

'Cakes to Clay' - talk by James Watson
2025-11-27 19:00 - 20:30 | F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio, Banbridge, BT32 3NB, United Kingdom
F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio invite you to a talk by James Stanley Watson, ceramic artist and winner of The Great Pottery Throw Down 2025 on Thursday 27 November 2025.
James Stanley Watson is a Northern Ireland-based ceramic artist known for his expressive, story-rich creations that blend imagination and craftsmanship. After discovering pottery just four years ago, James’ creative journey led him to the nation’s screens as the winner of The Great Pottery Throw Down 2025.
A former cake maker and performer, James brings a deep sense of play, narrative, and human connection to his work. His ceramics often explore themes of memory, transformation, and the joy of making – with his signature ghosts becoming beloved symbols of warmth and whimsy.
Event cost: Members £5, Guests £10, Students £5
Please call the gallery on 028 4062 3322 to book your place. 7pm for tea/coffee, talk starts at 7.30pm

The Tedberry Market
2025-11-28 16:00 - 2025-11-30 18:00 | Down Royal Racecourse, Gravehill Road, Lisburn, BT27 5RW, United Kingdom
Don’t miss this exciting Christmas market, showcasing over 150 handpicked vendors which include craft makers such as Moneyvart Ceramics, Mud Ireland, Blackheath Pottery, Bough and Burr Furniture and Natasha Swan Ceramics to name but a few.

Enjoy the lively atmosphere, get acquainted with local craftsmen and just relax in a pleasant company. Tickets must be bought in advance and are limited.
The opening times are: Friday, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

General Admission: £8 Includes entry for one adult, access to all vendor areas, and live entertainment.
Child (2-16): £4 Entry for children.
Under 2’s: FREE

Pottery Studio Open Weekend
2025-11-29 10:00 - 2025-11-30 16:00 | Belfast Ceramics Studio, Unit 10E Owen O'Cork Mill, 288 Beersbridge Road, Belfast, Antrim, BT55DX, United Kingdom
The holiday season is on its way – join the Belfast Ceramics Studio for their Christmas Open Studio days! Stop by for a cozy, creative afternoon filled with festive cheer, pottery fun and handmade pieces that make the perfect gift.
Visitors will be able to try their hand at the potter’s wheel, make Christmas decorations while enjoying refreshments, and browse a Pottery Sale by Studio Members.
Free to attend, no need to book.
OPENING TIMES:
Saturday 29th November 10am – 4pm
Sunday 30th November 12noon – 4pm.

Christmas Art & Craft Fair with North Down Craft Collective
2025-11-30 10:00 - 16:00 | WWT Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain Rd, Comber, Newtownards, BT23 6EA
North Down Craft Collective returns to the charming setting of Castle Espie for their annual Christmas market – stop by to meet local artists and makers and shop their beautiful, handmade craft pieces – from textiles to ceramics, paintings to prints, and plenty more in between.
Over 30 artists and makers will be showcasing their work making your Christmas gift buying a pleasure this year!
Enjoy festive music, treats from the Kingfisher Cafe and your chance to meet the makers.
Admission to the fair is free of charge (normal charges apply to visit the wetland area)

Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre
2025-12-05 16:00 - 2025-12-06 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
For a unique shopping experience, join the makers and artists of the Creative Peninsula as the annual Christmas Fayre makes a welcome return to Ards Arts Centre!

Be inspired to purchase the perfect, unique, handcrafted Christmas gift in the opulent festive setting of the Georgian and Sunburst galleries of Ards Arts Centre.
All work has been handcrafted and designed by the professionally practicing artists and makers of Ards and North Down.
There will be seasonal live music, complimentary gift wrapping and festive refreshments.

OPENING HOURS:
Late Night Shopping: Fri 5 Dec, 4pm – 8pm
Small Business Saturday: Sat 6 Dec, 10am – 4pm

Belfast Christmas Potter's Market
2025-12-06 10:00 - 17:00 | 2 Royal Avenue, 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, United Kingdom
This year’s Christmas Belfast Potters’ Market will take place on Saturday, December 6th from 10am – 5pm.
Over 40 Of Ireland’s top potters and sculptors will be gathered together to exhibit and of course sell their beautiful pottery.
The venue, 2 Royal avenue, is right in the centre of Belfast, and it is fully accessible with disabled toilets and ramps.

Vault Christmas market
2025-12-06 11:00 - 2025-12-07 17:00 | Carlisle Memorial Church, Carlisle Circus, Belfast, BT13 1AB, United Kingdom
The Vault Christmas Market is once again returing to the beautiful Carlisle Memorial Church in North Belfast. Over the course of a weekend, the former church will be filled with 60+ stalls selling high-quality jewellery, gilded glass & stained glass, ceramics, macramé & crochet, homeware and so much more.
The Vault Christmas Market is also a fun weekend out with friends and family, with music refreshments and the regular walkabout performers, elves and of course ‘The Santa You Deserve’ aka ‘Bad Santa’ causing havoc, or snoozing in a corner. And new this year is the Godzilla Santa Grotto – it has to be seen to be believed (and explained).

Cathedral Quarter Christmas Sunday Art Market
2025-12-07 10:00 - 2025-12-21 15:00 | Cathedral Quarter Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
The Cathedral Quarter Christmas Sunday Art Market will take place on Sundays in December right in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Hill Street Belfast will come alive with festive stalls, local artists, independent makers, handcrafted gifts, and creative Christmas vibes from the city’s most artistic district.
Dates and opening times: Sunday 7, 14 and 21 December from 10am to 3pm

Yuletide Market at Rowallane Garden
2025-12-13 10:00 - 2025-12-14 16:00 | Rowallane Garden, Off Crossgar Road, Saintfield, BT24 7LH, United Kingdom
The Yuletide market, a much-loved family favourite, returns to Rowallane Gardens! Local craft people and traders return to the Stableyard for a weekend of festive fun.
Get in the Christmas spirit as you browse the stalls in search of special gifts, take in the smells of the season and hear the sounds of choirs floating through the garden.
Free event but admission ticket to Rowallane required.

Portview Christmas Market
2025-12-19 18:00 - 2025-12-20 16:00 | Portview Trade Centre, 310 Newtonards Rd, Belfast, BT4 1HE, United Kingdom
Portview Christmas Market returns to Portview Trade Centre on the Newtownards Road, showcasing a great range of local makers of craft, jewellery, ceramics, vintage and so much more. This is a family-friendly event which will also have local DJs and hospitality available.
Please note the following opening hours:
Friday Night December 19th 6 – 10pm
Saturday December 20th 12 – 4pm.

Hand Stitched Christmas Decorations with Linda O'Kane
2026-12-05 10:00 - 14:00 | Crescent Art Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NH, United Kingdom
Using wool felt and embroidery thread learn how to make charming little animals (by tinimals) to hang on the tree or attach to presents.
The aim is to make 4 decorations in all. All materials will be provided but please bring small scissors.
