Craft NI

Materials, Messages, Meaning #13
2024-09-28 14:00 - 2024-10-25 17:00 (Europe/London) | R-Space Gallery, 32 Castle Street, Lisburn, BT27 4XE, United Kingdom
The annual group exhibition Materials, Messages, Meaning – MMM#13, now in its 13th year, will open at R-Space Gallery on September 28th and run until October 25th. This year’s exhibition is themed SUSPENSION—an exploration of how artists and makers engage with a diverse range of materials to reflect on the concept of suspension in its many forms.

MMM#13 brings together a diverse range of artists, from emerging to established, working across multiple mediums throughout Northern Ireland. This year’s exhibition will showcase the works of Sandra Kerr, Louise French, Maya Todd, Lisa Johnston, and Lauren Martin.

Join in for the opening event at R-Space Gallery on September 28th, where you’ll have the chance to hear from the artists themselves during the Artist Talks at 2:30 PM. This is an opportunity to not only see the work but also hear about the thought processes, methods, and stories behind each piece.
Refreshments will be provided; free entry, all welcome

Mosaic Making
2024-09-30 13:30 - 2024-11-18 15:30 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
This is an 8 week course. We will work on mosaic mesh, making it easy to make alterations as you learn, before you transfer your finished work onto the backing board provided or directly onto a wall at home.

Geraldine will take you step by step through the process of design, choosing materials, safe cutting techniques and how to place your tesserae for greatest impact. There’s no need for prior mosaic making knowledge or to draw your own design unless you want to. All materials and support will be provided to create your own mosaic masterpiece.

Pate de verre workshop
2024-10-05 10:00 - 16:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Join glass artist Alison Lowry for an opportunity to learn about the ancient technique of pâte de verre. This glass-paste casting method allows for the creation of unique sculptural forms.
Over this two days wworkshop you will make a bowl and a flat work. You will learn how to make your own moulds, pack them and then fire them, and in the final session Alison will guide you through the process of divestment and finishing your works.
No experience is necessary and all materials will be provided.
Please note the exact details below:
Dates: Saturday 5 & 12 October
Time: day 1: 10am-4pm; day 2: 10am-12.30pm

Fine and Dandy Market
2024-10-06 12:00 - 16:00 | Elmwood Hall, Elmwood Mews, Belfast, BT9 6BD, United Kingdom
The Fine and Dandy Market is coming back to Elmwood Hall, Belfast – stop by to see the work of local craftsmen alongside other artists and local food producers.Visitors will be able to admire and buy locally handmade jewellery, ceramics, crafts and yarns!

Pottery workshop with Adam Frew
2024-10-11 10:00 - 2024-10-12 16:00 | Adam Frew Studio, 21 Cullycapple Park, Aghadowey, BT51 4AS, United Kingdom
Join Adam Frew for a 2 day workshop in October at his studio in Aghadowey! 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.
Please note, only a few spaces left.
There is the possibility of paying a deposit at this stage, and paying the rest before the class takes place.
A simple lunch of soup and bread will be provided.

Moving Menagerie Kids Paper Craft Workshop
2024-10-12 13:00 - 16:00 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Join tutors Jayne Cherry, Simon Hall and Aimee Magee for this moving menagerie kids paper craft workshop!
Participants will make jointed paper animals which explore how Anne Acheson understood the mechanics of movement to be able to isolate fractures and allow them to heal. This workshop will run in the afternoon and is suitable for kids age 6+
Children will have to be accompanied by an adult.

The 143rd RUA annual exhibition
2024-10-18 10:00 - 2025-01-06 17:00 | Ulster Museum, BT9 5AB, United Kingdom
The Royal Ulster Academy (RUA) unveiled its highly anticipated 143rd Annual Exhibition at the Ulster Museum on October 18, 2024. As Northern Ireland’s premier visual arts event, this year’s exhibition promises to inspire and captivate with over 300 extraordinary works from both emerging talents and renowned artists. With comedian and artist Phill Jupitus as guest adjudicator, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the creative talent shaping the arts today.
This year’s exhibition will feature nearly 350 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, audiovisual installations, ceramics, textiles, and more. We are delighted to see craft so well represented by Andrea Spencer, Scott Benefield, Shauna McCann, Sarah Cathers, Stuart Cairns, Cara Murphy, Anna Donovan, Anne Butler, Claire Gibson and Alison Lowry to name but a few!

Slow stitch series | Folk art applique
2024-10-19 10:00 - 13:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
For sewers or complete beginners, this 2 day workshop will provide the opportunity to explore the many different appliqué techniques: hand-tucked, raw-edged, reverse and decoupage style, hand-stitched, machined and fused. With its colourful, stylised motifs of flowers, birds, animals and trees, folk art gives plenty of opportunity to create unique and personal textile collages, that can be hung or made into a bag or cushion.
All materials are provided. Please note, the event will take place on October 19th and November 2nd, 10:30 to 1pm.

Fine and Dandy Market
2024-10-20 12:00 - 16:00 | Titanic Hotel, The Titanic Quarter, 8 Queens Rd, Belfast, BT3 9DT, United Kingdom
The Fine and Dandy Market is coming back to the Titanic Hotel, Belfast – stop by to see the work of local craftsmen alongside other artists and local food producers.Visitors will be able to admire and buy locally handmade jewellery, ceramics (by Rachel Leary, Jakki Trainor, Thomas Powell) crafts and yarns!

Bewitching Bazaar - Halloween Craft Market
2024-10-26 10:00 - 2024-10-27 16:00 | Castle Ward, Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, BT30 7BA
The Bewitching Bazaar Craft Market will take place on beautiful grounds of Castle Ward – set against the atmospheric backdrop of this historic Georgian estate, the market is a great opportunity to browse an enchanting selection of pieces handcrafted by talented local artists. Stop by The Studio to see resident glass artist Ann York Smyth’s selection of spooky seasonal gift ideas, as well as the work of ceramicist Charlene Rooney.
Food will be available to buy throughout the day; families can also embark on the Halloween Trail, packed with surprises, and get hands-on with Halloween crafts. Please note, this event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Halloween Lantern Workshop
2024-10-26 10:30 - 12:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Little Halloween fans will have the opportunity to design and make creepy Halloween clay lanterns using air dry clay which means they can take it home, paint it and let it dry naturally – just in time for spooky celebrations. Tutor: Fiona Shannon.
This workshop is suitable for ages 8 to 12yrs.

Mug decorating workshop
2024-10-26 11:00 - 12:30 | Blackheath Pottery, The Blackheath Pottery 112 Killeague Rd, Blackhill,, Coleraine, BT51 4HH, United Kingdom
Step into the enchanting realm of pottery by personalizing your very own mug in an engaging and cozy class with Babs Balshaw from Blackheath Pottery . Participants will:

Receive a handcrafted porcelain cylinder crafted by Babs to unleash your creativity.
Explore a variety of colored slips for painting, along with paper stencils, stamps, and cutters.
Add a handle or create a unique sculpture inside your mug – the possibilities are endless!
Enjoy a complimentary hot drink from our cafe (dietary requirements can be accommodated).

Once your piece is complete, it will be fired, glazed, and ready for pickup two weeks later. Worldwide shipping is available for an extra fee.

This class is open to all ages. For children under 10, please mention it during checkout for additional clay and a lower table setup if needed. Limited to 10 participants.

Please note upcoming dates:
October 26; November 16 & 23rd; December 7.

Kids Scary Paper Halloween Masks Workshops
2024-10-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Come along and make a paper collage mask with tutor Susan McKeever – this workshop is suitable for all ages, families, teens, adults. What type of mask will you make – Mummers, Monsters, Witches or Cats?
All materials will be provided
Suitable for age 6+ . Children must be accompanied by an adult who can assist them with using scissors.

Samhain animal spirits mask-making workshop
2024-10-29 13:30 - 15:00 | Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady, BT49 0FJ, United Kingdom
Did you know that the practice of dressing up for Halloween harks back to the ancient Celts? Every Samhain, Celtic Druids would dress in animal skins to confuse and ward off the returning spirits when the veil was thin on Halloween. Join tutor Linda Mulholland for a chance to reignite this ancient tradition by creating your very own animal spirit mask! All materials provided.

Pumpkin Painting and Pizza
2024-10-30 15:30 - 17:30 | Mud Ireland, 72 Main St, Moira, BT67 0LQ, United Kingdom
Join Josh from Mud Ireland for a Pumpkin Painting class followed by a pizza party! This class is perfect for those who want a cute Halloween activity that is perfect for all ages and abilities.
The first 1.5 hours of the class is dedicated to painting a ceramic pumpkin. Participants will receive a quick demonstration at the start of the class with tricks and treats on how best to decorate it. After the painting class, pizzas and a soft drink will be supplied, followed by some time to browse the shop area and pick up a memento of the experience.
The pumpkin will be ready 4 weeks after your class to collect.
As it’s Halloween fancy dress is encouraged! Aprons are available however the paint does wash out if it happens to get on your clothes.

The workshop will run at the following times: 12pm; 3:30pm and 7pm.

Intergenerational Connection
2024-11-01 11:00 - 2024-11-29 17:00 | R-Space Gallery, 32 Castle Street, Lisburn, BT27 4XE, United Kingdom
In this exhibition, scientist and artist Dr Lynne Hocking presents handwoven sculptural objects that give physical form to data and concepts related to genetics and ancestry.
These works were created as part of an innovative project focusing on ancestry research and bringing together art, craft and science. Hocking’s research highlighted that the last seven generations of her family were involved with the weaving trade. Following this discovery, she produced artworks that represent the “weaving women / powerhouses” of her family, working with the same materials: jute and flax/linen, and incorporating data on their shared genetics.
Dr Lynne J Hocking is a scientist-turned-handweaver, who previously worked in the field of human genetics. Her textile practice is research-based and experimental, with a particular interest in genetics/ancestry, social history, bioacoustics and environmental/climate data; and the applications of digital technology to craft practice. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and is held in the permanent collection of Aberdeen Art Gallery, UK. She is based in Scotland.

Events:
Artist Talk – 1 November, at the opening. ‘Presenting Intergenerational Connections’
Artist Talk Online – 13 November, 6pm. ‘Family Ties: unpicking and re-weaving his-/her-stories’
The Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am-5pm

The Knitting & Stitching Show Belfast
2024-11-07 10:00 - 2024-11-10 17:30 | Titanic Exhibition Centre, 17 Queens Road, Belfast, BT3 9DU, United Kingdom
Craft NI are delighted to partner with the Knitting & Stitching Show, one of the leading consumer textiles exhibitions in the UK, who are making their debut Belfast Show at Titanic Exhibition Centre from the 7th-10th November 2024 !

Visitors can expect inspiring textile art galleries, a wide range of enjoyable and practical skills workshops, free talks & demos, interactive features, as well as over 100 of the leading specialist craft suppliers.

Craft NI will have a stand so stop by and say hello – featuring a selection of Northern Irish textile artists and their wonderful work, and of course signposting and answering any questions about Northern Ireland’s vibrant craft sector!

Those interested to attend can book their tickets HERE and avail of the CNI24 discount code for £2 off standard admission tickets (not valid on Two-Day or VIP).

Please note, the show ends at 5pm on Sunday.

Aspire: Ventures in Craft
2024-11-07 10:00 - 2024-11-28 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
Stop by the Ards Arts Centre and see a group exhibition by Homo Faber Fellows 2023: Claire Mooney, Jackson Byrne, Richard Butler, and Noel Donnellan; artists who recently completed an internship ran by the Michelangelo Foundation.
This exhibition explores themes of sustainability, links to the land and the transmission of traditional craft skills in the contemporary field.
The Homo Faber Fellowship enabled this group to develop their practice and work alongside master artisans. This show celebrates the learning, development and collaborations which took place throughout this time. From photographs, drawings, and tests to final outcomes, this show is a window on their learning process while showcasing craft to a new audience.

Big Bauble Showcase
2024-11-07 10:00 - 2024-12-30 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
The Big Bauble Showcase is a yearly staple at Craft NI Gallery, featuring a wide range of unique handmade baubles, in limited ranges or one-offs. The event is a highlight for visitors who come back each year to add to their collection.
Stop by to admire and pick up a meaningful gift – these unique designs in porcelain, felt, enamel, textiles or hand blown glass are sure to impress!

'Brilliant Generations' Christmas exhibition
2024-11-07 18:00 - 2024-12-31 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI’s 2024 Christmas selling exhibition ‘Brilliant Generations’ will open November 7, 6 – 9pm at Craft NI Gallery, Belfast, and run until December 31st!
This year’s Christmas exhibition will showcase the impressive creations of our local designer-makers and aim to inspire discerning shoppers with new, exciting work: whether it is jewellery that sparkles, ceramics with an innovative twist, new exciting work in textiles or wood, Craft NI Gallery are looking forward to sharing their newest creative endeavours with you!
‘Brilliant Generations’ will encompass key messages about what Northern Irish craft has to offer, and hint at the emotions associated with finding the perfect festive gift: awe at the skills and creativity of our local makers; the thrill of discovering a unique handcrafted gift; and the wonder of (re)discovering something new and exciting about craft (and craft makers) Northern Ireland.

ASTRL Fibres Making Space: Seasonal Decoration Workshop
2024-11-14 18:30 - 20:30 | ASTRL Fibres Studio, 412 Woodstock Road, Belfast, Antrim, BT6 9DQ, United Kingdom
‘Making Space’ is a series of workshops that will encourage participants to think with their hands, embrace a willingness to play, allow themselves the space to be creative and find connection in the act of making.
During this workshop with Alison of ASTRL Fibres, participants will learn how to handcraft a beautiful pair of seasonal decorations to take home. Over the course of this 2hr session, Alison will guide them through a series of beginners knotting, coiling, stitching and macramé techniques using a variety of natural and recycled textile materials, all over a wee cuppa and some sweet treats.
This workshop is suitable for those looking to try a new handcraft and no previous experience is required. The session will be seated in a relaxed, inclusive and full access setting. This session is open to ages 12+ but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Please note, this workshop will also take place on December 3rd.

Christmas Green Man Workshop
2024-11-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Conway Mill, Top floor Conway Mill, 5-7 Conway St., Belfast, BT13 2DE, United Kingdom
Join Anna Donovan on the top floor of Conway Mill where she has her studio for a day of festive ceramics making. Using stoneware clay create a festive green man pressmoulding, had modelling decorated with slips and underglaze.
Price includes all materials, firings and pieces will be glazed by Anna and ready for pick up before Christmas.

Macramé: The Art Of Knots
2024-11-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Crescent Art Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NH, United Kingdom
Join artist and tutor Alison Pascoe of ASTRL Fibres for this deep dive into the craft practice of Macramé: The Art of Knots.
Sharing the methods used in her own practice, Alison will guide you through the fundamental skills of macramé. Over the course of the day you will explore basic to advanced macramé knot techniques and develop your skills with the following topics:

Tools and Equipment
Understanding Materials
Measuring Formulas
Basic to Advanced Knots
Knot Pattern Variations
Finishing Techniques
Aftercare

This course is suitable for absolute beginners and for those interested in further developing their macramé skills.
The cost of the course includes the provision of practice materials and the use of necessary tools and equipment, along with the materials needed to complete one macramé wall hanging to take home with you.

Open Studio Event: Alison Lowry, Alistar-R, Rene Mullin and Curlew Cottage Design
2024-11-23 10:30 - 2024-12-01 17:00
A rare opportunity to visit four designer/maker studios not normally open to the public – visitors will have a chance to see their making processes of glass, jewellery & printmaking! Bring some friends and browse their unique, handmade work, and don’t forget to look out for something special in the seconds sale. There will be coffee and cake available at all studios.
Please note the participating studios and opening times:
Alison Lowry
Opening Times:
Saturday 3oth November
10:30 – 3:30
36 Comber St, Saintfield, Co Down
BT24 7AZ 07747033454
mail@alisonlowry.co.uk
www.alisonlowry.co.uk
Curlew Cottage Design:
Opening Times: Thur 28th Nov
6-9pm. (Fri closed), Sat 30th Nov
10-5pm, sun 1st Dec 10-opm.
ZU Aromon Koad, Killylesgh.
joanna@curlewcottagedestgn.co.uk
www.curewcotos.edestgn.co.uk
Rene Mullin:
Opening Times: Thurs 28th Nov
6-9pm, Fri 29th Nov 6-2pm
Sat 30th Nov 10-4pm, Sun Ist Dec
10-8pm (no public loo available)
12 Audleystown Road, Strangford
Co Down, BT30 77LP
rene@placed.ie www.placed.ie
Alistair-R
Opening Times:
Sat 23rd Nov
(all day by appointment only)
Sat 30th Nov – 10.30-5pm
Sunday December 1st 11:30. – 4pm
142 Listooder Road, Saintfield, Co. Down BT24 7LB
07788757070
robbie@alistairr.co.k
www.alistairr.co.uk

Drinks, nibbles and discount night at Steensons
2024-11-28 06:00 - 20:00 | Steensons, Bedford House, Bedford St, Belfast, BT2 7FD
Steensons would like to invite you for an exclusive evening – enjoy 20% off their stunning collections, accompanied by festive drinks and delicious canapés. It’s the perfect opportunity to find a special piece or start your festive shopping in style.
(stock items only – T&C’s apply; on the night exclusive 20% discount on spends over £250)

Twilight Christmas Shopping
2024-11-28 18:00 - 20:00 | North Down Museum, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT, United Kingdom
To launch this year’s Pop-Up Christmas Shop, North Down Museum is hosting a Late-Night Christmas Shopping event.

Join in for an evening of twinkly lights, music, artists demonstrations and shopping. The museum will be festively decorated, the museum café will be open serving food and drink and visitors will be able to explore the museum and purchase unique gifts in a completely different way!

Screenprinted Garlands - Experience AND 2024
2024-11-28 18:00 - 21:00 | Seacourt Print Workshop, Old Ulster Bank Building, Main Street, Bangor, Down, BT20 5AF, United Kingdom
Time to get inky with screen print at Seacourt Print Workshop and make and assemble your own handmade garland, perfect to string up on a wall, or gift to a loved one. During this workshop you will learn the basics of screen printing under the guidance of local artist Imogen Donegan.
Come along and enjoy some print mindfulness – and of course leave with a unique Christmas garland.
Things to note
Basic materials including inks and cartridge paper will be provided.
Wear something you don’t mind getting inky, or bring an apron – however there are some at Seacourt to borrow too.
No open toed shoes please. Over 18 yrs only.

Christmas Artisan Market
2024-11-29 11:00 - 2024-12-01 20:00 | Castle Ward, Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, BT30 7BA
Castle Ward will host its Christmas Artisan Market from 29th November to 1st December!
Held in the theatre space and Stable yard, this market offers a great opportunity to pick up unique, locally crafted Christmas gifts and enjoy delicious seasonal treats. The atmosphere will be festive, with a vibrant mix of products on offer—from home décor to artisan foods. On 29 November, the late-night opening lets you shop under the glow of twinkling lights, with the Mansion fully dressed for the holiday season.
Please note the opening times below:
29 Nov, 13:00 – 20:00
30 Nov & 1 Dec, 11:00 – 17:00
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Adam Frew Christmas Open Studio
2024-11-30 10:00 - 15:00 | Adam Frew Studio, 21 Cullycapple Park, Aghadowey, BT51 4AS, United Kingdom
Adam Frew will be having his annual Christmas Open Studio on Saturday November 30th from 10aam – 3pm. There will be a wide range of pots for sale and also some festive nibbles – a lovely opportunity to meet other craft lovers too!

Sew Your Own Christmas Decorations
2024-11-30 10:00 - 16:00 | Crescent Art Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NH, United Kingdom
This workshop will give instructions on sewing techniques, pattern pieces and assembly required for your own bespoke Christmas Tree decorations! The sewing workshop will cover the skills required to make beautiful handmade decorations. You can work with hand sewing or, if you own a sewing machine and want to bring this along, there will also be patterns and materials available for those who prefer to sew on their machine.
All materials you will need are included in the cost of this workshop.
Tutor Bio
Katie Harte is originally from Dublin but has been creating and teaching in Belfast for over 10 years. With a background in material science she loves investigating materials and fibres. She is currently a freelance knitter for Hope Macaulay while also working on her own designs in both sewing and knitting.
