Craft NI

North Down Craft Collective Art & Craft Showcase
2021-10-30 10:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | Kylestone Nurseries, Groomsport, 5 Lower Balloo Rd, Bangor, BT20 0PS, United Kingdom
North Down Craft Collective are organising Saturday Showcases at Kylestone nurseries in Bangor. On October 30th five makers and artists will set up their stalls in the glasshouse, why not make a day out of it, see work from Nodo Knots and Ruth Osborne amongst others, chat to the makers about their processes and inspiration too!

'Countryside to Coast' exhibition by Andrea Hayes
2021-10-30 10:00 - 2021-11-05 16:00 | klöver haus, 92B Main Street, Moira, Craigavon, BT67 0LH, United Kingdom
klöver haus in Moira will host ‘Countryside to Coast’ – an exhibition of original art by local textile artist Andrea Hayes. Working from her home studio in Cookstown, Andrea draws inspiration from the vast array of textures, colours and dramatic skylines of the Irish landscape. Each piece is a unique collage created in Andrea’s distinctive style; hand painted, layered with appliquéd hand dyed fabrics and delicately finished with embroidery.

Pinned
2021-11-02 - 2021-11-20 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
Group exhibition from the Association for Contemporary Jewellers and Silversmiths NI (ACJNI).
Presenting the work of over 20 local jewellers and silversmiths who have each responded to the exhibition’s theme to produce one-of-a-kind pieces beyond the scope of their usual commission or production work.
The exhibition features variations on the idea of a brooch, with versions in both precious and non-precious materials. Traditionally set stones contrast with re-purposed vintage tins and toys, precision geometry meets abstract forms. Gold, silver and gemstones sit alongside found objects in unexpected interpretations that demonstrate technical accomplishment, innovation and creativity.

Inner Journeys
2021-11-02 - 2021-11-20 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
Ceramicist Anna Smyth presents new work featuring her exquisite crystalline glazes.
From her ceramics studio based in County Down, Anna creates thrown, sculptural porcelain vessels, imbued with meaning, inspired by observations and reflection on life. Recent themes have included relationship, heritage and spirituality.
Following completion of the Craft NI ‘Launchpad’ development programme, Anna’s new work was launched in a group exhibition in the Craft NI Gallery. The porcelain vessels are internally glazed with a selection of crystalline glazes, developed with support from the Arts Council of NI. These stunning glazes in which crystals form during the firing add a further layer of significance to the work. The forms have developed further to suggest fluidity and movement, giving wider scope for expression.
Anna believes that when we engage with items which have been thoughtfully designed and skilfully made by the human hand, it is a valuable and enriching experience.
Contact Ards Arts Centre to confirm days and times.

'Shuttles & Shafts' morning talk with Trish Bedford and Barbara Dass
2021-11-06 11:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
As the ‘Shuttles & Shafts’ exhibition is well underway and will stay open until November 11th at Craft NI Gallery, Craft NI are delighted to invite you to a morning talk with Senior Research Fellow Trish Belford and Professor of Design Barbara Dass, the team behind the ‘Reviving the William Liddell’ project that the exhibition is based on.
Come along to hear Trish and Barbara talk about the challenges behind preserving and digitising the unique collection of 1600 photographic glass plates; the fascinating history of the Ewart-Liddell linen factory at Donacloney, Co Down and their interest in finding a way to keep this wonderful design history alive through the collaboration with William Clark and Sons of Upperlands, who developed new prints and weaves now available to the public.

Make a Creepie Milking Stool
2021-11-07 10:00 - 17:00
Stephen Ryan from Green Woodwork Ireland will teach you the skills needed to make your own piece of heirloom furniture to last generations, in the form of a traditional milking stool, otherwise known as a Creepie.
This Two-day workshop encompasses the use of the shave horse and a variety of hand tools including the drawknife, auger drill spokeshave, tenon cutter, travisher, Japanese pull saw and much more.
Sun 7th & Sun 14th Nov
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.

Saturday Showcase at Kylestone nurseries
2021-11-13 08:00 - 2021-11-20 17:00 | Kylestone Nurseries, Groomsport, 5 Lower Balloo Rd, Bangor, BT20 0PS, United Kingdom
North Down Craft Collective are organising Craft Showcases at Kylestone nurseries in Bangor – great events to browse, enjoy a cup of coffee and start your Christmas shopping early!
There are two upcoming Saturday showcases left, one on November 13th and one on November 30th. Each showcase focuses on five local craft makers so why not take advantage of this opportunity to get to know them better, ask them about their work and support local small businesses!

Kids and Parents: Make a Rustic Stool
2021-11-13 10:00 - 17:00
Stephen Ryan has 23 years of experience in professional woodwork, but his passion for woodcraft started from an early age. This workshop has been born from his childhood memories of making things from wood.
During this one-day workshop, yourself and your child will work together to make a rustic stool that can be used as a piece of furniture in your home, but most importantly the new skills learnt during the workshop will empower your child and give them confidence, through allowing them the opportunity to use woodworking tools to create craft pieces that are often out of their reach. This workshop is best suited to children aged between 11 and 15 and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who is prepared to get stuck in and work along with their child to create a family heirloom that can be enjoyed for generations to come.
During the day yourself and your child will both be using sharp handtools and some of the work can be a bit physical so please make sure your child is keen for the challenge. Yourself and your child are both included in the price of one ticket.
No experience necessary. Due to the use of sharp tools during the class, sturdy boots or shoes should be worn. Workshop times are 10.00am to 5.00pm.

Fabric Landscapes
2021-11-13 10:30 - 15:30 | The Burnavon, Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DN, United Kingdom
Local 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 hand embroidered onto hand painted backgrounds. 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.
There will be a short break for lunch (bring your own).

The Gift - as Heirloom
2021-11-18 10:00 - 2021-12-24 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
A Gift has the potential to cause change, create bonds within families and communities.

Craft NI and the Association for Contemporary Jewellery & Silversmiths NI welcome you to The Gift – as Heirloom, a contemporary jewellery exhibition which promises to awe the viewer with a rich tapestry of techniques, materials and concepts, making this Christmas Jewellery Selling Show a must-visit over the coming weeks.

CRAFT NI are delighted to welcome ACJ NI to Craft NI Gallery for a second Christmas jewellery selling show. ACJNI will bring the most accomplished new work from nine of their members and associates who are practising contemporary jewellers in Northern Ireland. This year the selected makers will create neckpieces and earrings in response to the title of The Gift inspired by Lewis Hyde’s book of the same title.
Jewellery has a strong association with being gifted, usually as an act of love, devotion, or a memento to mark an occasion. It carries deep personal stories and powerful narratives that connect us through generations and time – an heirloom.
The Gift is an exhibition that will represent the richness of approaches and a diversity of materials, skilfully combined to create meaningful stories about our culture and values. It is also an opportunity to see and purchase the work of our best contemporary designer makers brought together at the CRAFT NI Gallery.
Participating jewellers are Anne Earls Boylan, Jill Graham, Cameron & Breen, Clodagh Molloy, Lotus de Wit, Fiona Kerr, Camilla Prey, Eddie Doherty and Celine Traynor.

Flowerfield Christmas Craft Market 2021
2021-11-20 - 2021-12-23 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Flowerfield Arts Centre’s annual Christmas Craft Market features a range of beautiful handmade gifts, food stuffs, artwork and jewellery. Whether you’re looking for chocolate treats, stocking fillers, classic decorations, unique ceramics, glass, artwork or textiles, you’ll find endless treasures of bespoke gifts.
We promise there will be no more than 4 shoppers at the Craft Market during each hour long slot. This approach is ideal for small groups or individuals who seek to shop in an uncrowded space.
To manage social distancing and Track & Trace we invite all shoppers to pre-book online, over the counter at Flowerfield or by calling us on 028 7083 1400 to plan your one-hour shopping slot.
Details and bookings here
The Christmas Craft Market runs from Saturday 20 November to Thursday 23 December 2021 during the following hours:

Tuesday 10:00 – 16:00
Wednesday 10:00 – 16:00 & 19:00 – 21:00
Thursday 10:00 – 16:00 & 19:00 – 21:00
Friday 10:00 – 15:00
Saturday 10:00 – 16:00

Traditional Woodturning
2021-11-20 10:00 - 17:30
Stephen Ryan from Green Woodwork Ireland will guide you through all the processes of the ancient craft of traditional pole lathe turning, from cleaving, shaving and turning freshly cut green wood, with the use of the shave horse and pole lathe.

During this one-day workshop, each participant will learn lots of new skills, through the use of the drawknife, roughing gouge, square chisel, spindle gouge and skew chisel to produce items of treen, such as a garden dibber, potato masher, toy sword, rounders bat, rolling pin or woodcarving mallet. 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. Workshop times are 10.00am to 5.30pm.

Paint/Pinch Your Own Pottery
2021-11-23 18:00 - 2021-12-14 21:00 | Belfast Barge, 1 Lanyon Place, Belfast, BT1 3LG, United Kingdom
A 4 week workshop which includes a teapot for you to hand decorate. You will learn pinch potting from ceramic artist Rachel Davey and how to hand make two of your own pinch pot mugs. This workshop is suitable for beginners.
The 4 weeks course will run on Tuesdays from 6pm – 9pm – schedule as follows:
Week 1 – Assembly / Pinching: Learn the technique, begin to play and fully assemble in class.
Week 2 – Detailing: Begin to refine and add detail.
Week 3 – Glazing: Add a splash of colour! Use highly pigmented stains to colour your pottery. It will later be dipped in glaze and fired.
Week 4 – Finishing Touches: Adding final touches to make the work resistant to scratch and have professional photos taken of your work.

Christmas Market at Kylestone nurseries
2021-11-27 09:00 - 17:00 | Kylestone Nurseries, Groomsport, 5 Lower Balloo Rd, Bangor, BT20 0PS, United Kingdom
North Down Craft Collective will be organising a special Christmas market in the glasshouse at Kylestone nurseries, Bangor, on Saturday 27th November.
This day long event will showcase the work of over 20 local artists and makers. Many familiar local craft makers names will be there (Adele Pound, Ruth Osborne, Alison Hanvey, Patricia Millar, Rachel Leary to name but a few!), as well as new upcoming creatives. Visitors will be able to shop and relax with a coffee and a traybake in an open space as the farm shop also now includes honey, cheeses and preserves.
Saturday November 27th promises to be a festive treat, with Christmas trees and seasonal plants, as well as farm shop produce and the North Down Craft Collective Christmas Market in the glasshouse.

Burnavon Winter Craft & Food Fair
2021-11-27 10:00 - 17:00 | The Burnavon, Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DN, United Kingdom
The Burnavon Winter Craft & Food Fair is back this year and will take place on Saturday 27th November, 10am – 5pm.
Visitors will enjoy a festive atmosphere and have a chance to browse a range of crafts handmade by local artists – ceramics, wood, jewellery and textiles, and of course grab a drink and a treat while shopping!

Creative Peninsula Christmas Edit Pop-up Shop
2021-11-27 10:00 - 2021-12-17 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
The Creative Peninsula Christmas Edit Pop-up Shop will take place in the festive setting of the Georgian Gallery, Ards Arts Centre and will exclusively feature handcrafted gifts and art made by the Creative Peninsula Artists.
An impressive exhibitor list include craft makers such as Adele Pound Wildlife Art, Alison Hanvey Ceramics, Anna Smyth Ceramics, Diane Lyness Goldsmith, NI Silver, Patricia Millar Ceramics, Ruth Osborne Art, Mora Jewellery, Wee Yarn Designs, Sharon Reagan Ceramics, Discovery Glass, Victoria Bentham and many more.

Please note, the opening hours are as follows:
Tues – Sat: 10am – 4pm
Late Night: Thurs 9 Dec and Fri 10 Dec until 9pm
Closed: Sundays and Mondays.
There will also be 2 late night openings on Thursday 9 and Friday 10 December until 9pm.

Macrame Christmas Tree Morning Workshop
2021-11-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Boom Studios, 80 Main Street, Bangor, BT20 3AH, United Kingdom
Claire from NodoKnots will host a 3 hour class where you will learn how to make a beautiful Macrame Christmas Tree wall hanging. She will guide you through the knots and technique to make this festive display using recycled cotton cord and locally gathered driftwood or branches.
All materials are provided, and no experience is needed.

Please note there is an afternoon workshop available on the same day (2pm – 5pm), follow organiser link below for more details.

The Gift as Heirloom - 'Meet the Maker' evening
2021-12-02 16:00 - 19:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI Gallery will take part in Late Night Art on Thursday, December 2. Stop by between 4 – 7pm and meet some of the makers featured in their current jewellery exhibition, ‘The Gift – as Heirloom’! A fantastic opportunity to enjoy an evening out in the Cathedral Quarter with friends, see some amazing pieces of jewellery and why not – find the perfect handmade gift!

Christmas Artisan Market at Castle Ward
2021-12-03 08:00 - 2021-12-05 17:00 | Castle Ward, Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, BT30 7BA
Castle Ward National Trust is organising a Christmas Artisan Market this year at Castle Ward, Strangford. You’ll find a handpicked selection of local designers and artisan makers in the Stable yard, from glass and ceramic makers to woodworkers and painters – a great day out where you can pick up your locally handcrafted Christmas gifts.
Castle Ward’s tea-room will be offering a selection of festive hot beverages to keep you warm, along with locally sourced, seasonal hot food. The Stable yard will be dressed in Georgian style with Christmas lights and holiday wreaths, accompanied by the sounds of local carol singers.
Standard admission fee applies, National Trust members go free.
Opening times:
3 December, 1pm – 8pm
4 & 5 December, 11am – 5pm

Adam Frew Annual Christmas Studio Sale
2021-12-04 11:00 - 17:00 | Adam Frew Studio, 21 Cullycapple Park, Aghadowey, BT51 4AS, United Kingdom
Renowned ceramicist Adam Frew will be holding his annual Christmas studio sale on Saturday, December 4th from 11am – 5pm. You will find a wide selection of pots, including more baubles and butter dishes which have already sold out on Adam’s online shop. A wide selection of seconds will also be available.

Ceramic Reindeer Workshop with Andrea McCullough-Alderdice
2021-12-04 14:00 - 16:00 | The Duncairn, Duncairn Ave, Belfast, BT14 6BP, United Kingdom
A Christmas ceramic workshop which is a great opportunity for real quality down time for you and the kids.
Through step by step festive making with ceramic artist Andrea McCullough-Alderdice, you and the little ones will see your own Christmassy character come to life – a beautiful addition to your decorations for years to come.
This workshop is suitable for parents and a maximum of 2 children.
Given the logistics of delivery of ceramic crates/materials for this workshop, it is open to BT14 and BT15 residents only.

Christmas Meet the Maker at Marble Arch Caves
2021-12-05 11:00 - 15:00 | Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre, 43 Marlbank Rd, Enniskillen, BT92 1EW, United Kingdom
Marble Arch Caves are organising a few Christmas Meet the Maker events!
Meet local craft maker Rachel Leary on December 5 at Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre. It’s a great opportunity to watch her ceramic pieces come to life as she works, hear stories of how she takes inspiration from the majestic countryside of Northern Ireland and learn about some of her techniques used in her pieces of ceramics. You can undertake a little Christmas shopping of your own as you check out her pieces as you stroll around the Marble Arch Caves gift shop.
No booking required – this event is suitable for all ages.

Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market
2021-12-10 15:00 - 21:00 | Hillsborough Fort, 6ae, 32 Main St, Hillsborough, BT26 6AE, United Kingdom
With the festive season just around the corner, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is delighted to announce its first Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market, which will be set up along The Dark Walk and Hillsborough Fort. Due to popular demand, the market will take place over two days, Friday 10thDecember from 3pm-9pm and Saturday 11th December from 10am-3pm.
Expect festive entertainment, lots of artisan food and of course, crafts! Local craft people will showcase their work, and ideal opportunity to pick up Christmas gift and support the local economy. An impressive line up of craftspeople includes Wendy Ward Design, LG Jewellery, Ruth Osborne Art and Lauren Fowler Handcrafted Company all taking part.

Benefield Spencer Glass Holiday open studio/Christmas sale
2021-12-11 | Benefield Spencer Glass Studio, 35 Lagavara Road, Ballintoy, Co. Antrim, BT54 6NG, United Kingdom
Benefield Spencer Glass invite you to their Holiday open studio and Christmas sale on Saturday, December 11 at 10am.
Scott Benefield and Andrea Spencer will conduct ongoing narrated demonstrations of glassblowing on their open studio day, allowing the public to watch this process and ask questions, and offer a range of samples, prototypes and studio seconds for sale at discounted prices. All ages are welcome and no prior registration is necessary.
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Glassblowing is a fascinating process involving constant activity as the molten glass is shaped by tools, gravity and centrifugal force and visitors are able to see a simple functional object made from start to finish in about 15 minutes. Glassblowing is part of the industrial heritage of Ireland that has all but disappeared, and the demonstrations offer a way to experience this rarely-seen activity in a safe, relaxed setting.

Social distancing will be observed and all visitors are encouraged to wear a face covering and use the available sanitizing products.

Glassmaking
2022-01-18 14:00 - 17:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
If you are feeling inspired by Northern Ireland’s beautiful beaches and outdoor walks, during this course your tutor Natasha Duddy will teach you how create a pair of fused glass panels (15 x 15 cm) to enjoy all year round in your home. You will learn glass-cutting skills and layering of glass frits and enamels to help you create two beautiful beach scenes. You will then choose to frame them in a box frame or mount them individually in free standing bases, or slump them into a shallow plate shape. No previous experience required.
Please note: no open toe sandals or footwear allowed.

Clay Throwing
2022-01-19 19:00 - 2022-02-09 21:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
On this 4-week course with tutor Fiona Shannon you will learn the key stages of wheel throwing on the pottery wheel and the basics of ceramics. Fiona will encourage you to produce functional items using stoneware clay (cost includes 2 bags for each participant). After completing a piece they will then go on to be fired in the kiln by the tutor. You can purchase additional clay should you wish to create more work. This course is suitable for beginners, 18+ and the dates are as follows: January 19, 26, February 2 and 9.
Please note: short sleeves, old trousers and an apron are recommended but clay washes off easily; 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.

Plant Hanger Workshop
2022-01-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Boom Studios, 80 Main Street, Bangor, BT20 3AH, United Kingdom
A class suitable for beginners – if you have never tried macrame before it will help you master the basic knots, and create a simple yet effective Plant Hanger. Claire from Nodo Knots has designed a new plant hanger pattern for this workshop, so is also suitable for anyone has previously attend a Plant Hanger Workshop but would like to try a different design.
The class includes all the materials you will need to complete the project.

Glassmaking
2022-01-25 14:00 - 2022-01-30 17:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
In this workshop your tutor Natasha Duddy will teach you glass-cutting skills to help you create four glass tiles representing the trees through each season – Spring/Summer/Autumn and Winter. You can chose to hang them in a window or frame them in the one box frame or mount them individually in free standing bases. No previous experience required.
Please note, no open toe sandals or footwear allowed.

Land and Lore
2022-01-28 10:00 - 2022-03-05 16:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
Textile artist Ruth Osborne’s exhibition will explore the relationship between nature, landscape and folklore, which can shape our understanding and responses to the natural world. This exhibition brings together textile art, printmaking and natural materials to inspire a connection to nature and explore the historical symbolism and beliefs embedded in our landscape.

Valentines Fused Glass
2022-01-29 10:00 - 14:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
Create a unique and lasting gift for a loved one this Valentines by designing and creating fused glass decorations. Under the guidance of glass artist Keith Sheppard ,you will work with different coloured glass to make two glass pieces from a choice of three options: love heart sun-catcher, heart shaped coaster or heart shaped hanging decoration. You can make up your own simple design at the workshop or use the templates provided by the tutor. Keith will teach you various design techniques, demonstrate the tools required for glass cutting, as well as how to work safely and handle glass with confidence. Your completed fused glass decorations will be taken back to Keith’s studio for firing and returned to the venue one to two weeks later for collection.
All tools and materials will be provided. You may wish to bring your own safety glasses. Please wear suitable clothing and flat shoes.
Please note: completed glass decorations will not be returned by post – collection only from the venue; maximum number of participants is 10; suitable for 16+
