Craft NI

Macramé: The Art Of Knots - Net Bag Workshop
2026-04-18 10:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | Crescent Art Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NH, United Kingdom
Join artist and tutor Alison Pascoe of ASTRL Fibres and discover the craft practice of macramé: the art of knots. Over the course of this workshop Alison will guide participants through the basic skills and techniques required to create their own macramé net bag. Participants will learn the braiding and knotting skills required to handcraft a macramé bag with double handles that hangs approx. 60cm long x 30cm wide, in a selection of coloured cord options.

Bespoke Embroidery
2026-04-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
This workshop is suitable for an embroidery beginner or for someone wanting to refresh skills – participants will create a personalised embroidery hoop stitched with their own words and design. The workshop includes how to prepare fabric in a hoop and start stitching; several core embroidery stitches for outlining and detail; how to transfer text; tips for neat lettering and balanced designs; and finishing techniques for displaying the hoop.

Silver Generations
2026-04-18 10:00 - 2026-05-23 17:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Silver Generations is a special exhibition featuring work from Michael McCrory, Deirdre McCrory, Cara Murphy and Caitlin Murphy.
Three generations of applied artists with over 170 years of combined experience and expertise come together. This exhibition celebrates a unique family immersed in the world of silversmithing and jewellery, showcasing how each generation has forged its own creative path.
The exhibition will be opened by Katherine McDonald, Director of Craft NI.
Join the exhibiting artists for drinks at the exhibition preview on Sat 18 April, 2-4pm.

Willow Flower Workshop
2026-04-25 12:00 - 15:30 | Castle Coole, Enniskillen, BT74 6JY, United Kingdom
In this workshop participants will learn traditional basketry techniques to create their very own beautiful willow flowers – these are a decorative piece that can adorn the inside of homes or outside in the garden.

Silver Jewellery Making: Earring Workshop
2026-05-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Crescent Art Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NH, United Kingdom
Participants will learn basic metalsmithing techniques and create silver earrings. They will learn how to saw and shape silver, try simple soldering techniques, and receive some tips and tricks on how to finish the piece to a high standard. The workshop is intended for complete beginners, but if you already have experience in jewellery making, you will be able to advance or refresh your skills as well.

Hand Stitched and Dyed Leather Satchel Workshop: 18+
2026-05-22 10:00 - 2026-05-23 16:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
Learn to make a statement hand stitched and punched leather satchel in this two-day course under the guidance of textile artist and designer Enda Kenny. Participants will work with vegetable tanned leather and learn how to cut leather by hand, hand dye the leather to a chosen colour, use leather punches to create stitching holes and saddle stitch the satchel using waxed thread. For a beautiful, refined finish, you will seal the leather to make your satchel waterproof and add straps for the perfect fit.

Moon Jars and Bowls Workshop
2026-05-22 10:00 - 2026-05-23 16:00 | Adam Frew Studio, 21 Cullycapple Park, Aghadowey, BT51 4AS, United Kingdom
Join Adam Frew for a 2 day throwing workshop – classes will be small groups of 5-7 students, suitable for intermediate and advanced levels. The emphasis of the class will be on using the potter’s wheel to make bowls and moon jars in porcelain. Students will be guided through the basics of throwing these forms and also turning their pots. Adam will demonstrate his various decoration techniques and students will be encouraged to be experimental in their approach.
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.
This 2 day course will run from 10am – 4pm. Tea and coffee is provided and a simple lunch of soup and bread .

Silver Linked Bracelets
2026-05-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre, 585 Doagh Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 5RZ, United Kingdom
Participants will make their own 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 pair of rings to take home. No previous experience is required.

Throwing workshop with Adam Frew
2026-06-16 10:00 - 2026-06-19 16:00 | Adam Frew Studio, 21 Cullycapple Park, Aghadowey, BT51 4AS, United Kingdom
Join Adam Frew for a 4 day throwing workshop – classes will be small groups of 5-7 students, 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.
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.
This 4 day course will run from 10am – 4pm. Tea and coffee is provided and a simple lunch of soup and bread .

Basket Making
2026-09-19 10:00 - 16:30 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Beginners will learn from Welig Heritage Crafts’ expert basket maker and return home with their own beautiful handmade basket.

Make a John Surlis Leitrim Chair
2026-10-03 10:00 - 2026-10-11 18:00 | Green Woodwork Ireland Workshop, Minnowburn, Ballynahatty Rd, Belfast, Minnowburn, BT8 8LG
The Leitrim Chair is a traditional Irish Hedge Chair last produced by John Surlis in the 1980s. John was a skilled carpenter who mastered a craft that had been in his family for 400 years, distinctly traceable for 6 generations.
In this 4 day workshop, Stephen Ryan from Green Woodwork Ireland will teach participants the skills needed to produce their own Leitrim Chair using the same traditional techniques as John used during his life.
Participants will use traditional tools and equipment to cleave and shape wood that will then be assembled using round mortise and tenons secured with Oak wedges, typical of old Irish furniture, completed with a finish of linseed oil and beeswax.
This course is suited to all levels including complete beginners.
