Craft NI

Made in AND Late-Night Christmas Shopping
2023-11-30 18:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | 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.

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.

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.

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+

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.

Gel Plate Printing and Collage
2023-11-18 10:30 - 15:30 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Gel plate printing is a unique, fun and creative way to create artworks. During the course of this workshop, participants will explore a variety of ways to use the Gel plate to create their own designs.
Using inks and paint along with a range of Italian printing papers, fabrics [including Irish linen], found objects and foliage, they will create a series of hand-printed decorative designs that explore texture, colour and shape.
These papers will then be used to create unique collage artworks. A frame will be supplied so that they can take home their own collage artwork to hang at home.
This class is suitable for age 16+

Intro to Papermaking
2023-11-17 18:30 - 20:30 | The Workshop, 4a Church Street, Ballynahinch, BT24 8AF, United Kingdom
Ever wanted to turn your junk mail and scrap paper into something beautiful and handmade?
This 2-hour workshop will go through the basics of paper making using a mould and deckle and participants will get to try their hand at the craft with plenty of hints and tips from Dee to assist. No experience needed. The best part is that there is no pressure – don’t like a page? Just plop the pulp back into the water and try again!
Participants will take home all the pages that they wish to keep.
Tea, coffee, and treats are included to help fuel the creativity, of course. Aprons will be provided, but be warned you can get a little wet with this activity.

The Tyrone Glass Experience: Open Studio
2023-11-17 11:00 - 15:00 | Unit 45, 2 Coalisland Road, Dungannon, Tyrone Crafted Glass, Unit 45, 2 Coalisland Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, United Kingdom
Come along to the Tyrone Glass Experience Open Studio, for a guided glass tour and workshop at their new studio space in Dungannon.
This experience gives you the opportunity to get to know glass-making up close – from the stories behind glass objects – including their treasured glass sword – to the origins of glassmaking in Tyrone and its impact on the surrounding area.
You’ll be able to get “hands on” and be guided through the process of cutting your own glass with one of their expert master craftsmen.
This event is part of Irish Design Week 2023 and kindly supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Tales of Glass
2023-11-14 06:30 - 20:30 | Bullitt Hotel, 40a Church Lane, Belfast, 40a Church Lane, Belfast, United Kingdom
Join us at Tetto at The Bullitt Hotel, Belfast for Tales of Glass celebrating the “tales of folks” and the folktales surrounding glassmaking in Tyrone.
Hear from Gary and Ciara Currie – the founders of Tyrone Crafted Glass – who’ll share the history of Tyrone Crystal, their story of setting up a new glass design venture as well as tales of myth and legend from the factory floor.
Tales of Glass celebrates the “tales of folks” and the folktales surrounding glassmaking in Tyrone. Hear from Gary and Ciara Currie – the founders of Tyrone Crafted Glass – who will share the history of Tyrone Crystal, their story of setting up a new glass design venture along with tales of myth and legend from the factory floor.
Discover the products and tours that master craftsmen are developing today and the creation of modern glass suites. Dive behind-the-scenes of the process of making Ireland’s largest crystal chandelier for The Merchant Hotel – designed by Marcus Notley and made in collaboration with Tyrone Crystal. It is currently on display in The Great Room in The Merchant Hotel, Belfast.

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+

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.

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+

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.

Helen's Bay Golf Club Craft Fair
2023-11-06 19:00 - 21:30 | Helen’s Bay Golf Club, Golf Road, Helen's Bay, Bangor, BT19 1TL, United Kingdom
Stop by for a lovely evening and an opportunity to browse for crafts, art and other seasonal gifts handmade by local artisans. Admission is £5 and all proceeds go in the aid of Air Ambulance N.I.

Contemporary Weaving Workshop
2023-11-04 10:00 - 16:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
Contemporary designer and weaver Karolina Lisek from Little Tangle hosts a one-day tapestry weaving workshop exploring the art of hand weaving in a modern context. Karolina will teach the foundation skills of tapestry weaving with participants using her new larger sized frame looms. Participants will create an abstract wall hanging using a range of techniques such as plain weave, rya knotting and sumak. As well as covering the basic techniques, the workshop will encourage individual expression and experimentation through the use of texture, colour and composition. All materials will be provided.

Max No: 12 | Tutor: Karolina Lisek [Little Tangle]

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 +

'Curious Carnival'
2023-11-03 10:00 - 2023-11-28 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
Ceramics artist Anna Donovan uses clay to tell stories through figurative sculptures.
This curious exhibition will feature ceramic and mixed media sculptures playing with imagery inspired by a variety of mythological creatures combined with familiar carnival and circus tropes. Characters will have evolved from clowns, mermen, acrobats, strong men, and bearded ladies, to create a side show of curiosities!
‘Curious Carnival’ is the result of Donovan’s imagination, playing with, and nourished by childhood memories of funfairs, fairy tales, and legends.

'Ag925 - Au750 / Journeys in Silver and Gold'
2023-11-02 18:00 - 2023-12-31 18:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI Gallery are delighted to invite you to their Christmas exhibition, Ag925 /Au750 / Journeys in Silver and Gold. This will show new work from NI makers and a few special guests – the audience will enjoy seeing how they’ve responded to the theme with a play upon the silver and gold hallmarks!
Conveying the idea of precious metals but also hinting at creative journeys and innovative ways to incorporate these metals and/or colours in new work, and sometimes unexpected materials, this unique selling exhibition will bring a glow to the shortest days of the year.
Exhibiting makers: Abbie Dixon, Aisling Higgins, Alison Lowry, Andrea Hayes, Anna Donovan, Anne Earls Boylan, Ariel Lavian, Caitlin Murphy, Cara Murphy, Celine Traynor, Claire Mooney, David Cousley, Fiona Kerr, Gail Kelly, Irene McBride, Jackie McMaster, Joel Smyth, Kathleen Walsh, Maggie Napier, Patricia Kelly, Ruth Osborne, Sarah Cathers, Shannon McShane
Guest makers: Peter Meanley, Clodagh Molloy, Julie Usel, Cameron & Breen

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.

5-Week Throwing Course for Beginners & Improvers
2023-11-02 14:30 - 2023-11-30 16:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Learn the basics of throwing on the pottery wheel to create a variety of different pots, mugs and bowls. You’ll also learn turning techniques and how to add handles and feet. In the last week you will add colour to your pots using a variety of slips. Should you have previous experience, Fiona Shannon will assist you to develop your skills and improve your techniques. Participants will use stoneware clay to make items to be fired and glazed by the tutor and 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.

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!

5-Week Hand-Building Course for Beginners & Improvers (Series 2)
2023-11-01 10:30 - 2023-11-29 12:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
In this five-week course Fiona Shannon will teach participants the basics of hand-building including slab building, coiling, pinch pots and using press moulds to create a variety of different pots such as vases and bowls. In the last session, they will add colour to your pots using a variety of slips.
Should participants have any previous experience, Fiona will be able to assist them in developing their skills and improving their techniques. Items that will be fired and glazed in a clear glaze by the tutor 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.

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.

Time, Traces and Threads: Slow Stitch
2023-10-28 10:00 - 13:00 | FE McWilliam Gallery, 200 Newry Road, Banbridge, BT32 3NB
This workshop, facilitated by local artist Millie Moore, will take a calmer, more measured approach to the creative process in discovering the simple pleasure of making, and will suit even the novice sewer. During the workshop participants will be working on linen using a simple running hand stitch using a variety of threads, many of which have been slow dyed using local leaves and plants.
By the end of the workshop you will take away either a selection of samples or a textile artwork to complete at home.
All other materials will be provided.
Max No: 8 | Suitable for 16+ | Tutor: Millie Moore

Halloween Dress Up and Mug Decorating
2023-10-27 19:30 - 22:30 | The Wild Hare, 93 Central Promenade, Newcastle, United Kingdom
Join The Clay Project for a spooky and creative evening at The Wild Hare, Newcastle: participants will explore surface pattern, colour and mark making on ceramics all whilst sipping on a delicious cocktail/mocktail.
The tutors will take participants through the process of designing and decorating their own scary stoneware mug using a variety of painting techniques. They have collaborated with a local potter to create their stoneware mugs, a wonderful canvas for decoration.
The mugs will be fired in the kiln and ready to collect in two weeks.
After the workshop is done everyone is free to stay for a fun Spooky Halloween Evening!

Irish Linen – A Heritage Fabric with a Future
2023-10-24 19:00 - 21:00 | 23 High Street, Killyleagh, BT30 9QF, 23 High Street, Killyleagh, BT30 9QF, United Kingdom
Join textile and linen expert Fiona McKelvie at the Sir Hans Sloane Centre for Irish Linen – A Hertiage Fabric with a Future.
Fiona will discuss linen’s heritage in Northern Ireland, its recent renaissance and will look at the future possibilities of the fabric and how linen been reassessed more recently, and valued for its sustainability, durability and beauty.
Find out more and book your tickets today by following the link.

Design & Make a Spook-tacular Halloween Skull
2023-10-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Natasha Duddy will teach glass fusing techniques to help participants design and create their Day of the Dead-themed skull decoration. Learning glass cutting and grinding skills, they can hang or frame their spooktacular masterpiece to decorate the home for Halloween. No previous experience required.
Closed toe footwear must be worn.

Needle felted pumpkin and toadstool workshop
2023-10-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady, BT49 0FJ, United Kingdom
Time to add a little felted woolly fun to your Halloween décor! Patricipants will make at least one pumpkin and one toadstool during this 3-hour needle felting workshop.
Once complete the creations can be added to wreaths, centrepieces or just adorn the mantelpiece over a roaring fire. Suitable for all abilities and children 12+ years with accompanying adult.

Decorative Pumpkin Workshop
2023-10-17 19:00 - 2023-10-24 21:00 | FE McWilliam Gallery, 200 Newry Road, Banbridge, BT32 3NB
This Autumn join Ellen for another exciting autumnal workshop! During this 2 week workshop you will create 3 of your own decorative pumpkins with Ellen Woods, a local ceramicist, you will be guided through each stage of the making process. The first week you will make 3 cute little decorative pumpkins and the second week you will get to chose from a selection of glazes to finish your pumpkins. They will be taken away, fired and 24ct gold added to complete the trio of pumpkins.
The workshops will run over 2 weeks from 7-9pm on both evenings, light refreshments provided.
All materials will be provided.

Bauble making workshop
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.
