Craft NI

Christmas Family Fun
2022-12-10 11:00 - 14:30 (Europe/London) | The Burnavon, Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DN, United Kingdom
Take part in the Christmas Family Fun day taking place at the Burnavon on December 10. This event promises to be a great day out for all the family, with fun-filled Arts & Crafts taster sessions. Please note that booking is essential – spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.
Free Admission. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Visitors will have to book one of the sessions below:
Session 1: 11am – 12noon (ASD Friendly)
Session 2 12.30pm – 1.15pm
Session 3 1.45pm – 2.30pm

Belfast Christmas Potter's Market
2022-12-10 10:00 - 18:00 | 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 in a a new location – 2 Royal Avenue in Belfast!
The market will take place on Saturday, December 10th, 10am – 6pm; there will be live demonstrations, free classes, festive music and mulled punch for visitors to enjoy as they browse the stunning handicrafts.

Pottery open day with Helen Faulkner
2022-12-10 10:00 - 16:00 | Helen Faulkner Ceramics, 288 Beersbridge Rd, Belfast, BT5 5DX, United Kingdom
Join ceramicist Helen Faulkner her Belfast studio for a festive open day. Visitors will enjoy mulled wine, take part in free decoration making (to be collected after firing), a giveaway and lots of lovely pottery gifts to get ticking off that Christmas list!

'Collectibles and Curiosities' Artist Talk with Clodagh Molloy and Eva Lynch
2022-12-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Join Clodagh Molloy and Eva Lynch for this unique artist talk, a supporting event to the ‘Collectibles and Curiosities’ exhibition, currently on at Craft NI Gallery until December 30th. Learn more about these creative makers, their inspiration and processes by signing up for their talk, which will take place via Zoom.
Please register your interest at the link below; a Zoom link will be sent to all participants before the talk.
https://forms.gle/kZzuSg4xTPGS9Mcu7

Late Night Shopping: Creative Peninsula Christmas Edit Pop-up Shop
2022-12-08 17:00 - 2022-12-09 21:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
Come along after work for a late night shopping experience with a difference…

Check off your Christmas list after work as the doors open to the Creative Peninsula Christmas Edit Pop-up Shop for two late night shopping experiences on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 December, until 9pm!

Take the stress out of shopping and avoid the crowds while you browse the high quality and unique items and artwork, all while enjoying complementary mulled punch and a mince pie!
Find out more about the Creative Peninsula Christmas Pop-up Edit Pop-up Shop HERE.

Christmas Textile Art
2022-12-07 19:00 - 21:00, 2022-11-30 19:00 - 21:00 | The Burnavon, Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DN, United Kingdom
Under the expert guidance of textile artist Louisa Kelly participants will be shown the amazing things they can do with wool, needle and thread. Using the techniques of felt making, stitching and embellishment they will create a beautiful piece of Christmas textile art over the course of two nights, perfect to decorate your home this festive season, or to give as a thoughtful Christmas gift!
All materials will be provided.
Suitable for age 16+

Beginner’s Knitting Course - Fingerless Mitts
2022-12-07 18:30 - 2022-12-14 21:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Beginner’s Knitting Course – Fingerless Mitts with Casey Rubenok
Wed 7 & 14 Dec, 6.30-9pm
Over two evenings you will make a pair of fingerless mitts, learning all the basics of knitting along the way: how to knit, purl, cast on and bind off as well as seaming and weaving in the ends of your finished pieces.
All materials are included in the price, provided by Hanks Yarn Parlour and are yours to keep including:
50g ball of wool
1 pair of 5mm needles
1 tapestry needle and a few stitch markers
Please be aware that you may need to spend a little time on your project in between the first and second class.

Christmas Woodcarving with Green Woodwork Ireland
2022-12-04 10:00 - 17:00 | Moneydarragh Hub, 101 Longstone Road, Newry, BT34 4UZ, United Kingdom
With the festive season only round the corner, this is the perfect opportunity to get into the spirit of Christmas and create a beautiful handcarved decoration to brighten up your home.
During this class Stephen Ryan from Green Woodwork Ireland will teach you the skills needed to produce your Christmas themed woodcarving, each participant can choose from 5 different designs including Santa, Christmas Tree, Gingerbread Man, North Star and Snowman.

You will also learn how to use a large variety of woodcarving chisels safely and effectively. This class is suitable for complete beginners as well as those that want to take their new found skills to the next level. No experience necessary.
Due to the use of sharp tools during the class sturdy boots or shoes should be worn.

Christmas Willow Wreath Workshop
2022-12-03 14:00 - 16:30 | North Down Museum, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT, United Kingdom
Create your own Christmas door wreath from local sustainable materials grown on the Ards Peninsula.
Clive from Welig Heritage Crafts will enable you to create your own individual piece for this special time of year.
All tools and materials will be supplied, however if you wish to bring your own natural extras like pine cones and dried orange rings please feel free to do so.

Adam Frew Christmas Studio Sale
2022-12-03 10:00 - 15:00 | Adam Frew Studio, 21 Cullycapple Park, Aghadowey, BT51 4AS, United Kingdom
Adam Frew will open his studio on Saturday 3rd December for his annual Christmas sale. There will be a wide range of his pottery, including mugs, bowls, lidded jars, baubles, plates and one-off pieces. There will have firsts as well as seconds, priced accordingly, and also some festive refreshments for you.
The studio address is: 21 Cullycapple Park, Aghadowey, Co.Derry, BT51 4AS ; alternatively, put Adam Frew Ceramics in Googlemaps.

A Christmassy Studio Warming
2022-12-02 - 2022-12-03
You are invited to A CHRISTMASSY STUDIO WARMING!
To say her thanks as she returns to the studio, Shannon McShane has invited you to join her at her Studio Warming on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd December.
Come say hello and see the new studio with a glass of sparkles or mulled wine. Browse through the collections, try on the new pieces and purchase some Christmas gifts. You can of course pop along to have a chat about commissioning, remodelling and the new workshops too.

Dates & Times
Friday 2nd December from 4pm to 8pm
Saturday 3rd December from 11am to 5pm
The Location
Shannon McShane
Unit B5 Inspire Business Park
16 Carrowreagh Road
Dundonald
BT16 1QT

RSVP here.

Creative Peninsula Christmas Edit Pop-up Shop
2022-11-26 10:00 - 2022-12-16 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
Come and take in the opulent festive setting of the Georgian Gallery, Ards Arts Centre for a Christmas Pop-up Shop exclusively featuring artwork and handcrafted gifts made by the Creative Peninsula Artists.
Following the success of the first Creative Peninsula Edit Pop-up Shop in 2021, this unique shopping experience returns for 2022!
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.
The shop will be curated and displayed in ‘edits’ to further inspire you and help you find that perfect gift for someone special (or drop hints for your own Christmas list!).
There will also be 2 late night openings on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 December until 9pm. Find out more about the late night shopping nights HERE.
Closed Sundays and Mondays.

The Burnavon Winter Craft & Food Fair
2022-11-26 10:00 - 2022-11-27 17:00 | The Burnavon, Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DN, United Kingdom
The Burnavon Winter Craft & Food Fair is back for for two days this year: Saturday 26th November, 10am – 5pm and Sunday 27th November 1pm – 5pm.
Visitors will be able to browse handmade ceramics, textiles, wood craft, jewellery whilst getting in the festive spirit with great food and other craft taster sessions!

You can download the Winter Craft & Food Fair brochure here Burnavon Winter Craft Fair NOV 2022 - PRINT.

Made in AND Late-Night Christmas Shopping
2022-11-24 19:00 - 21:00 | North Down Museum, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT, United Kingdom
To launch their Christmas Pop-Up Shop, North Down Museum is hosting a Late-Night Christmas Shopping event. Come along for an evening of music, artists demonstrations and shopping.

The museum will be festively decorated, the coffee shop will be open serving food and drink and visitors will be able to see the museum and purchase unique gifts in a completely different way.

Open Studio Event
2022-11-24 10:00 - 2022-11-27 20:00
Taking place November 24th – 27th in Co. Down, this Open Studio Event is a great opportunity to see making processes of porcelain, glass, jewellery and printmaking! Coffee or mulled wine will be available as visitors will be able to browse unique, handmade work.

Participating makers are Alison Lowry, Anne Butler, Alistair-R and Curlew Cottage Design. Please note individual dates and opening times below:

Alison Lowry: Friday November 25th, 6 – 8pm; Saturday November 26th 10:30am – 3:30pm. Address: 36 Comber St, Saintfield, Co. Down, BT24 7AZ. Contact: mail@alisonlowry.co.uk

Anne Butler: Friday November 25th, 6 – 8pm; Saturday November 26th 10:30am – 3:30pm. Address: Drumalig House, 133 Carryduff Road, Lisburn, BT27 6YL. Contact: annebutlerceramics@gmail.com. Warm clothes recommended

Alistair-R: November 24th – 27th 10am – 4pm; Saturday November 25th 6 – 8pm. Address: 143 Listooder Rd, Saintfield, Co. Down, BT24 7LB. Contact: robbie@alistairr.co.uk

Curlew Cottage Design: November 24th- 27th 10am – 4pm, Saturday November 25th 6 – 8pm. Address: 20 Ardigon Rd, Killyleagh, Co. Down, BT30 9TA. Warm clothes recommended. Contact: joanna@curlewcottagedesign.co.uk

Made in AND: Pop-Up Christmas Shop
2022-11-23 - 2023-01-08 | 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, filled with beautiful hand-made products from local artists and makers. The perfect place to get that special gift and support your local artists.
The shop is free to explore during our normal hours- Tuesdays – Saturdays 10am-4pm and Sundays 12 – 4pm. Come in, get out of the cold, get a delicious hot coffee or chocolate from the café, Coffee Cure and shop ‘til you drop!

Flint and Obsidian knapping course
2022-11-20 11:00 - 16:00 | NI Survival, 47 Ballynoe Road, Antrim, BT41 2QX, United Kingdom
Learn the techniques out ancestors used to create tools like spear axe and arrow heads out of flint. Learn percussion and pressure flaking techniques. Put these skills into practice first with flint and then Create your own obsidian dagger or arrow head to take how ! All materials and tools provided!
This event will take place at my private workshop area.
Food in the form of light refreshments will be provided with tea coffee and soft drinks.
This course is limited to 10 people.
Due to the physical nature of this course over 18 only

Christmas Coppersmithing Workshop
2022-11-20 10:00 - 13:30 | Navan Centre & Fort, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh, BT60 4LD, United Kingdom
Create Christmas decorations with a difference this festive season, as you join our half day workshop with Lake & Oak Coppersmithing. Using a piercing technique and working with copper sheets, you will be able to make any shapes that you want, before texturing the pieces or colouring them with flames! Use your imagination or take inspiration from some of the amazing archaeological finds on display in the Navan Centre. The finished decorations will be totally unique to you and, no doubt, a talking point as they adorn your home every festive season for years to come. This workshop is also the perfect gift for a loved one or a calming escape from the hustle and bustle of the season. The half day workshop includes lunch in our onsite coffee shop, Ancient Grounds.

All materials are provided and no prior experience is required.

Felt & silk scarf workshop
2022-11-19 10:00 - 16:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Design and make a unique, glamorous scarf combining sumptuous silk georgette with extra fine merino wool. Working in a grid pattern participants will create a lattice effect and then lightly felt the fabrics: the finished scarf will be sheer, lightweight, luxurious and have an elegant drape.
Please bring a packed lunch.

Festive Winter Christmas Market
2022-11-18 16:00 - 20:00 | Pollen Studio and Gallery, 7 North St, Belfast, BT1 1NH, United Kingdom
All are welcome to the Pollen Studio and Gallery’s Festive Fun Arts & Crafts Market on Friday 18th November 4-8pm.
The market will take place over the ground and first floors of 7 North Street, BT1 1NH with festive fun, crafts, food, and gifts on offer.
Come on down and see some beautiful art from local artists, partake in bobble painting, hot chocolate, mulled wine!
Entry to the market is free!

Artist talk with Peter Meanley
2022-11-17 19:00 - 20:30 | North Down Museum, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT, United Kingdom
Join North Down Museum for an informal talk by Peter Meanley about his work, influences, inspiration and love of salt glazed ceramics.

Potter Peter Meanley is originally from Yorkshire. He attended York School of Art as a painter and Royal College of Art as a ceramic designer. He taught briefly in Bradford and went on to be senior course tutor in ceramics at the University of Ulster when he made Bangor his home. Peter has been a master salt glaze ceramic artist for more than 35 years. Originally he was a teapot maker. Although he still makes teapots he has increasingly made forms which ‘contain liquid’ and to be used to pour from.

His work is held in many National and International collections and museums. In May 2022 Peter had a solo exhibition of new work in the Craft NI Gallery.

This event is free but pre-booking required: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsartscentre/t-yaamevg .

Carve a Wooden Spatula with Green Woodwork Ireland
2022-11-13 10:00 - 17:00 | Moneydarragh Hub, 101 Longstone Road, Newry, BT34 4UZ, United Kingdom
Knife carving otherwise known as whittling is one of the most accessible and enjoyable woodcrafts you can experience. During the class participants will use traditional tools to shape green [unseasoned] wood. The beauty of green wood lies in its ability to be shaped easily as it is soft and easily worked with hand tools.

During this workshop, Stephen Ryan from Green Woodwork Ireland will teach you the skills needed to become a traditional knife carver. Each participant will learn axe and knife carving skills to produce their own cooking utensils from locally sourced, freshly cut wood.
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.

'Collectibles and Curiosities' Exhibition
2022-11-10 18:00 - 2022-12-30 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI are delighted to welcome back the Association of Contemporary Jewellers and Silversmiths NI for another jewellery exhibition that promises to amaze the public in the run up to Christmas. The “Collectibles and Curiosities” exhibition opens at Craft NI Gallery on Thursday, November 10 and continues until December 30.

For this exhibition, ACJSNI has brought together 18 contemporary jewellers and silversmiths from all over the world. Each piece relates to the theme “Collectibles and Curiosities” representing a wide range of narratives and cultures. Their diverse approaches to the brief show not only technical precision and a dynamic use of materials, they also reflect their artistry as storytellers. Jewellery is a statement to both challenge and delight; Collectible & Curious!

Exhibitors include:

Alena Štukavcová Doležalová (Czech Republic), Ana Nadjar (Chile), Anne Earls Boylan (UK), Annie Ricketts (UK), Cameron & Breen (UK), Carmen López (Spain), Carol Bergocce (Brazil), Céline Traynor (Ireland), Cleopatra Cosulet (Romania), Clodagh Molloy (Ireland), Ebrahim Mohammadian Elird (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Eva Lynch (Ireland), Gerhard Herbst (Australia), Lynne Speake (UK), Mária Roskó (Hungary), Rosie Deegan (UK), Shannon McShane (Ireland), Taylor Fentz (US).

Join us for the opening night November between 6 and 8pm and learn more about the theme of the event: “Collectible and Curious”, two words that describe the history of our obsession with jewellery, precious materials and objects that tell stories about who we are and how we see ourselves.

Materials Messages Meanings #11 Sustainability Exhibition
2022-11-05 11:00 - 2022-12-05 17:00 | R-Space Gallery, 32 Castle Street, Lisburn, BT27 4XE, United Kingdom
Materials, Messages and Meanings #11 ‘Sustainability’ Exhibition runs from 5 November – 2 December 2022 at R-Space Gallery
Three Irish artists have been selected from an open call as part of our Materials, Messages and Meaning series. Now in its eleventh year, these exhibitions explore artists’ different approaches to materials, methods of production and messages within their work.
This year we have selected artists who have responded to the theme ‘Sustainability.
Participating artists:
Jasper McKinney MBE
Judith Waring
Mollie Mia Murphy
R-Space Gallery is open to the public and Covid-19 restrictions apply.

Big Bauble Christmas Showcase
2022-11-03 18:00 - 2022-12-24 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
The Big Bauble Showcase, Craft NI Gallery’s festive event of the season, will launch Thursday, November 3rd during Late Night Art, and run until end of December. Every year the gallery carefully selects handcrafted unique baubles from contemporary Northern Irish makers, in varied mediums such as ceramic, glass or textiles.

Make the opening night an excuse to get to know the work some of Northern Ireland’s finest contemporary designer-makers, while you join us for some seasonal refreshments and an exclusive 10% off all work for that night only!

Free admission.

Moneydarragh Makers Pottery Challenge
2022-11-02 19:00 - 2022-12-07 20:00 | Moneydarragh Hub, 101 Longstone Road, Newry, BT34 4UZ, United Kingdom
Join a series of 6 community led ceramics sessions. Suitable for beginners and those with a little experience.
All welcome! Materials and refreshments provided.
Session 1; Wednesday 28th September — Introduction & Tile Making
Session 2; Wednesday 5th October — Making a Pot/Vase
Session 3; Wednesday 12th October — Wall Plaque/Bowl
Session 4; Wednesday 19th October —Refining and Finishing
Session 5; Wednesday 26th October — Glaze
Session 6; Wednesday 2nd November — Pickup and Showcase
Days subject to change should unexpected circumstances arise.
Get in touch via social media to arrange payment in person via cash.
We look forward to meeting you!
Suitable for ages 10+ (Children aged 10–15 must be accompanied by an adult)

Ceramics Short Course with Tracey Johnston
2022-11-01 18:00 - 2022-12-20 21:00 | Belfast School of Art, Ulster University, York Street, Belfast, Antrim, BT15 1ED, United Kingdom
This course will suit someone who has little or no past experience of working with clay. You will be introduced to a number of different techniques, including, slab work, coil work and an opportunity to learn how to use a potter’s wheel. This is an exciting opportunity to use the superb facilities of the Ulster University and begin or progress your journey in clay.
This 8 week (3 hours per week) course is taught on a Tuesday day night 6.00 – 9.00 pm by Tracey Johnston a graduate of the Ulster University and current Graduate in Residence. There are two start dates 6th September 2022 and 1st November 2022.
The course is suitable for beginners and students that already have basic ceramic knowledge and wish to focus on and develop ideas and processes.
The teaching will be both individual and group sessions.
All main making techniques will be covered with an emphasis on skill development.
Costs include reasonable use of materials, colours and firings, and takes place in the new Ceramic Studios in the Ulster University, Belfast School of Art, York Street, Belfast.
Course Date:

Tuesday 6th September 2022, every Tuesday until 25th October 2022 (Closing date for application: Tuesday 30th August 2022 at 12 noon)
OR
Tuesday 1st November 2022, every Tuesday until 20th December 2022 (Closing date for application: Tuesday 25th October 2022 at 12 noon)

Halloween in the FabLab
2022-10-29 14:00 - 16:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Come and find out what goes on in the basement at Flowerfield Arts Centre if you dare… from 3D printing to cnc milling and vinyl cutting. This is a chance for children aged 8+ to explore some exciting new creative techniques.
Parents must accompany children throughout.
