Craft NI

Hand-building course for beginners and improvers
2025-02-06 14:30 - 2025-03-06 16:30 (Europe/London) | 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.

Macramé: wreath workshop
2025-05-24 11:00 - 13:00 | Crescent Art Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NH, United Kingdom
Create your own statement earrings from polymer clay, in this relaxed jewellery workshop.
You will learn how to create your own colour palette by hand mixing coloured clay, and work with different shapes and textures to create a unique pair of earrings.
Discover the entire process of making clay jewellery from scratch, and take home two pairs of fun, colourful earrings that you can wear to express your unique personality!
All materials for the earrings will be provided, but some ideas of what you’d like to create are encouraged!
Jewellery hardware is hypoallergenic, and should be suitable for most sensitivities.
This workshop is suitable for beginners, with no previous knowledge required.

Tutor: Melissa Paget. Suitable for 16+

'Imprints in the Earth'
2025-05-25 10:00 - 2025-06-22 16:30 | WWT Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain Rd, Comber, Newtownards, BT23 6EA
In this joint exhibition, 11 artists respond to the theme of ‘Imprints in the Earth: Shaping Place through Clay’. The works explore connections between landscape, heritage, and the art of clay. The exhibition invites viewers on a journey through the Northern Ireland landscapes where clay becomes both a canvas and a storyteller.
‘Imprints in the Earth’ explores how the natural world shapes human experience and how ceramics, in turn, becomes a medium to capture those impressions. Each piece embodies the textures, rhythms, and stories of this place, reflecting its tides, its soils, and its human connection.
The artists taking part are: Anna Donavan, Alison Hanvey, Tracey McCoey, Brenda Morgan, Eleanor Wheeler, Patricia Millar, Jacki Trainor, Joanne Gault, Donna Boyle, Anna Smyth, Tracey Johnston.
The exhibition is on in the Graffan Gallery; free admission.

'Art of the Possible'
2025-05-30 10:00 - 2026-11-30 17:00 | Ulster Museum, BT9 5AB, United Kingdom
Over the past decade, the Ulster Museum has collected a significant number of important artworks from around the world—many of which have never been seen by the public until now.
Art of the Possible features over 40 artworks made from glass, ceramics, silver, metalwork, jewellery, and wood. These works were created by some of the most talented and important artists and designers working in these materials today.

Fused glass birds - plant stakes workshop
2025-05-31 10:00 - 12:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Using fused glass techniques, these beautiful glass bird plant pot stakes are the perfect colourful unique addition to any summer garden. The participants’ glass birds will be fired for collection soon after. Tutor: Natasha Duddy

Suitable for 18+

Cameron & Breen Trunk Show
2025-06-05 10:00 - 2025-06-17 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Come along and see Cameron & Breen’s full selection of handcrafted jewellery in their upcoming trunk show at Craft NI Gallery, Belfast!
Martin Cameron and Laura Breen are renowned for their contemporary exploration into ancient jewellery design, having won awards from The Worshipful Company Of Goldsmiths and with noteworthy commissions under their belt such as presenting their ‘Ancient Treasure’ Brooch to Princess Anne Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal in 2021.
Captivating hordes of gold jewellery found in museums influence the forms and materials in Martin and Laura’s jewellery collections. Recycled gold is cast from wax that has been carved and manipulated by hand, displaying the beautiful marks of traditional handmade design and the ancient technique of lost wax casting. Stone carvings adorned with rhythmical patterns and curious figures inspire their playful hand engraved motifs. Martin and Laura hand select emeralds, sapphires, mandarin garnets, diamonds and rock crystals to skilfully set in each individual piece.
If you have longed to try on some of their pieces after intensive social media searches, have a bespoke commission in mind such as an engagement ring, a wedding ring or anniversary gift, or are interested to remodel heirloom pieces, stop by for a chat in the Gallery. Martin and Laura welcome bespoke enquiries, and we can arrange Saturday appointments with the makers.

Belfast School of Art: Product, Ceramics, Silversmithing & Jewellery Degree Show 2025
2025-06-06 18:00 - 2025-06-21 14:00
The BDes (Hons) Design (Product, Ceramics, Silversmithing & Jewellery) Degree Show celebrates the work of graduating students from the Product Design, Ceramic Design, Silversmithing & Jewellery pathways at Belfast School of Art. This exhibition brings together a diverse collection of outcomes, reflecting a strong culture of innovation, material exploration and critical design thinking.
Across the pathways, students have developed innovative responses to contemporary issues, producing objects that are conceptually rich and materially grounded. The work on display encompasses product design, furniture, lighting, ceramic design, jewellery and metalwork, demonstrating a deep engagement with process, form and function.
Rooted in making, the exhibition highlights how ideas are shaped through hands-on experimentation and refined through technical skill. From speculative designs to functional artefacts, each piece reveals a personal approach to design and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of their chosen medium.
The degree show offers a glimpse into the future of design, where tradition meets experimentation, and where making remains central to innovation.

Opening Night:
Friday 6th June 2025, 6pm to 9pm
Location: BB-04, Belfast School of Art
Exhibition Continues:
Saturday 7th June to Saturday 21st June 2025
Open daily (excluding Sundays) from 10am to 5pm
Final Day: Saturday 21st June 2025, closing at 2pm

Hapa Zome textile printing workshop
2025-06-12 18:00 - 21:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
Join textile artist Angela Turkington for a fun workshop using Hapa Zome technique. This involves hammering flowers and leaves to print directly onto watercolour paper, bookmark blanks and pre-treated linen.
This is a fun and easy craft to learn. Participants will design and create their own mini range of greeting cards, artworks for framing, bookmarks, gift tags, etc. using fresh seasonal flowers and leaves. It will also be possible to hand, or machine embroider the printed fabric, which adds a lovely finishing touch to the design.
Hammers, acetate and materials will be provided. A sewing machine will also be available along with a variety of hand sewing embroidery threads and embellishments.
Max No: 12 | Suitable for 16+ | Tutor: Angela Turkington (Leopard & Lily)

Natural Dye Demo and Workshop with Ruth Osborne
2025-06-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Rowallane Garden, Off Crossgar Road, Saintfield, BT24 7LH, United Kingdom
Join local artist Ruth Osborne for a Block Printing with Natural Dyes workshop at Rowallane Garden this summer!
Participants will create unique hand printed textiles using a range of inks made from natural-plant based dyes and a selection of decorative wood blocks.
Booking essential; age guidance 14+ – Must be accompanied by an adult. Workshop ticket includes admission to property.

Sterling silver stacking rings workshop
2025-06-14 10:00 - 14:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
Join Goldsmith Tara for a fun, hands-on workshop where you’ll create your very own set of stacking rings!
You will learn step-by-step the techniques of ring making and will design two beautiful sterling silver rings – a textured band and a sleek plain ring with a stunning rub-over gemstone setting.
All tools and equipment are supplied including blow torches and polishing machines. You can also choose your preferred coloured cubic zirconia gemstone.
Perfect for beginners who want to learn a variety of jewellery making skills in one workshop!
Max No: 7 | Suitable for 16+ | Tutor: Tara Campbell

Sculpt a sea swimmer workshop
2025-06-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
During this workshop, participants will dive into creativity and join artist Fiona Shannon to sculpt their very own sea swimmer bust inspired by the beauty of the ocean! Suitable for all abilities, this is an ideal gift for any intrepid swimmer.

Suitable for 16+

Adam Frew - Midsummer demonstration evening
2025-06-18 19:30 - 21:00 | Adam Frew Studio, 21 Cullycapple Park, Aghadowey, BT51 4AS, United Kingdom
Adam Frew will be holding his annual midsummer demonstration evening at his studio in Aghadowey on Wednesday, 18th June from 7.30 – 9pm. Join in and enjoy a relaxed evening of watching Adam throw pots as well as decorating. Tea, coffee and home baked treats included. £20, booking necessary.

Brian McKee & Mary Callan Trunk Show
2025-06-20 10:00 - 2025-07-02 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI Gallery’s upcoming trunk show juxtaposes two different disciplines and mediums: shown alongside one another, Brian McKee’s furniture and Mary Callan’s textile art find common ground in a celebration of design and craftsmanship!

Brian McKee is a furniture designer-maker based in Co. Down, Northern Ireland. Brian’s primary constructional method is the steam bending of timber, which he employs to unlock the creative potential of bent wood in the design and production of useful and attractive, contemporary, handmade furniture.

And if you’ve watched ‘Derry Girls’ you might remember Ma Mary’s ‘Ulster Fry’ sweater – Mary Callan is the knitwear designer who made it! She is also the creative force behind ‘Callan’, a niche creative knitwear company based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, which specialises in well made, colourful and fun fashion knitwear.
