Adam Frew Christmas Open Studio
2024-11-30 10:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | 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.

Open Studio Winter Event
2024-11-30 11:00 - 2024-12-01 16:00 | Patricia Millar Ceramics Studio, 20 Isle Road, Bushmills, United Kingdom
Ceramicist Patricia Millar will open the doors of her studio to the public November 30th – December 1st, 11am – 4pm!
Stop by for mulled wine, pots and demos throughout the day – you might also find that perfect gift!

Christmas Belfast Potter's Market
2024-12-06 10:00 - 2024-12-07 21:00 | 2 Royal Avenue, 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, United Kingdom
Following the success of the previous Belfast Potter’s Markets, the date for this year’s Christmas market has been announced: The Christmas Belfast Potter’s Market will take place December 6th (5pm – 9pm) and 7th (10am – 5pm) at 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast!
Come along for some festive music and enjoy browsing and shopping – over 40 potters will have their creations on display in the centre of Belfast.

Tiffany glass series | Christmas angels
2024-12-07 10:00 - 13:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
In perfect time for Christmas, choose whether your Christmas angel will fly or refract light as you make your own halo hanger or mirror candle base. Tutor Eleanor-Jane McCartney will lead you through the techniques to complete your unique tiffany angel piece – designed, created and completed on the day. Please note, closed toe footwear must be worn for your own safety.

Christmas Woodcarving
2024-12-07 10:00 - 16:30 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
An introduction to the traditional craft of woodcarving with Steve Ryan where you will be guided in the creation of your own Christmas-themed carving. Each participant can choose from different designs including a Santa, Christmas tree and snowman.
All tools and wood are provided for the duration of the workshop.
No prior experience is necessary, this workshop is suitable for beginners and those already with some skills in carving.
As sharp tools are used, sturdy boots or shoes must be worn – not open-toed or low-cut footwear. Safety gloves will be provided but if you have you own tight fitting safety gloves feel free to bring them along.

Pots for tots - Plum pudding dish
2024-12-07 10:30 - 12:30 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Get creative with your little ones and make a truly personal Christmas dish for your family table. Have some clay fun as you slap, tap and roll the perfect serving dish for your Christmas treats.
£28 includes one adult & one child.

In Praise of Shadows
2024-12-12 10:00 - 2025-01-18 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
A solo exhibition by Maya Todd, ‘In Praise of Shadows’ is an evocative exploration of the interplay between fibre and form, where the boundaries of textiles are pushed to create three-dimensional sculptural shapes.

This exhibition showcases the delicate and ethereal qualities of linen and Irish wool, materials chosen due to their importance in local heritage.
Through the meticulous construction of these textiles, the artist captures and casts shadows that continuously shift and transform, creating a dynamic relationship between light and form. The result is a captivating dance of shadows, inviting viewers to contemplate the transient nature of light and the subtle beauty of crafted textiles.

Winter Paper Bird Workshop With Adele Pound
2025-01-18 10:30 - 12:30 | Rowallane Garden, Off Crossgar Road, Saintfield, BT24 7LH, United Kingdom
Join local artist Adele Pound on a paper birding making workshop in National Trust’s Rowallane Gardens!

Participants will learn simple paper cutting and folding techniques to cut and assemble a paper bird decoration following instructions and demonstrations. There will be a couple of designs such as a Robin and Male Bullfinch to choose from. Participants may make more than one bird if time allows.
Adele studied fine art, painting at Winchester School of Art where she dismayed her tutors by insisting on painting wildlife. The inspiration for all her work is the natural world. Central to this is her ongoing practice of drawing from life. Whether making field trips to Strangford Lough to draw wintering birds through a telescope or clipping magnifiers to her glasses to study insects in her garden, she still insists on drawing wildlife.
Suitable for adults as participants will be using modelling knives to cut out the shapes. Scissors can be provided if needed.

Impressions of nature
2025-01-21 19:00 - 2025-03-18 21:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
Experiment with the many different techniques of printmaking with nature, with Ruth Osborne.

In this 8-week printmaking course with a nature theme, participants will be introduced to, and experiment, with a series of printmaking processes and will create artworks on both textiles and paper.
Processes covered will include Monoprint, Gel Plate Printing, Lino and Cyanotype.
All sessions are suitable for beginners. All materials supplied

Please note, this course will take place over 8 weeks; no class Tuesday February 4th.

'Surface matters'
2025-01-23 10:00 - 2025-02-15 16:30 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
‘Surface matters’ is group exhibition by the Loft Artists, a professional collective of artists based at The Mill, in Bishop Mills, Portaferry.

The exhibition will feature works by Sara Brown, Owen Crawford, Sally Houston, Kate Rebbeck, and Cecilia Stephens responding to the title of Surface Matters. The work showcased will be an outcome from developing the artists interpretation of the local environment, history, and heritage.
By use of richness in colour, forms and mark making, the artists aim to connect to the viewer, to challenge our contemporary relationship with our land and sense of place.

Silversmithing techniques
2025-01-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
Participants will learn the skills of Silversmithing and make their own silver jewellery with tutor Diane Lyness. Under the guidance of Diane, they will learn a variety of jewellery techniques including soldering, piercing, shaping, texturing metal and polishing. During the term, participants will work through the design and creation of a piece or pieces of jewellery.

If you have attended previous workshops this is a great opportunity to build on the skills you already have. Suitable for all levels including beginners with no previous jewellery experience.

Additional Information:

Materials and tools included. Tools/Materials will not be shared during class at this time and must be cleaned before and after each use.
Basic materials including copper sheet and wire will be given as part of the class.
Individuals may wish to purchase precious metal and stones, etc along the way.

Hand-building course for beginners and improvers
2025-02-06 14:30 - 2025-03-06 16:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
During this 5-week course with Fiona Shannon, participants (18+) will master hand-building techniques like slab building, coiling, pinch pots and press moulds to craft pots like vases and bowls before adding colour with vibrant slips. Items will be fired and clear-glazed before collection.
Please bring an apron. It is advisable to cut your nails short for this class.

Silver bracelets workshop
2025-02-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
Spend a day of fun in the workshop with Diane Lyness and create a beautiful sterling silver bracelet. Make it for yourself, or why not gift it to someone special!

Each participant will be taught traditional jewellery making techniques by Goldsmith Diane Lyness, such as piercing, soldering, rolling, annealing and polishing. Diane will work alongside you as you design and make your own unique piece of jewellery to take home.
No previous experience is required. All you need is an apron and bundles of enthusiasm!

Lunch break 12.30pm – 1pm.
Please bring a packed lunch, drink, and an apron
Materials and tools included. Tools/materials will not be shared during class at this time and must be cleaned before and after each use.

Dorset Button Making with Debbie McCann
2025-02-20 10:00 - 12:30 | The Craft Room, 24a Frances Street, Newtownards, BT23 7DN, United Kingdom
In this workshop, textile designer Debbie McCann will give a short introduction to the history of Dorset Button making including new insights she has gained since on her recent trip to Dorset.
Debbie will demonstrate how to make a simple cartwheel button and then guide the participants in the creation of their own piece of jewellery or art work to take home.
All materials will be supplied although participants are welcome to bring along their own yarn.
The workshop space at The Craft Room is located on the first floor accessed via a short flight of stairs. This may not be accessible for some, but organisers will endeavour to assist in any way.

'Makers Who Teach: ME. HERE. NOW.'
2025-03-06 18:00 - 2025-05-02 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Building on the success of the first ‘Makers Who Teach’ exhibition which took place in 2023, Craft NI are pleased to invite you to the 2025 edition of this unique event. This year’s theme, ME. HERE. NOW. highlights the creative practices of makers who teach others as part of their overall practice, whether it’s in classrooms, workshops and communities.
The show focuses on their current creative endeavours and it shines a spotlight on their recent works, ensuring they are seen and appreciated not only as teachers, but also as makers. As they balance teaching and making, with the demands each makes on the other, these talented makers are ready to share with the public their private artistic practice, influences and inspiration. Whether it is textile art, jewellery, glass, ceramics or interdisciplinary installations, this exhibition offers a rare glimpse into these makers’ private inner world – and the creativity it contains.

Exhibiting makers: Aisling Higgins, Alison Gault, Andrea Hayes, Carol Wiley, Clare Bowe, Heather Burgess, Helen Hancock, Jonathan Williams, Justine Bonenfant, Louisa McCartney, Maggie Napier, Natasha Duddy, Nichola Dalton, Patrick Colhoun, Ruzica Ruane, Sandra Kerr, Scott Benefield, Shauna McCann, Theresa Kelly, Tracey Johnston.

Peter Meanley - A Journey
2025-03-22 14:00 - 2025-04-17 16:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
‘Peter Meanley – A Journey’ runs from 22 March to 17 April at Island Arts Centre – a retrospective exhibition celebrating an over sixty-year career as a potter! Known for his salt glaze stoneware, Peter’s inspiration comes from museum collections and drawing the world around him. His work is held in worldwide collections including Victoria & Albert Museum, and the State Collection of Australia.

Talk & Tour with Peter Meanley
2025-03-27 11:00 - 12:30 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Come along and meet potter Peter Meanley: see his work, hear about his inspiration and influences, and learn a little about the creative and technical expertise behind his works of art.
Peter Meanley – A Journey runs from 22 March to 17 April and is a retrospective exhibition celebrating an over sixty-year career as a potter. Known for his salt glaze stoneware, Peter’s inspiration comes from museum collections and drawing the world around him. His work is held in worldwide collections including Victoria and Albert Museum, and the State Collection of Australia.
Talks are free, but must be booked in advance. Two more talks with Peter are available on March 29th and April 5th, see organiser’s website for more details.

Mother's Day Vase Workshop
2025-03-29 10:30 - 12:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Join tutor Fiona Shannon and design and make your own ceramic vase which you can use as a centrepiece for your Spring table!

Over 18+.

Fused glass Easter egg decorations (8-12 years)
2025-04-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
During this workshop with Natasha Duddy, participants will design and produce three glass egg decorations to give as a special Easter gift or hang at home. Closed footwear must be worn for safety.

Silver Clay Spring Flower Pendant Workshop
2025-04-05 11:00 - 15:00 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Unlock your creativity and make your own beautiful sparkling silver flower pendant. In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll explore the art of working with silver clay, a unique material made from recycled silver particles. Guided by instructor Louisa, you’ll learn how to shape the clay into a flower designs using your choice of mould. You’ll also discover how to make your own moulds at home, and set imbeddable stones into the clay. The class includes the use of blowtorches, so participants must be 16 or older, and by the end of the session, you’ll leave with your own one-of-a-kind silver pendant, ready to wear. Clay, tools and a sparkling stone are all provided.
Participants are to please bring their own chain with them for this workshop
No prior experience needed.

Easter Craft Fair with North Down Craft Collective
2025-04-13 10:00 - 16:00 | WWT Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain Rd, Comber, Newtownards, BT23 6EA
Meet local artists and makers and shop their beautiful, handmade craft pieces!

Following a popular collaboration in 2024, North Down Craft Collective are back at WWT Castle Espie this Easter with a wide range of textiles, ceramics, paintings, prints, and plenty more in between.
Established in 2013, North Down Craft Collective brings together artists and makers in the Ards and North Down borough. What started as a monthly market in Holywood has now become a collective of creatives showcasing their work through exhibitions, pop-ups and fairs.
Many of the artists and makers take inspiration from the landscape and wildlife in the borough and these pieces will make up a large part of the work on show at Castle Espie.
The fair will take place in Castle Espie’s Visitor Centre. Free entry to market – normal admission applies beyond the visitor centre.

Decoys & Ghosts
2025-04-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Golden Thread Gallery, 84-94 Great Patrick St, Belfast, BT1 2LU, United Kingdom
‘Decoys and Ghosts’ at the Golden Thread Gallery is an ambitious exploration of two recurring sculptural themes in John Rainey’s work over the last 10 years – imitation and revisiting. Materials, their histories and associated processes have always formed a core component of his practice.
In the staging of work in exhibitions, Rainey aims to create environments and designed experiences where groupings of sculptures form relationships and act as installations. Plinths become sculptural extensions, evolve into dioramas, or morph into viewing platforms for audiences to climb.
This exhibition will feature a combination of retrospective and new work by the artist, centered around a new large scale installation. As the the broadest survey of Rainey’s work to-date, it will be an opportunity to explore recent developments in his practice, alongside works that trace his path to this current moment.

Kids Clay Easter Workshop
2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Creative kids will make Easter themed ceramics including bunny/chick bowls for all of their Easter treats with tutor Fiona Shannon. Made from air drying clay, all creations can be taken home and painted – participants should bring a box to transport their work safely.

Friday Night Pottery: Tic-Tac-Toe with a Twist!
2025-04-25 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 and create a unique game board and replace the X’s and O’s with any theme you like! Whether you’ve always wanted to try ceramics, have some experience and want to dive back in, or simply fancy a different kind of night out, this is all about having fun in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. No experience needed.
You’ll create and paint your piece, and the team will handle the firing and glazing. Your pottery will be ready to collect a few weeks later. Expect welcome snack & drinks, pottery wheel experience and a hand-building session
Age Requirement: Strictly 16+

Tiffany-style glass floating fish workshop
2025-04-26 10:00 - 13:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
This workshop is suitable for beginners (18+) or those more experienced in glass, who will create their own beautiful glass fish to display – a wooden stand is provided. Tutor: Eleanor Jane McCartney
Please note, closed toe footwear must be worn for your own safety.

5 week throwing course for beginners and improvers
2025-04-30 19:00 - 2025-05-28 21:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Learn the basics of throwing and techniques like centering, opening out and pulling up to create a variety of different pots, including mugs and bowls during this 5 week workshop (18yrs+)
! Turning techniques help finish pots and add details like handles and feet before adding colour with a variety of slips and underglazes. Pots are fired and glazed for collection at a later date.

Frida Kahlo Brooch Workshop
2025-05-08 19:30 - 21:30 | Crescent Art Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NH, United Kingdom
Have fun stitching an art brooch from wool felt and decorating with sequins, beads and embroidery. In this 2 hour workshop you will likely finish 1 brooch but you have a kit to make another at home. Please bring small scissors to class.

Tutor Linda O’Kane has worked in the Antiques/Interior Decoration trade for over 30 years. A life long love of sewing, patchwork and cross stitch has enabled her to gain excellent experience over the years. She really enjoys teaching, sharing her knowledge and hopefully inspiring others to get creative.

The clay club
2025-05-17 14:00 - 2025-06-14 16:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
A workshop aimed at children aged 6 – 13! Under the guidance of tutor Andrea McCullough-Alderdice, children will get messy at the potter’s wheel! Clay is a really tactile medium and it’s ideal for exploring texture, shape and decoration. Participants will learn about and try out hand, coil and slab building; they will also be using moulds, glazes, slips and mark making techniques.

Please note, this workshop will take place Saturdays from May 17th to June 14th.

Corinne Price Trunk Show
2025-05-20 10:00 - 2025-06-03 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Stop by and get to know the work of Belfast based ceramicist Corinne Price! The trunk show features Corinne’s brand-new collection of work which celebrates all that is fresh and fragrant this season. Inspired by foliage and flowers, the collection showcases several distinct ranges which converse with one another. The nerikomi vessels are hand-built using slices of clay, usually patterned, and have a sharp, crisp quality to the design which contrasts with their asymmetrical forms. The wheel-thrown neriage vessels, on the other hand, record the swirling movement of their creation in the fluid striations of their swirls, contrasting with their symmetry. Many iterations between the two have arisen, and visitors will be able to see the results around the gallery.
