Craft NI

Macramé Workshop
2022-05-14 10:00 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | The Burnavon, Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DN, United Kingdom
This creative workshop involves learning about the basic techniques of macramé and creating a contemporary wall hanging using various knotting techniques. Each participant will be able to decide on their colour scheme, composition and select their favorite materials. Which will allow individuals to express their style and make a unique, personalized piece of wall decoration to take home.
All equipment and materials are provided. Suitable for 16+yrs.

Simple chain bracelet workshop
2022-05-08 11:30 - 14:30 | Stone Row Artisans, 1st Floor, 2-6 Stone Row, Coleraine, BT52 1EP, United Kingdom
Learn to make your very own simple chain bracelet with Emma Thorpe of Atlantic Rose in the relaxing atmosphere of Stone Row Artisans, in the heart of Coleraine. Using simple wire working techniques, Emma will guide you through the process of turning simple wire into a pretty bracelet for you to wear or give away as a gift.
Choose from copper wire or sterling silver. Please note, this is a cold metal workshop. No heat is used during the process. All tools and materials will be provided during the workshop.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Please note: Stone Row Artisans is located on the 1st floor of the old Laura Ashley Building. Unfortunately there is no lift facility in the building.

Irish Linen Lantern Workshop
2022-05-07 10:00 - 13:00 | The Burnavon, Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DN, United Kingdom
This workshop with tutor Ruth Osborne draws upon the historical process of printing using natural plant material known as ‘Nature Printing’ to explore mark making. Participants will explore the process of printing by hand using water based inks and hand printing techniques. During the course of the workshop participants will experiment with dried and fresh foliage, colour, composition and pattern.
Having completed a range of experiments they will then begin working on strips of pre-cut Irish Linen to create their own Irish Linen Votive. All materials are included.

Exhibition opening night and Peter Meanley talk
2022-05-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI are delighted to invite you to the opening night of their upcoming exhibition, ‘Peter Meanley: New Works’. As Craft NI Gallery takes part in Late Night Art and stays open until 8pm, the highlight of the opening night will be the opportunity to meet renowned salt glaze potter Peter Meanley in person and hear him talk about puzzle jugs and other more considered works.
A technically complex piece, the puzzle jug has a perforated collar, making it impossible to pour from, unless the drinker knows there is a hole, or number of holes which they must cover with their fingers, to allow the liquid to flow without spilling. The puzzle jugs were Peter’s lockdown project which he found inspiration for in the early medieval puzzle jugs which served not so much as a drinking tool but as a drinking game (a well-known example of this puzzle jugs is the Exeter Jug, which dates back to 1300 AD). A keen collector of historic ceramics and other beautiful objects, Peter waited almost 50 years for this idea to materialize: a broken jug he acquired in 1969 was the exact piece that inspired him to start this project in 2019.
The audience will have the opportunity to test their skills at finding out which way the puzzle jugs work. This event is sponsored by Boundary Brewery, who have kindly provided locally-brewed craft beer for the occasion.
Please note: Peter’s talk will start at 6pm.

'Peter Meanley: New Works'
2022-05-05 10:00 - 2022-06-11 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI are delighted to announce their upcoming exhibition ‘Peter Meanley: New Works’. This solo show will feature new works by renowned salt glaze potter Peter Meanley, which he has developed over the last three years.
Peter Meanley has won international acclaim for his abstract spouted pouring vessels and his mastery of the salt glazing technique. Formerly Head of Ceramics at the University of Ulster in Belfast, Peter has been awarded a PhD for researching salt glazing in 1999 – a process which involves throwing salt into a kiln, whilst it is fired at high temperature, resulting in a characteristic ‘orange-peel’ pitted surface.
Peter’s work initially consisted of strikingly engineered teapots and other functional forms. In time, his focus and never tiring curiosity for the world around him and its possibilities led him to make new forms that can ‘contain liquid’ and can be used to pour from. His fascination with these new forms and his continuous exploration of the salt-fired process yielded the compelling spouted pouring vessels which form the core of this exhibition.
Puzzle Jugs
Apart from his spouted pouring vessels, the exhibition will show Peter’s puzzle jugs. A technically complex piece, the puzzle jug has a perforated collar, making it impossible to pour from, unless the drinker knows there is a hole, or number of holes which they must cover with their fingers, to allow the liquid to flow without spilling. The puzzle jugs were Peter’s lockdown project which he found inspiration for in the early medieval puzzle jugs which served not so much as a drinking tool but as a drinking game (a well-known example of this puzzle jugs is the Exeter Jug, which dates back to 1300 AD). A keen collector of Medieval ceramics and other beautiful objects, Peter waited almost 50 years for this idea to materialize: a broken jug he acquired in 1969 was the exact piece that inspired him to start this project in 2019. The resulting puzzle jugs, with their intricate spouts, double walls and multiple holes pique the curiosity of the viewer, whilst their engraved Latin quotes or tongue-in-cheek dares make a great conversation starter.
Peter’s enthusiasm for the world around him is infectious; his ideas continue ‘to stare him in the face’. Impressions, whether they’re an artifact in the National Museum of Crete, a lily flower, a broken jug from his private collection, a handsaw, a French antique dealer he meets abroad – they all spark ideas and put in motion a fascinating chain of processes: drawing, experimenting, changing positions, sculpting, throwing at the wheel. Seeing the world materialize through Peter Meanley’s eyes is a privilege which challenges one’s perception of ceramics.
The following events are scheduled throughout the exhibition:

TALKS PROGRAMME
Exhibition opening night and Peter Meanley talk
Venue: Craft NI Gallery
Date: 5 May at 6pm
For the opening night of the exhibition, Peter will give a talk on Puzzle jugs and his spouted pouring vessels. Craft NI Gallery will be open until 8pm, part of Late Night Art.
The opening event is kindly sponsored by Boundary Brewery, Belfast.

Technical Talk: Salt Glazing with Peter Meanley
Venue: Craft NI Gallery
Date: 21st May at 12pm
Peter Meanley will share his technical knowledge of the salt glazing process. This talk will appeal to college students who may want to learn about this technique, but also to ceramicists who wish to pursue salt as their particular process. Peter is one of the very few ceramicists on the island of Ireland who specialise in salt glazing, with almost 40 years of experience.

Peter Meanley: Reflections
Venue: Ulster Museum, Lecture Theatre
Date: 26th May at 2pm
Throughout this talk, Peter will reflect on 50 years as a maker and why he turned to salt glazing. Peter will bring in sketch books and things dear to him to explain what has triggered the various changes to his style technique and philosophy, as he will unveil lots of items in wood, metal, paper and of course fired clay to exemplify. This talk will appeal to collectors and curators in particular, but also to a wider craft audience who takes an interest in ceramics and salt glazing.

'Land and Lore' Exhibition
2022-05-05 10:00 - 2022-05-28 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
In the exhibition, textile artist Ruth Osborne brings together visual explorations of the relationship between woodland landscapes, folklore, and a range of creative processes that rely on the use of organic material. The union of process, material and history/heritage have shaped, and continue to shape, understanding and responses to the natural world.
In recent years there has been renewed interest in the protection and re-establishment of woodland on the Island of Ireland, which was once (many hundreds of years ago ) a more densely wooded island than today. Initiatives in replanting and rewilding have focused on native broadleaf species to try and rebuilt the woodlands that would have once been characteristic of this area. Mapping and research has also been undertaken to create an overview of the existing areas of ancient and long-standing woodland so that these can be protected and monitored. These recent developments in woodland conservation, coupled with an increasing understanding of the benefits of spending time in nature on our wellbeing, has seen a renewed interest in our relationship and our historic connection to woodlands. In this sense Land and Lore touches upon and prompts the viewer to consider these current issues and our contemporary relationship to woodlands.
The exhibition is comprised of a range of works, including installation textile hangings, framed works and artists books. Works will be created using nature printing processes on Irish Linen, willow and paper. The processes of using plant material for mark making and colour are historical historical ones, which have been used for centuries by artists, botanists, scientists and storytellers to document and interpret the natural world. Using historical processes in a contemporary way Land and Lore both taps into the history of these process but aligns them with contemporary concerns. All the Artworks have been made using foliage native to the island of Ireland that is imbued with symbolism and lore, which is provided for the viewer to support interpretation.

Basket Weaving
2022-04-30 10:00 - 17:00 | The Burnavon, Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DN, United Kingdom
This workshops is suited to both first timers and those who have tried this craft before. Beginners will have just the time they need to acquire the basic skills and weave their first willow basket, while those with a little more experience will explore more advanced techniques with tutor and basket weaver Louise McLean.
Please note: All materials supplied; suitable for 16y+

Ceramics: vase inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe
2022-04-23 10:30 - 13:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Georgia O’Keeffe remains one of the most widely known painters, but a little known potter. Drawing influence from the work of Georgia O’Keefe (on show at Flowerfield 2-30 April) Fiona Shannon will guide you through designing and making your own small flower-embellished vase. Designed for beginners this class will be a fun creative environment to get crafty using a range of clay techniques.
After completing a piece they will then go on to be fired in the kiln by the tutor.
Please note: short sleeves, old trousers and an apron are recommended but clay washes off easily.

The Clay Club
2022-04-23 10:30 - 12:30 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
A 5 week workshop where young participants can try there hand at modelling, hand-building, coiling and then get to grips with slips, glazes and decorating. Resulting work will be fired in the kiln.
Workshop dates: Saturday 23, 30 April; 14, 28 May and 4 June.
Suitable for 6 – 16yrs.

Glassmaking: Easter eggs (12 - 16yrs)
2022-04-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Design your own creative fused glass Easter eggs – these make a beautiful alternative and keep sake, instead of the traditional chocolate eggs. Under the guidance of experienced local tutor Natasha Duddy, the children will be given the opportunity to plan, design and colour their creation on paper first. Glass cutting skills will then be demonstrated individually, so each child can create their masterpieces. Two decorations each will be produced in this workshop.
Please note: no open toe sandals or footwear allowed.

Glassmaking: Easter eggs (8-11yrs)
2022-04-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
During this workshop you will design your own creative fused glass Easter Eggs. These make a beautiful alternative and keep sake, instead of the traditional chocolate eggs. Under the guidance of experienced local tutor Natasha Duddy, the children will be given the opportunity to plan, design and colour their creation on paper first. Glass cutting skills will then be demonstrated individually, so each child can create their masterpieces. Two decorations each will be produced in this workshop.
Please note: No open toe sandals or footwear allowed.

Kids Easter Quilling Workshop
2022-04-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Stone Row Artisans, 1st Floor, 2-6 Stone Row, Coleraine, BT52 1EP, United Kingdom
This Easter workshop will give kids the opportunity to decorate a wooden Easter themed shape with bright, colourful quilling.
Under the guidance of tutor Emma Thorpe, the children will learn how to make simple shapes and curls with paper strips, and glue them to one of two chunky wooden Easter themed shapes: bunny or an egg. This workshop is suitable for children 8 years old and upwards. All materials and tools will be supplied. Refreshments will also be available throughout the workshop.
Please note: Stone Row Artisans is located on the 1st floor of the old Laura Ashley Building. Unfortunately there is no lift facility in the building.
Workshops for children are run by Access NI cleared artists.

Easter Family Fun Day
2022-04-09 11:00 - 15:00 | The Burnavon, Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DN, United Kingdom
The Burnavon Theatre will be hosting an Easter Family Fun Day on Saturday, 9 April. A great opportunity to sample a range of arts and crafts taster sessions such as working with textiles or clay. A selection of time slots that can be booked:

– 11am – 12 noon (ASD Friendly)
– 12.15pm – 1pm
– 1.15pm – 2pm
– 2.15pm – 3pm

Booking is essential – call 028 8676 9949; spaces are limited.

Easter clay creations
2022-04-09 10:30 - 12:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Make an Easter-themed bunny or chick ceramic bowl, to collect all your Easter treats in! Designed for beginners this class will be a fun creative environment to get crafty using a range of clay techniques. You will be using air dry clay so you can take your bowl home to dry and then paint.
Please note: short sleeves, old trousers and an apron are recommended but clay washes off easily. Please bring a box in which to take your piece home.

Mono printing
2022-04-08 19:00 - 21:30 | The Ash Gallery, 83 Central Promenade, Newcastle, BT33 0HH, United Kingdom
This workshop will explore the process of mono printing onto porcelain using plaster, underglazes and porcelain paper clay.
Your tutors will take you through the complete process from designing and painting your image to applying the wet clay and peeling off the print. Then, your print will be high fired in their kiln, mounted in a box frame and returned to Made in Mourne in 10 days.
Tea, coffee and treats provided.

Clay Throwing
2022-04-06 19:00 - 2022-04-27 21:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
In this 4 week throwing course with Fiona Shannon you will learn the basics of throwing on the pottery wheel, including centering, opening out and pulling up. You will also learn techniques to finish your pots off well such as turning them and adding finer details such as handles and feet. Each participant can use up to two bags of stoneware clay which they can use to make items. Should you wish to make more work additional clay or space for firing more work can be purchased at an added cost during the class. The date for this workshop are as follows: Wednesday 6, 13, 20, 27 April.
Please note: short sleeves, old trousers and an apron are recommended but clay washes off easily.
Please note that your finished piece will need time to dry out and be fired twice in Flowerfield’s kilns. Your work will be ready for collection 4 weeks after the date of your workshop.

Pottery Workshop
2022-04-05 10:00 - 2022-05-03 12:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
From pinch pots to the potter’s wheel, this mixed ability course will introduce participants to pottery if they are new to it, and help those with experience to explore techniques and develop existing pottery skills.
This workshops is suitable for all levels – mixed ability; please note the course dates are as follows: Tuesdays 5, 12, 26 of April and 3 May.

Silver Linked Bracelet
2022-04-02 10:00 - 16:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
Spend a day of fun and make a silver linked bracelet under the guidance of goldsmith Diane Lyness. Each participant will be taught traditional jewellery making techniques such as piercing, soldering, shaping, texturing and polishing to create a beautiful handmade bracelet to take home. No previous experience is required. All you need to bring is an apron and bundles of enthusiasm!

Please note: maximum number of participants is 10; suitable for 16+

Glassmaking: Flowerpot stakes
2022-03-31 08:00 - 17:00
Inspired by the intricate forms and colour combinations in Georgia O Keefe’s flower studies, each participant will explore shape and colour within their individual designs. Experienced tutor Natasha Duddy will lead each participant through the skills of cutting glass, grinding shapes, using frits, powders and stringers to complete your design. Each participant will design and produce 5 floral stakes, which can be used to enhance window flowerpots in their home, or simply display in an empty flowerpot for vibrant colour.
Please note: no open toe sandals or footwear allowed.

Introduction to glass bead making
2022-03-30 10:00 - 2022-04-06 16:00 | Glassistudio, 65 Waringsford Road, Banbridge, BT32 4EN, United Kingdom
This beginner workshop with Maggie Napier will cover the fundamentals of working with hot glass to create unique beads. Techniques covered include shaping, dots, frit, colour combining, layering glass and surface pattern. You’ll have plenty of time to experiment with your favourite techniques at the end of the lesson. All materials and safety eye are wear supplied, along with tea and coffee. Your work will be kiln annealed for durability and posted back to you.
Full day £150 per person half day £75 per person.
Upcoming workshop dates are: Wednesday 30th March and Wednesday 6th April; please note: there are 2 spaces available in each session, 3 by special request.

ABLE 30th Anniversary Exhibition of Bobbin Lace
2022-03-29 10:00 - 2022-04-10 16:30 | North Down Museum, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT, United Kingdom
Ards Bobbin Lace Enthusiasts (ABLE) was formed in 1991 by Unagh McCullough, the current WI Homecraft assessor, to promote bobbin lacemaking, which is a heritage craft both in Ireland and worldwide.
ABLE has staged every quinquennial exhibition of their handmade lace items, from all skill levels, at the North Down Museum in Bangor.
Now celebrating its 30th Anniversary, members worked on individual Torchon lace squares, designed by Unagh, to create a handmade tablecloth which will be raffled during the exhibition – all monies raised going to a local cancer research charity.
Exhibition admission is free.
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm
Sunday 12 noon-4pm

Ceramics
2022-03-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Designed for beginners, during this one day workshop your tutor Fiona Shannon will teach you how to hand roll, form and decorate your own cheeseboard, centrepiece plate or cake stand. After completing a piece they will then go on to be fired in the kiln by the tutor.
Please note: Short sleeves, old trousers and an apron are recommended but clay washes off easily; workshop is suitable for 18+yrs.

'Masks'
2022-03-24 11:00 - 2022-04-02 17:00 | Artcetera Studios, 43B Rosemary St, Belfast, BT1 1QB, United Kingdom
Organised by Kingsroad Studios and their first solo show, this exhibition is about a lot of things. Masks are worn to celebrate, to threaten, to protect. They are parts of rituals and ceremonies and have been used for centuries by people around the world.
Recently, they have been part of our daily vocabulary and attire. A mask can be invisible, worn to hide our feelings and mental health.
For this project, Kingsroad Studios decided to include a range of raw materials and techniques to represent the diversity of mask making: leather, bark, suede, beads, Jesmonite, resin and paint were used in the process. Each mask has been decorated and finished by hand, while the original forms that the moulds are made from were sculpted individually using papier mâché amongst other things.
The Opening Night is on Thursday, 24th March between 6pm and 9pm. This is a free event, everyone welcome. The exhibition will run until Friday 1st April.
Opening times: Mon-Fri, 11am-5pm and Sat 12-4pm.

Jewellery design: create a silver bracelet
2022-03-19 10:00 - 16:00 | Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady, BT49 0FJ, United Kingdom
During this one day workshop, participants will design and make a unique silver bracelet under the guidance of goldsmith Diane Lyness. Each participant will be taught traditional jewellery making techniques such as piercing, soldering, shaping, texturing and polishing to create a beautiful piece of jewellery to take home. No previous experience is required. All you need to bring is an apron and bundles of enthusiasm!
Please note: each participant will have their own materials and equipment

Mills and Factories of Derry – Local to World Leaders: Online Talk with Sebastian Graham
2022-03-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Online, United Kingdom
As part of Aleana Egan’s public programme, Void Gallery are excited to welcome Sebastian Graham to give an online talk that will illustrate the rise of the textile industry in Derry. Sebastian will look explore some of the important sites in the city and local area.
Sebastian Graham lives and works in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone. He has been studying and researching mills since 2014 and has created a website where it is possible to discover the history and ownership of over 4000 mills across Northern Ireland. He currently works for Ulster Architectural Heritage as a Heritage Project Officer. Recent research has focused on the collective memory of flax scutchers* throughout Ulster. This included comparing stories, poems and archive footage of scutchers and exploring links around the province.
Sebastian is currently mapping out the mills for the rest of Ireland and is always interested in listening to stories and memories of those who worked in the mills and factories across the country.
You can visit Sebastian’s website http://www.millsofnorthernireland.com for more information.
*A scutcher works in a flax mill, processing the flax plant in preparation to make linen.
Book your tickets here for this online talk.
Image: Carrydarragh Flax Mill, Co. Derry. Photo by Sebastian Graham

Textile Art Workshop
2022-03-12 11:00 - 15:00 | The Designerie, 88 Main Street, Antrim, Bushmills, BT57 8QD, United Kingdom
Textile artist Andrea Hayes will guide you through how she creates her beautifully embellished gilded waxed fabrics used on her textile artworks. These are delicately placed and stitched onto hand painted backgrounds using machine and hand embroidery.
You will create your very own seascape/landscape. There will be examples to view and work from on the day, or you are welcome to bring in your own image allowing you to create a very personal unique piece of art for your home.
Sealed fabric/workshop packs will be made up to use for the workshop.
Sewing machines will be available at the workshop or you are welcome to bring your own.

Please note: This event will take place on the 1st floor – there is no lift available; you will need to wear a mask or visor for the workshop unless you are medically exempt. Social distancing will be in place and numbers in the class will be reduced as a result.
Hand sanitiser, hand washing facilities & sealed refreshments all be provided.

Spooncarving
2022-03-12 10:00 - 17:30 | Green Woodwork Ireland, Minnowburn Wardens Office BT8 8LE, Belfast, BT8 8LE, United Kingdom
During this one-day workshop, Stephen Ryan from Green Woodwork Ireland will teach you the skills needed to become a traditional spooncarver. Each participant will learn axe, straight and hook knife carving skills to produce their own cooking spoon from locally sourced, freshly cut wood.
All tools and materials are supplied. This course is suited to all levels including complete beginners. Due to the use of sharp tools during the class, sturdy boots or shoes should be worn.

Introduction to slip casting
2022-03-12 10:00 - 16:00 | The Ash Gallery, 83 Central Promenade, Newcastle, BT33 0HH, United Kingdom
Join local ceramicists Rebecca Killen and Laureanne Kootstra for a full day workshop exploring the creative process of slip casting.
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.
Three of your cast porcelain pieces will be fired and ready to be collected from The Ash Gallery before 26th March.
Tea, coffee and lunch provided.

Flameworking Essentials
2022-03-12 09:30 - 2022-03-13 16:00 | Andrea Spencer Glass, 35 Lagavara Road, Ballintoy, BT54 6NG, United Kingdom
Flameworking Essentials is a two day workshop for people who want to learn methods and techniques of working with Borosilicate glass at the torch. During the class, glass artist and tutor Andrea Spencer will cover the fundamentals of working with solid rod and hollow forms. Participants will have the opportunity to learn flame working skills and techniques that will allow them to experiment, practice and construct with glass at the torch. Techniques will include gathering, shaping, stretching, sculpting, bridging and blowing.
The working day will be structured around demonstrations and plenty of individual practice (and guidance) at the torch. The class will be focused on exploration and investigation rather than finished products. There will also be discussions about studio set up, the different families of glass that can be used at the torches along with guidance about what equipment will work best for individual practise.
For more information or to apply for a place please contact andreaspencerglass@gmail.com

Mr Papers Workshop
2022-03-11 14:00 - 17:00 | Top Floor Art Gallery & Open Studios, 92 Main Street, Saintfield, Ballynahinch, Down, BT247AB, United Kingdom
Top Floor Art are offering a fun workshop based on the Peggy & Mr Pegman creative kit which was designed during their Great Kit Challenge 2021.
Sue Cathcart and her humorous Mr Papers character will take part in this fun afternoon where participants will help Peggy create a beautiful outfit to impress the Lord Mayor as she has been invited to a party at Belfast Castle!
Workshop including Peggy Kit – £35
Workshop only (for those who have already purchased their kit) – £15
Numbers are limited, book by email or ring Emma on 07828570837
