Craft NI

Bauble making workshop
2023-10-14 10:30 - 13:30 (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.

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.

The Alchemy of Print
2023-10-07 11:00 - 2023-11-03 17:00 | R-Space Gallery, 32 Castle Street, Lisburn, BT27 4XE, United Kingdom
‘The Alchemy of Print’ presents an exceptional body of work by Trish Belford, encompassing new processes as well as designs created for famous fashion UK fashion designers.
This exhibition is the culmination of a research and design project by Belford, funded by The Leverhulme Trust. Many of the techniques utilized during the time at Belford Prints (1986-2004) have been revisited to develop the work for ‘The Alchemy of Print’. Samples from the Belford archive sit alongside a range of new samples, exposing the value of technical craft, dyeing and printing expertise.
Trish Belford is a designer, in 1996 she was made an Honorary Fellow of The Royal College of Art, in 2009 The Society of Dyers and Colorists awarded the silver medal for services to the textile industry. From 2004 – 2022 Trish was Senior Research Fellow at the Ulster University and has just completed a research post with the University of The Arts London as project lead for the Business of Fashion and Textiles and Technology, working with William Clark and Sons to deliver a more sustainable beetled linen. She has exhibited locally and internationally, including at the Bangkok International design Festival. She was co-founder and director of Belford Prints (1986-2004), Macclesfield, a creative textile print company working for British fashion designers, such as Vivienne Westwood, Georgina von Etzdort, Neisha Crosland, Jasper Conran, English Eccentrics and Zandra Rhodes.
This exhibition is supported by an Artist Talk on October 28th, 2pm. Please note, the exhibition is open 11am – 5pm Tuesday to Saturday.

What was seen, what was found there
2023-10-07 09:30 - 2023-10-28 16:30 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Stuart Cairns’ solo exhibition ‘What was seen, what was found there’ takes place at Island Arts Centre, October 7 – October 28.
Stuart graduated with a Bachelors degree In Silversmithing & Jewellery from Ulster University in 2000, returning to complete a Masters degree in 2006. He is also a member of the British Designer Silversmiths and a part-time lecturer at Ulster University.
Describing his work, Stuart says: “My studio practice is not just about the landscape, but the experience of being within it, of being part of it. The walking, the collecting and even the swimming is about immersion, of feeling fully connected as part of the ecosystem relating to the tides, the seasons and the swoop of seagull equally. This is what I explore through the richness of materiality planted within the forms of domestic objects of silversmithing to reference the daily experience of being human”.
About the exhibition:
Things speak, through form, through raw materiality. A language that tells you, you know this, you’ve seen this before – in wanderings, in dreams, in all those other places sitting at the fringes of memories you’ve almost forgotten.
This is a collection of objects, the made and the found, alongside images, drawn and recorded, exploring the landscape as an imagined space. Objects and paintings set out showing you what you might have seen or what might be waiting out there, ready to be remembered.

Re-connecting
2023-10-05 10:00 - 2023-11-03 16:30 | Down Arts Centre, 2 - 6 Irish Street, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 6BP, United Kingdom
Rachel Fitzpatrick is a designer and maker working at the interfaces of art, design and social practice. Re-Connecting explores the artist’s reconnection with making and colour while learning to reframe her creativity living with acquired brain injury. Re-Connecting spans the gallery spaces exploring visual elements of Rachel’s rediscovery of her creativity. Her work initially began with making but with an absence of confidence in colour. The pieces explore reconnection with colour through making, place and storytelling with pieces taking inspiration from stories depicted in native folk songs.

Linen: Material InHERitance
2023-10-04 14:00 - 16:00 | Ulster Museum, BT9 5AB, United Kingdom
In this seminar the audience will hear from female creative professionals who have come to linen from different perspectives (fine art and fashion design). Both discovered a personal family history with linen and this has continued to shape their research and development as they consider how skills, objects and textile knowledge pass between generations.
Both speakers will introduce their work and practice followed by a group discussion unpicking some of the common threads running through in their approaches to this material, including the importance of heritage, material knowledge and sustainablity.
Speakers – Laura Wilson (visual artist), Amy Anderson (creative director, Kindred of Ireland clothing brand).
Discussion host: Jill Phillips (designer and researcher).
Please book your free ticket using the link below.

Fine and Dandy Market
2023-10-01 12:00 - 17:00 | Elmwood Hall, Elmwood Mews, Belfast, BT9 6BD, United Kingdom
The Fine and Dandy Market is a monthly market showcasing the work of local craftsmen alongside other artists and local food producers. With over 40 different exhibitors, visitors will be able to admire and buy craft from makers such as Rachel Leary, Adele Pound, Patricia Millar Ceramics, Thomas Powell, Astrl Fibres to name but a few!

Wood Carving September
2023-09-30 10:00 - 16:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
This workshop is an introduction to the traditional craft of woodcarving. The tutor, Geoff Tulip, an innovative woodturner and woodcarver, will guide participants throughout the day, explaining and demonstrating simple techniques in relief carving. Each attendee will learn how to create their own hand-carved piece to take home.
All tools and wood are provided for the duration of the workshop, and the day is suitable for absolute beginners.

Make a Quilted Cushion Cover
2023-09-30 10:00 - 14:00 | Crescent Art Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NH, United Kingdom
Join tutor Jacki Bradley for a relaxed session of sewing as you learn the basics of patchwork by sewing a Spinning Star Block. You will then learn the basics of quilting as we machine quilt your finished star. All materials will be provided for the star and quilting. This will be finished as a cushion cover using the envelope method.
What you need to bring to the workshop:
-Sewing machine, with a patchwork foot/1/4” foot though not essential
-Light coloured thread
-Basic sewing kit ie little scissors and pins
This workshop is suitable for a confident beginner and above i.e. knowledge of how to use, thread and make bobbins on the machine.

Silk Painting Workshop with Andrea Hayes
2023-09-27 18:00 - 2023-09-28 21:00 | klöver haus, 92B Main Street, Moira, Craigavon, BT67 0LH, United Kingdom
Andrea Hayes works from her home studio in Cookstown, County Tyrone and has won numerous textile art awards and exhibited throughout Ireland. In this two night adult workshop, you’ll discover how to paint freely onto silk. This will involve outlining the image using gutta on the first evening and then painting using specialist paints on the second. At the end of the workshop, you’ll have an A4 sized silk painting to take home. Example images will be provided but you are welcome to bring reference images or ideas to use as a starting point. All equipment and materials are supplied and no experience is necessary. Tea, coffee and treats by a local bakery are provided on both evenings.

Macramé Plant Hanger Workshop with ASTRL Fibres
2023-09-23 10:30 - 12:30 | klöver haus, 92B Main Street, Moira, Craigavon, BT67 0LH, United Kingdom
In this workshop, you will create your own mini plant hanger using luxurious recycled cotton cord as you learn about macramé knots. Step by step guidance will be provided by Alison Pascoe of ASTRL Fibres, along with helpful tips and hints to enable you to handcraft your plant hanger. All materials are provided including a small clay plant pot and absolutely no experience is necessary.
This workshop is perfect both for beginners or those with a little bit of knot know-how. Tea, coffee and treats by a local bakery are provided.

Latch-Hook Rug Making
2023-09-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Crescent Art Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NH, United Kingdom
Join tutor Ronan Lee-Smyth for this one-day workshop where you will get the opportunity to explore wool rug making using a traditional latch hooking method.
Exploring aspects of yarn length, knotting, fringing, finishing cuts and edge binding, this workshop will guide participants of all capabilities and interests through the entire chain of production, from initial planning to finished object; exploring materials, tools and techniques as you proceed.
Throughout the workshop, participants will have access to artist references and contextual resources that will assist the creative development of each independent project.
Aiming to be as fun as possible, together we will explore the expanded potential of textile production; identifying the transformative language of rug making by highlighting various methods of display that allow each outcome to be as personal and creative as possible.

2 PART PUMPKIN PATCH @ THE ASH
2023-09-21 18:30 - 2023-10-05 20:30 | The Ash Gallery, 83 Central Promenade, Newcastle, BT33 0HH, United Kingdom
Join The Clay Project this autumn for a two part workshop creating and glazing your very own ceramic pumpkin patch. Participants will make up to three stoneware pumpkins using handbuilding techniques on September 21st and return on the 5th October for the glazing session.
The pumpkin patch will be fired and ready to collect from The Ash Gallery a week later. This cosy autumn evening will be fuelled with autumnal treats from Birch Coffee.

Pottery beginners/intermediate workshop
2023-09-20 19:00 - 2023-10-25 21:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Join tutor Andrea McCullough-Alderdice and explore the potter’s wheel and full range of hand-building techniques from pinch pots to coil and slab building, whilst experimenting with slips, velvet underglazes and a full range of glazes.
The cost includes all materials & firings; the course runs every Wednesday for six weeks.

Fibre Networks - Growing Connections for Northern Ireland
2023-09-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Ulster Museum, BT9 5AB, United Kingdom
At the heart of the global Fibershed movement is a commitment to creating a textile and clothing culture that enhances soil health and biodiversity through regenerative farming practices grounded in the concept of soil-to-soil systems and the right to livelihood for every person involved in the process from farming to finished garment.
In this short seminar the audience will hear about the growth, successes and challenges faced by members of these collectives and consider how we can continue to grow more sustainable fibre networks in Northern Ireland.
Speakers include Malú Colorín chairperson of Fibreshed Ireland with digital presentation from Shannon Welsh of Fibrevolution who work with the Pacific Northwest Fibershed, USA.
Please book your free ticket using the link below.

5-Week Hand-Building Course for Beginners & Improvers (Series 1)
2023-09-20 10:30 - 2023-10-18 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.

Clay Capers
2023-09-18 11:00 - 13:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Halloween is coming and there’s plenty of magic for the little ones too! Give the potter’s wheel a whirl and learn how to throw killer shapes, and combine hand building techniques to model one-off creations. Decorate your work with designs of your choice, perhaps go for kooky cats or spooky bats.
Ages: 6 -11

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]

Awe & Alchemy
2023-09-15 09:30 - 2023-11-04 16:30 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
The Association for Contemporary Jewellery and Silversmiths Northern Ireland exhibit Awe & Alchemy, celebrating the diverse approaches towards values, material possibility, sustainability, and social connections, through the art of jewellery and adornment.
Showcasing the work of over 20 ACJ members from across the UK, Ireland and further afield, the exhibition opens on September 15th at Armagh Market Place Theatre Gallery, 7 – 9pm.
ACJSNI have partnered with Goldsmith’s Centre to bring some further projects to NI to coincide with this exhibition.

Folk Art Embroidery Workshop
2023-09-14 19:30 - 2023-10-26 21:30 | Crescent Art Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NH, United Kingdom
Join tutor Linda O’Kane and learn various stitches, then combine them into a story cloth of your own. The workshop was inspired by the colourful embroidered story cloths of the Hmong people of Laos, richly portraying their lives.
All materials will be provided but please bring your own scissors to sessions.

About the tutor: Linda has worked in the Antiques/Interior Decoration trade for over 30 years. As a self taught Decorative Artist she has worked in homes throughout the UK, including some superior hotels. A life long love of sewing, patchwork and cross stitch has enabled her to gain excellent experience over the years. She really enjoys teaching, sharing her knowledge and hopefully inspiring others to get creative.

Age Range16+ years

Coppersmithing Jewellery Workshop
2023-09-02 10:00 - 13:00 | Navan Centre & Fort, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh, BT60 4LD, United Kingdom
Draw inspiration from the Celtic jewellery and Loughnashade trumpet found at the Navan complex of sites and learn the ancient skills of coppersmithing. Participants will have the perfect opportunity to create their own personalised jewellery or gift loved ones an experience they won’t forget.
Please note: this is a half-day workshop followed by lunch, which will take place on 11th March, 6th May, 1st July & 2nd September.
All materials are supplied and no previous experience is required.

Glassmaking Experience - Glass Making From Nature, Colours Of The Causeway Coast
2023-08-29 10:00 - 2024-03-30 12:30 | Andrea Spencer Glass, 35 Lagavara Road, Ballintoy, BT54 6NG, United Kingdom
Benefield Spencer Glass, the North Antrim Coast’s only glassblowing studio, is inviting you behind the doors of their private studio to experience the magic of molten glass.
Hands on glassmaking experience at Benefield Spencer Glass studio, located just a few miles inland from Ballintoy village.
The experience includes demonstrations by professional glassmaker Andrea Spencer and takes a step by step approach, showing you how to heat and shape glass rods in the flame. Under Andrea’s expert guidance, you will create your own unique hanging suncatcher design, inspired by the unique flora and fauna native to the Causeway coastline.
Please note you will need to follow link and enquire about booking at andreaspencerglass@gmail.com. Participants must be 16yrs or older. Available days are Thursday – Saturday, 10am – 12.30 pm.
Cost:
Personal Experience 1 person half day £115 full day £230
Duo Experience half day £75 full day £150 per person
A Group Experience half day £75 full day £150 per person

Wood carving
2023-08-26 10:00 - 13:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
This one day workshop is an introduction to the traditional craft of woodcarving. The tutor, Geoff Tulip, is an innovative woodturner and woodcarver. He will guide participants throughout the day, explaining and demonstrating simple techniques in relief carving. Each attendee will learn how to create their own hand-carved piece to take home.
All tools and wood are provided for the duration of the workshop, and the day is suitable for absolute beginners.

Paper bird making
2023-08-19 10:30 - 11:30 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Wildlife artist and keen birdwatcher Adele Pound will demonstrate how she creates her eye-catching paper birds. Then participants will be guided in the creation of their own bird decoration of choice, made using simple paper cutting techniques. Choose from a range of designs that includes the beautiful blackbird, sweet little robin and handsome kingfisher.
These striking paper crafts make a lovely addition to a home and as a gift for bird lovers.

Carrickmacross Lace Summer School: 3-Dimensional Coloured Lace
2023-08-17 10:00 - 2023-08-19 15:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
Award-winning designer and lace maker Theresa Kelly is delighted to present this new lace workshop based around the clematis flower ‘The President’. During this three-day workshop participants will be covering most of the traditional Carrickmacross Lace techniques of couching, guipure, loops etc. Theresa will guide them through the making of this original flower design. Suitable for beginner and intermediate lace makers.
All materials are provided however attendees are encouraged to bring a small lamp to shine on their work for increased visibility.
Max No: 12; suitable for 18+

Pottery Workshop with Adam Frew
2023-08-11 10:00 - 16:00, 2023-08-10 10:00 - 16:00, 2023-08-08 10:00 - 16:00 | Adam Frew Studio, 21 Cullycapple Park, Aghadowey, BT51 4AS, United Kingdom
Join Adam Frew for this 4 day course will run from 10am – 4pm.

Classes will be small groups of 7 students, and they are suitable for all levels, from beginners to improvers. The emphasis of the class will be on using the potter’s wheel to make a variety of thrown porcelain vessels. Students will be guided through the basics of throwing and also turning (finishing) pots. Adam will demonstrate his various decoration techniques and students will be encouraged to be experimental in their approach. There will be flexibility in the teaching allowing students to request specific demonstrations or help with a particular technique.
Students will each select their best pots to be fired. Finished pieces will be glaze fired in the gas kiln and ready 3-4 weeks after the course for collection, or shipping can be arranged.
Payment upfront is preferred, however a 25% deposit will secure your place. A light lunch, tea and coffee will be provided.

CRAFTfest at Castle Ward
2023-08-04 11:00 - 2023-08-06 16:00 | Castle Ward, Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, BT30 7BA
This year’s event is bigger and better than ever before, with more exhibitors, more activities, and more opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the world of local craftsmanship.
CRAFTfest showcases a handpicked selection of talented local designers and artisan makers, including glass and ceramic makers, woodworkers, painters, and more. Not only will visitors have the opportunity to browse and shop for unique handmade items, but theeey’ll also get to witness live art demos and enjoy some fantastic live music performances in the beautiful outdoor setting.

Please note, the event is free for National Trust members.

Slow Stitch on Linen
2023-08-04 10:30 - 12:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
This workshop introduces participants to the concept of a stitch journal, giving guidance on how to develop a daily stitching practice. Taking a little time out of everyday, say 10-20 minutes, participants can sit and calmly stitch a small area in their stitch journal.
Using vintage linen and embroidery threads they will sew a little each day with stitches that are easy to do. Then, they will finish with a tactile and beautiful piece of embroidery that is personal to them. This introduction will get them started and then as a way to relax or unwind their thoughts and feelings can be translated into stitch.
No experience of sewing is necessary. Materials will be provided but please bring along small scissors. Tutor: Linda O’Kane.
