Gathering Stitches Festival
2026-05-09 11:00 - 2026-05-10 16:00 (Europe/London) | WWT Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain Rd, Comber, Newtownards, BT23 6EA
Come along to Gathering Stitches to browse and shop at exhibitor stalls from local yarn shops, textile artists, designers and makers. The festival will include demonstrations, a panel discussion, and workshops at an additional cost.
Attendees will also have full access to the WWT Castle Espie site.
Tickets can be bought in advance at a reduced rate, or full price tickets are available on the door.

Two-Week Ghost Making Workshop
2026-05-16 10:00 - 2026-05-23 13:00 | James & The Kiln, 90d Carryduff Rd, The Temple, Lisburn, BT27 6YL, United Kingdom
Join James Stanley Watson for a two-part workshop, where participants will make their own ceramic ghosts.
In the first session, participants will learn how to use press moulds to create ghost forms, working with clay to build character and personality into each piece. James will discuss tips for shaping, adding details, and preparing the creations for firing. Between sessions, the pieces will be fired.
In the second session, participants will learn techniques for using underglazes and oxides to decorate the fired work.
No prior ceramics experience is needed. All materials and firings are included.
Please note this workshop is not suitable for people under 16 years old.

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, 2026-08-28 10:00 - 2026-08-29 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 .

Fused Glass Spring Lanterns with Sarah Walsh
2026-05-23 10:00 - 13:00 | F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio, Banbridge, BT32 3NB, United Kingdom
In this beginner’s class you will be provided with four pre-cut pieces of glass to decorate with your own pattern or design. This fun and easy workshop has no glass cutting involved. Each participant will create their own unique design and you may wish to bring some images for inspiration.
All tools and safety equipment will be provided. Please wear flat, closed-toe shoes. Finished glass will be taken back to Sarah’s studio for firing before the finished lanterns are returned to the venue for collection at a later date.

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.

Colin and Sylvia Dales exhibition
2026-05-23 10:00 - 2026-06-21 17:00 | WWT Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain Rd, Comber, Newtownards, BT23 6EA
Ceramicist Sylvia Dales will exhibit work alongside her husband, Colin Dales, who is a contemporary abstract painter. Sylvia works with earthenware and traditional techniques such as terra sigillata and smoke firing; her beautifully crafted pieces are influenced by Etruscan and Korean pottery, creating a powerful connection between past and present.
Colin brings a unique approach to painting, shaped by his background in fine art restoration. His layered, textured works explore time, erosion and structure, with recent inspiration drawn from water and light at Castle Espie.
The exhibition will take place in the Graffan Gallery at Castle Espie; free entrance to the exhibition but fees apply to see Castle Espie.

Slow Stitch Fabric Collage with Jane Mathers
2026-05-30 10:00 - 13:00 | F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio, Banbridge, BT32 3NB, United Kingdom
Discover the calming art of slow stitching in this hands-on fabric collage workshop. Using simple hand-sewing techniques, you’ll create a unique textile artwork by layering fabrics, textures, and found materials.
During the session, you’ll explore fabric composition, colour, and texture while learning basic slow stitch techniques that require no prior sewing experience. This relaxed and supportive workshop is perfect for beginners as well as experienced makers who want to reconnect with the joy of hand stitching.

Polymer Clay Earring Making Workshop
2026-05-30 12:30 - 15:30 | Crescent Art Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NH, United Kingdom
Create your own statement earrings from polymer clay, in this fun jewellery workshop with Melissa Paget.
You will learn how to create your own colour palette by hand mixing coloured clay, and work with different shapes and textures to create two pairs of colourful earrings to take home.

Material Matters: Textile Knowledge, Sustainability and Fashion Futures in Ireland
2026-05-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Ulster Museum, BT9 5AB, United Kingdom
This lecture by Dr Lyndsey McDougall explores how textile knowledge, both historical and contemporary, can offer vital insights for more sustainable approaches to fashion.
Drawing on examples from Irish textile history alongside contemporary practice, the talk considers how makers, designers and communities have worked with local materials, natural dyes and traditional techniques to create garments and textiles that carry cultural memory as well as material value.
From the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement to present-day initiatives focused on local fibre and sustainable production, textiles reveal a long history of material awareness and environmental responsibility. The lecture reflects on how textile practices, including repair, mending and reuse, can challenge cycles of fast consumption and encourage deeper relationships with the materials that shape our everyday lives.

Visible Mending: Decorative Stitch & Sashiko Skills
2026-06-07 13:30 - 15:30 | Ulster Museum, BT9 5AB, United Kingdom
Explore the art of caring for your favourite clothes through creative repair in this hands-on workshop with Dr Lyndsey McDougal.
Learn foundational techniques that extend the life of textiles while celebrating their history and individuality. Start with a short, illustrated introduction to visible mending in contemporary fashion and sustainable repair practices. Then dive into Sashiko-inspired stitching, a traditional Japanese running stitch method that reinforces fabric with beautiful patterning.
In the second half of the workshop, discover simple decorative embroidery stitches, such as seeding and feather stitch, for covering marks and small imperfections. With all materials provided and expert guidance throughout, you’ll leave with sample pieces demonstrating your new skills, ready to apply them to garments and textiles at home.

Craft NI Craft Village at Garden Show Ireland
2026-06-12 10:00 - 2026-06-14 18:00 | Antrim Castle Gardens, Randalstown Road, Antrim, County Antrim, BBT41 4LH, United Kingdom
The Craft NI Craft Village returns this year at Garden Show Ireland!
We are once again delighted to partner with Antrim & Newtownabbey Council’s Garden Show Ireland 2026 to bring contemporary local craft makers to this annual celebration of plants and gardens!
In its fourth year at Garden Show Ireland, the Craft Village is now a firm fixture in the show and an integral part of the overall visitor experience, which includes plants for sale, creative garden ideas, artisan foods and a lively programme of demos and masterclasses.
Visitors to the Craft NI Craft Village will be able to browse for and shop a large selection of high quality ceramics, jewellery and textiles, all handcrafted by local makers. Exhibitors include Anna Smyth, Duncan Legate, Erin McCormack, Fiona Kerr, Hannah Grainger, Joel Smyth, Lorna Shannon, Maggie Napier, Rachel Leary, Vine Haugh, Redsmith’s Forge and Snowdrops and Sentiments.
The weekend will also include two days of woodworking, spinning and coppersmithing demonstrations – the demo schedule will be available soon!

Visitors will need to purchase tickets to Garden Show Ireland – link below.

Hanging Glass Landscapes Workshop
2026-06-13 10:00 - 13:00 | F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio, Banbridge, BT32 3NB, United Kingdom
Create your own hanging glass landscape under the guidance of fused glass artist Sarah Walsh. Each participant will make a 20cm x 10cm piece, using an array of glass pieces, rods and powders. Everyone will create their own unique piece and you may want to bring some images with you for inspiration.
Please wear suitable clothing and flat, closed-toe shoes. Finished works will be taken back to Sarah’s studio for firing before being returned to the venue for collection at a later date.

Wood carving with Geoff Tulip
2026-06-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Try your hand at creating a sculptural effect in wood at the Island Arts Centre. With guidance from craft maker Geoff Tulip, participants will carve their own relief piece to take home.

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 .

Highland Cow Friday Night Pottery
2026-06-18 18:00 - 21:00 | Belfast Ceramics Studio, Unit 10E Owen O'Cork Mill, 288 Beersbridge Road, Belfast, Antrim, BT55DX, United Kingdom
Join the Belfast Ceramics Studio for their June Friday Night Pottery event! Participants will create and paint their own highland cow piece, and the Studio will handle the firing and glazing. The pottery will be ready to collect a few weeks later. A great way to spend the evening solo or with friends.

Making Plaster Sprig Moulds
2026-06-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Belfast Ceramics Studio, Unit 10E Owen O'Cork Mill, 288 Beersbridge Road, Belfast, Antrim, BT55DX, United Kingdom
At this workshop, you will gain hands-on experience in creating simple yet effective plaster moulds suitable for slip casting or press moulding techniques. Designed for beginners and those with some experience, the session introduces the fundamental principles of mould making, including how to prepare objects for casting, mix and pour plaster safely, and release finished moulds.

Arts Council and Baring Foundation Mental Health and Arts Showcase
2026-06-24 09:00 - 16:00 | The MAC, 10 Exchange St, West, Belfast, BT1 2NJ, United Kingdom
24th June 2026 at the MAC, Belfast, 9.45am – 3.15pm

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, together with the Baring Foundation, has the pleasure of inviting you to join us as they showcase some of the excellent work taking place in Northern Ireland as part of our Mental Health and Arts Programme.
They will be showcasing some of the projects currently funded through the Mental Health and Arts Programme and hearing about the difference they are making in communities across Northern Ireland.
Artists and facilitators will share their thoughts on having participated in the Self-care for Individual Artists Sessions.
Over lunch there will be an opportunity to network and to talk to The Recovery College and Minding Creative Minds before looking at what the future holds for the Mental Health and Arts Programme.
Registration and breakfast pastries from 9:45am. Event starts 10.15am.

Register here.

Pottery Throwing Class
2026-06-27 10:00 - 12:30 | James & The Kiln, 90d Carryduff Rd, The Temple, Lisburn, BT27 6YL, United Kingdom
Join James Stanley Watson in his studio for a throwing workshop.
Workshops are relaxed, hands-on pottery sessions suited to anyone curious about clay, whether they are a complete beginner or keen to build confidence on the wheel.
Participants will be guided through each stage of the process – from centring and opening the clay, to pulling up walls and shaping their own forms. Expect a mix of demonstration, guidance, and plenty of time to practise.
By the end of the session, each participant will have created their own pieces to be dried, fired, and glazed, ready to collect at a later date. One piece is included in the price, with any additional pieces available for £5 each.
Please note this workshop is not suitable for people under 16 years old.

Natural Colour and Dyeing Workshop
2026-06-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Mourne Textiles, 86 Killowen Old Road, Rostrevor, BT34 3AE
Mourne Textiles is running two hands-on workshops over the last weekend in June. The workshops are suitable for everyone; textile lovers and enthusiasts, those wanting a taster of weaving on a four shaft table loom, as well as anyone drawn to working with natural colour and fibres. No prior experience is required.
At the natural colour and dyeing workshop on Saturday, Kathryn Davey will take you on a short walk to Carlingford Lough to forage for seasonal dye plants. Back at the mill, you will be shown the process of natural dyeing and how to achieve consistent vibrant colours on woven samples.

Handloom Weaving Workshop
2026-06-28 10:00 - 16:00 | Mourne Textiles, 86 Killowen Old Road, Rostrevor, BT34 3AE
Mourne Textiles are running two hands-on workshops over the last weekend in June. The handloom weaving workshop on the Sunday will start with an introduction from Mario Sierra and Karen Hay-Edie demonstrating the loom setup, basic weaving techniques, and how to integrate colour, texture, and composition. You will be able to use the yarns and fleece available in the mill. At the end of the workshop, you will take home a small woven wall hanging or sample for a larger future project.

Throwing Masterclass: Plates
2026-07-04 10:00 - 13:30 | Belfast Ceramics Studio, Unit 10E Owen O'Cork Mill, 288 Beersbridge Road, Belfast, Antrim, BT55DX, United Kingdom
This masterclass covers what makes a good plate, plate design, what restaurants look for in plates, and the biggest pitfalls and challenges in making plates (and how to overcome them). Kat will demonstrate the throwing of a contemporary-style plate and share some advanced techniques and tips. After that, it’s your turn to take a seat behind the wheel. The Masterclass ends with a 30-minute trimming demo and room for Q&A. This Masterclass is for Intermediate and Advanced students and is not suitable for Beginners. Participants are expected to be able to centre 4lbs (2kg) of clay and throw consistent cylinders.

Printing on Clay
2026-08-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Belfast Ceramics Studio, Unit 10E Owen O'Cork Mill, 288 Beersbridge Road, Belfast, Antrim, BT55DX, United Kingdom
All the way from Missouri, Julie Simon will join Belfast Ceramics Studio to lead this hands-on workshop. Julie will guide a step-by-step process for painting and transferring custom-designed paper images onto leather-hard clay surfaces.

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.
