Craft NI

Gel Plate Printing and Collage
2023-11-18 10:30 - 15:30 (Europe/London) | 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+

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.

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+

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.

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.

Made in AND Late-Night Christmas Shopping
2023-11-30 18:00 - 21:00 | 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.

Festive Dorset Button Making Workshop
2023-12-01 10:00 - 13:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
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

Christmas Artisan Market
2023-12-01 13:00 - 20:00, 2023-12-02 11:00 - 17:00 | Castle Ward, Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, BT30 7BA
Castle Ward will host its Christmas Artisan Market from 1-3 December. In the theatre space and Stable yard you will find a handpicked selection of local designer/makers and food vendors showcasing their work and locally produced products– a great day out and opportunity to pick up locally handcrafted Christmas products. The Stable yard will be dressed in Georgian style with Christmas lights, accompanied by our living history actors telling you the stories of those who called Castle Ward home during the 18th century. On the late night opening, visitors will enjoy a night-time experience of Castle Ward lit up by the twinkling lights.

Please note, this event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre
2023-12-01 16:00 - 20:00, 2023-12-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
Support your local artists and makers and be inspired to purchase a wonderful handcrafted Christmas gift, made in the borough of Ards and North Down!

For a unique shopping experience, join the makers and artists of the Creative Peninsula as the popular Christmas Fayre makes a welcome return to Ards Arts Centre for 2 days only. Support your local artists and makers and be inspired to purchase a perfect, unique, handcrafted Christmas gift, made in the borough of Ards and North Down.
Visitors will enjoy seasonal live music interludes, complementary gift wrapping, and festive refreshments.

Belfast Christmas Potter's Market
2023-12-01 17:00 - 21:00 | 2 Royal Avenue, 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, United Kingdom
Building on the success of the previous three events which showed a great variety of work from both established and emerging potters, Belfast Potter’s Market returns this Christmas at 2 Royal Avenue in Belfast!
The event will take place on Friday 1st December 5pm- 9pm and Saturday 2nd December, 10am – 5pm.
25 of Ireland’s top potters and sculptors will be gathered together to exhibit and of course sell their beautiful pottery – this festive market will have Christmas music , treats and hot drinks available from the cafe to enjoy while you browse.

Ceramic Gingerbread House Workshop
2023-12-02 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 +

Book Binding
2023-12-09 10:00 - 16:00 | Down County Museum, The Mall, English St, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 6AH
Participants will make a beautiful hand stitched book during this one day course; under the careful supervision of tutor Karen Dye-Hutchinson, they will learn the essentials of this craft with step-by-step instructions on how to make their own journal or artist book. This is a great foundation in traditional bookmaking and how it can be adapted.

Air Dry Christmas Decoration Children's Workshop
2023-12-09 10:30 - 12:00 | Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady, BT49 0FJ, United Kingdom
A one-day workshop with Ceramic Artist Fiona Shannon who will guide you through designing and making festive decorations for your Christmas Tree. Designed for beginners and improvers this class will be a fun creative environment to get crafty using a range of clay techniques. Please bring a box with you as children will get to take their creations home with them at the end of the workshop to dry and paint at home.

Suitable for ages 8 – 12 yrs.

Ceramic Christmas Tree Decoration Workshop
2023-12-09 13:00 - 14:30 | Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady, BT49 0FJ, United Kingdom
In this one-off workshop, professional ceramicist Fiona Shannon will guide you through designing and making festive Christmas decorations and tea lights perfect for your tree and table. Designed for beginners this class will be a fun creative environment to get crafty using a range of clay techniques. Fiona will fire and glaze your decorations to be collected at a later date.
Suitable for 18yrs +

‘Connection: Disconnection’
2024-01-13 11:00 - 2024-02-09 17:00 | R-Space Gallery, 32 Castle Street, Lisburn, BT27 4XE, United Kingdom
‘Connection: Disconnection’ presents the work and research of multi-disciplinary artist Heather Dornan Wilson.
The exhibition explores elements of a shared human experience: loss. Dornan navigates the journey of loss, through personal experience. Works manifest in sound, stitch, object, and imagery, collating together to narrate poetic stories touching on, grief, loss, gratitude, and the healing process. The exhibition reflects on death and loss as a fracturing of connection, creating cracks, yet without complete separation of parts. Fractured objects and shifting embroidered details dissipate to a single bare thread, manifesting as material metaphor for attempting to retain memories that feel like they are unravelling. Emphasising how memory, through love and loss can remain connected and held together. The loss of purpose is reflected in ‘Connection: Disconnection’ through Dornan’s own ill health and physical limitations impacting her hands and subsequently artist practice.
‘Connection: Disconnection’ brings together a re-envisioning of cathartic healing through stages of making. Dornan will create work in situ and in process. New works will unveil weekly, combined with accompanying texts published in the form of a blog.

Stage 1 – Unravelling– 13th – 21st January
Stage 2 – Brokenness– 22nd – 29th January
Stage 3 – Memory– 29th – 4th February
Stage 4 – Honouring– 5th – 9th February

Heather Dornan Wilson (b. Belfast) works experimentally with a range of media and materials. Her current work and research touches on the crossover between art, science, and human experience. She plays with a visual language that captures and celebrates stories of imperfection and brokenness, juxtaposed with beauty, potential, healing, and hope. The artist has extensively exhibited her work, and worked on numerous commissions, including visual responses for the NI Science Festival.

Pierce sawn brass bookmark workshop
2024-01-19 18:30 - 21:00 | The Workshop, 4a Church Street, Ballynahinch, BT24 8AF, United Kingdom
Participants will use a jeweller’s pierce saw to create a brass bookmark in one of four designs (Please advise which design you’d like to do in the notes upon checkout – Fox, Bee, Feather, Monstera).
If time allows, they’ll be able to add additional texture and personalised stamping to their bookmark and their choice of eco-friendly ribbons to finish it all off.
This is a small class with a maximum of 6 attendees; tea, coffee, and treats included.

Needle Felted Pet Keepsake Sculpture Workshop
2024-01-28 11:00 - 14:00 | Stone Row Artisans, 1st Floor, 2-6 Stone Row, Coleraine, BT52 1EP, United Kingdom
Learn the art of needle felting with Claire McDowel, Bad Bird Irish Artist and create your own textile sculpture of your faithful friend. Using photos of your canine or feline companion, you will learn how to make a wire frame, blend wool to create the exact coat colour and add individual features like their favourite toy or collar. Suitable for beginners and experiences felters – no experience necessary.
All materials and equipment supplied. Refreshments available throughout the workshop.

Impressions Of Nature Printmaking Workshop
2024-01-31 19:00 - 2024-03-06 21:00 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Tutor Ruth Osborne will be teaching a six-week printmaking course with a nature theme. Participants will be introduced to and experiment with a series of printmaking processes with a focus on working with and/or representing nature.
Sessions are suitable for beginners and all materials are supplied.
This class is suitable for age 16+

QEST Northern Ireland Showcase Exhibition
2024-02-01 18:00 - 2024-05-10 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI have partnered with QEST to bring to you the QEST Northern Ireland Showcase Exhibition in February 2024.
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) supports the training and education of talented and aspiring craftspeople through Scholarships, Emerging Maker Grants and Apprenticeships. We are delighted that by means of this joint exhibition, craft audiences in Northern Ireland will be able to see the work of 16 local Scholars glass, handloom weaving, luthiery, willow sculpture, wrought iron putter making and silversmithing.
This unique event, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, will open on Thursday, February 1st at 6pm at Craft NI Gallery, Belfast’s only craft dedicated venue, and run until May 10, 2024.
The participating QEST Scholars include: Aaron Leach (wrought iron putter making); Andrea Spencer (glass); Anne-Marie O’Sullivan (basketry); Bob Johnston, basketry; Cara Murphy, silversmith; Caitlin Murphy, silversmith; Damien McKeown, Mourne Textiles; James Adair, saddler; Kurtis Scott, Pict Guitars; Laura Quinn, glass artist; Lucy Cushley, saddler; Mario Sierra, Mourne Textiles; Patrick Davison, silversmith; Stephen McClenaghan, Hawthorne Lutherie; Tara Osborough, Irish Artisan Yarn; Scott Benefield, Benefield Spencer Glass.

Quill-lumination Workshop
2024-02-04 12:00 - 15:00 | Stone Row Artisans, 1st Floor, 2-6 Stone Row, Coleraine, BT52 1EP, United Kingdom
Quilling dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries and is the coiling and pinching of paper strips into different shapes, which can then be used to decorate a variety of items.
During this 3 hour workshop participants will learn how to make simple shapes and curls with paper strips, creating a colourfully decorated initial set in a deep picture frame.
This workshop is suitable for beginners. All materials and tools for making your quilled letter will be supplied. Refreshments will also be available throughout the workshop.

Quilled Pendant Workshop
2024-02-18 12:00 - 14:30 | Stone Row Artisans, 1st Floor, 2-6 Stone Row, Coleraine, BT52 1EP, United Kingdom
Participants will learn the art of paper quilling and create a quilled pendant; guided by Emma Thorpe from Atlantic Rose participants will learn the basics of paper quilling and craft their own quirky colourful flower pendant.
All materials and equipment supplied. Refreshments available throughout the workshop.
Suitable for aged 12+. No experience necessary.

Silver Necklace or Earrings Workshop
2024-02-24 10:00 - 16:00 | Down County Museum, The Mall, English St, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 6AH
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.
Sandwich lunch & materials included.

Pottery Taster for 2 with Adam Frew
2024-02-25 10:00 - 2024-08-31 16:00 | Adam Frew Studio, 21 Cullycapple Park, Aghadowey, BT51 4AS, United Kingdom
This is an opportunity to try out pottery in your own private 3 hour lesson for 2 with Adam. Suitable for all levels, from beginners to improvers. The emphasis will be on having fun and making a variety of pots. Students will each select their best pots to be fired. These will be glaze fired in the gas kiln and ready 3-4 weeks after the session for collection/shipping can be arranged.
Tea and coffee provided.
Additional students can be added at a cost of £80 per person. Sessions are for a max of 4 people. Contact Adam for more info and to arrange a suitable date.

Sculpting a Seated Figure Workshop
2024-03-02 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-03 10:00 - 16:00 | Belfast Ceramics Studio, Unit 10E Owen O'Cork Mill, 288 Beersbridge Road, Belfast, Antrim, BT55DX, United Kingdom
Join Sandra Robinson for this 2 day workshop: through the use of paper templates, photographs and drawings provided, you will be guided through demonstrations, anatomy and 1-2-1 support to create a small seated figure in clay.
Day 1: Demonstrations and formation
Day 2: Refinement and Preparation for firing.

Instruction, materials and firing included in the cost, pick up of sculpture 6 weeks later. Sculptures will be finished with stains and oxides or can be left at bisque for you to glaze yourself. Limited seating of 10 students max, ages 18+ (minors accompanied by an adult). All abilities are welcome.

Colourful Beaded Loom Weave Bracelet Workshop
2024-03-03 11:00 - 14:00 | Stone Row Artisans, 1st Floor, 2-6 Stone Row, Coleraine, BT52 1EP, United Kingdom
Participants will learn a new skill and create their own beaded bracelet using the bead loom weaving technique with Emma Thorpe from Atlantic Rose.
During this 3 hour workshop, they will learn how to set up and thread their loom; bead weave their bracelet and finish it off with a beaded toggle and loop. This workshop is suitable for beginners, or those with some beading experience who would like to refresh their skills.
All materials and tools for designing and making your loom weave bracelet will be supplied. Refreshments will also be available throughout the workshop.

Dogwoods and Dollars
2024-03-07 10:00 - 2024-04-05 16:00 | Down Arts Centre, 2 - 6 Irish Street, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 6BP, United Kingdom
An exhibition by Down Arts Centre artist in residence Áine McKenna. Specialising in porcelain, this ceramics design exhibition marks the end of her Down Art Centre residency, during which time she had the opportunity to experiment and create this new body of work. Dogwood and Dollars is a reflection of a specific time and place and how once changed by a new experience one will never be the same again. The work is beautiful and delicate with a nod to spirituality and symbolism.

Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Glassblowing workshop
2024-03-09 11:00 - 14:00 | Helen Hancock Glass Studio, Derry
Join tutor Helen Hancock for a glassblowing workshop, a fun introduction to this craft! Participants will be working with specialist equipment and tools and with a furnace running at 1150 degrees. During this workshop, they will be creating their own bespoke blown glass art.
Protective eyewear is essential and long sleeves; strictly over 16 years old. Suitable for beginners and stage 2 students.
