Craft NI

Land/Marks
2023-02-15 10:00 - 2023-05-20 17:30 (Europe/London) | Castle Yard, Kilkenny, Ireland view map, Castle Yard, Kilkenny, Ireland
Ceramics Ireland is delighted to present Land/Marks the fourth in its triennial exhibition series. Continuing the ethos of celebrating the diverse range and breadth of contemporary ceramic work being created my makers of and from Ireland. Land/Marks will feature works that explore and challenge the material clay, investigating its malleability and pushing its boundaries.
This will be evident through a variety of sculptural forms, functional vessels and installation-based works. The independent expert panel of three selected 42 makers for this edition of the triennial series, which will celebrate the craftsmanship and skills of these contemporary practitioners. The selected group includes Sara Flynn, Mark Campden and Isobel Egan, Antonio J. Lopez, Simon Kidd, Sarah Roseingrave.
Image: Kate O’Kelly – Cloud Vessels

Featured makers: Alison Brent, Frances Brosnan, Cathy Burke, Yasha Butler, Anne Butler, Mike Byrne, Tina Byrne, Mark Campden, Barra Cassidy, Sophie Kate Curran, Jack Doherty, Chloë Dowds, Isobel Egan, Áine Farrelly, Sara Flynn, Adam Frew, Niamh Harte, Jennifer Hickey, Jane Jermyn, Andrea Kavanagh, Alison Kay, Simon Kidd, Michael Kobuladze, Nanette Ledwith, Antonio J. Lopez, Aisling McElwain, Christopher McHugh, Claire McLaughlin, Deirdre McLoughlin, Kathleen Moroney, Lucy Morrow, Kate O’Kelly, Liselott Olofsson, Mandy Parslow, Elizabeth Petcu, Elaine Riordan, Sarah Roseingrave, Alex Scott, Jane Seymour, Vicki Sutherland, Eleanor Swan, Grainne Watts.

'Regeneration' Spring Exhibition
2023-02-14 10:00 - 2023-03-26 16:00 | North Down Museum, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT, United Kingdom
The ‘Regeneration’ Spring Exhibition will run until March 26th and it is organised by the North Down Craft Collective; visitors will be able to view (and purchase) beautiful ceramics, textiles, paper art and more by many well-known Northern Irish craft makers such as Adele Pound, Ruth Osborne, Debbie McCann, Patricia Millar, Mags Donnan, Hannah Dorman, Jane Neely, Jeni Robinson and Jude Fenton.

Kids Armagh Sculpture
2023-02-11 10:30 - 2023-02-25 12:00 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Saturday 11th & 25th March | 10:30am – 12pm | £10

Join tutor Daniel Coleman for these 2 Saturday sessions (11 and 25 March) where kids will create their own clay sculpture inspired by Armagh.
Coinciding with Millennium Court’s celebration of all things Armagh, students will create a 3-D sculpture inspired by the Orchard County. In this sculpture making workshop students will be introduced to some beginners techniques of wire and papier-mâché sculpting, using coloured tissue paper. They will explore form, structure and colour, then apply these skills and produce their very own apple tree inspired sculpture.
This class is suitable for kids age 7 – 11 years.

Kids Armagh Ceramic Tiles
2023-02-11 10:30 - 2023-02-25 12:00 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Coinciding with Millennium Court’s celebration of all things Armagh, students will create a clay tile inspired by the story of the Irish legend Cú Chulainn. In this 2 week ceramic workshop students will be introduced to some beginners techniques of relief tile art and explore 3D form and Celtic design using clay. They will then each apply these skills to produce and decorate their own relief tile using the story of ‘Cú Chulainn and the Hound’ as their source.
This workshop is suitable for kids age 7-11 years.

Simple sterling silver bracelet for ages 14yrs+
2023-02-04 10:30 - 13:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Learn to make your very own simple chain bracelet with Emma Thorpe of Atlantic Rose. Using simple wire working techniques, Emma will expertly guide you through the process of turning simple sterling silver wire into a pretty bracelet for you to wear or give away as a gift.
Please note, this is a cold metal workshop. No heat is used during the process.

Late Night Art with Gail Kelly
2023-02-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Thursday, February 2 Craft NI Gallery will host Late Night Art with Gail Kelly!

A well established Co. Down textile artist and printmaker, Gail will show us how she works on the composition of her linen collages and sews them by hand. Gail draws inspiration from her travels in Ireland and Britain: the routine of the seasons, the patterns of the land, trees and wildflowers, folklore and tradition are important to her. She tries to convey a sense of place, of feeling at home in many of her linen collages, and she is often inspired by plants: the shape of a plant or a combination of colours can be the basis for a piece of work.

Gail will give a short talk at 7pm, giving us more insight into her practice. Everyone is welcome, no booking necessary.

Silversmithing techniques
2023-02-02 14:00 - 2023-02-23 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
Learn the skills of Silversmithing and make your own silver jewellery with Diane Lyness.

Under the guidance of Diane, you 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.

Patchwork workshop
2023-02-01 10:00 - 2023-02-22 12:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
This popular and sociable course with Julie McCreery covers all aspects of the timeless craft of patchwork and quilting. Participants will learn a number of techniques from traditional compositions and stitching to the more innovative and contemporary applications that have seen a recent resurgence in popularity.

Introduction to glass fusing
2023-01-28 11:00 - 16:00 | SchoolHouse Glass, 36 Comber Street, Saintfield, Ballynahinch, BT24 7AZ, United Kingdom
In this one day workshop with glass artist Alison Lowry you will learn how to cut glass, about the many different types of glass and about the effects of heat on glass. In the morning you will create a range of tiles exploring some glass fusing techniques, such as inclusions, ceramic decals, powder effects. In the afternoon you will start to work on a larger piece, which will be fired and then slumped (shaped) in the kiln to make a freestanding sculpture or bowl, this will be ready for you to pick up at a later date.

Ceramic tiles workshop
2023-01-28 10:00 - 16:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Eleanor Wheeler is known for her architectural and sculptural ceramics. During her exhibition at Island Arts Centre take this opportunity to work with her as you create your own set of tiles.
Take inspiration from Eleanor’s work on show as she guides you in the use of stoneware clay along with oxides and decorating slips. Influenced by nature, and in particular plants and flowers, you will create a design, a repeatable pattern that you can then apply to the clay. Your composite set of four small tiles will then be fired for collection at a later date.
Please bring a packed lunch.

Embellish textiles workshop
2023-01-25 19:00 - 2023-02-22 21:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
At this course you will learn how to personalise your clothes by adding decorative details under the guidance of tutor Linda O’Kane.
All sewing will be done by hand and involves simple techniques. In the first week you will learn the different techniques, then you can decide what you have at home that you could improve upon.
All materials will be provided but please bring along scissors.

Origami workshop
2023-01-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Mark the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Rabbit learning about origami, the art of folding paper. Chinese artist Jean Jing will show you how to make your own 2D and 3D forms, including bunnies of course.
Suitable for children from 6-11 years.

Throwing for ages 12 - 16yrs
2023-01-21 10:30 - 12:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
In this ‘have a go’ session you will learn the basics of throwing on the pottery wheel in a relaxed and fun environment, led by Fiona Shannon. Perfect for teenagers who love to get creative, this workshop is all about enjoyment and having a go at learning a new skill. You will get to pick three of your favourite pots to be fired and collected at a later date.
Please bring apron and wear clothes that you don’t mind getting a little messy.

5-week throwing course for beginners and improvers
2023-01-19 19:00 - 2023-02-16 21:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Lead by ceramicist Fiona Shannon, this five-week beginners’ throwing course will teach you the basics of throwing on the pottery wheel including centring, opening out and pulling up which you will be able to use to create a variety of different pots, including mugs and bowls. You will also learn turning techniques to finish your pots off and techniques to add finer details such as handles and feet. In the last week we will spend the evening adding colour to your pots using a variety of slips. Each participant can use up to two bags of stoneware clay which they can use to make items that will be fired and glazed by the tutor to be collected at a later date.
Please bring an apron and wear clothes that you won’t mind getting a little messy.
Concession rates apply to students, those aged 65 years and older and those who are unwaged.

Introduction to Metalsmithing: Jewellery Making with Claire Mooney
2023-01-18 19:00 - 2023-02-22 20:30 | Moneydarragh Hub, 101 Longstone Road, Newry, BT34 4UZ, United Kingdom
This workshop consists of a series of six metalworking sessions in which beginners can learn basic metalworking techniques for jewellery and silversmithing. Led by silversmith Claire Mooney.
Suitable for beginners and those with a little experience.
Session 1; Tools and Techniques
Session 2; Copper Cuff/ Ring Design
Session 3; Completion of week 2 project
Session 4; Silver Pendant
Session 5; Silver Earrings
Session 6; Completion/Free Week
Beginning Wednesday 18th January and continuing weekly for 6 sessions.
Dates may be subject to change should unexpected circumstances arise.
Materials and light refreshments provided.
Suitable for ages 12+ (Children aged 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult)
Get in touch with Moneydarragh Hub via social media to arrange payment in person via cash.

Folk art embroidery workshop
2023-01-17 19:30 - 2023-02-21 21:30 | Crescent Art Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NH, United Kingdom
Looking to Sweden for inspiration, join Linda O’Kane for a 5-week course where you will create a colorful and slightly rustic piece of needlework, featuring flowers and birds on a black background fabric. The stitches will be simple so even if you haven’t embroidered before you will be able to do this with a little tuition.
The finished piece can be framed or made into a cushion.
All materials will be provided but please bring some small scissors and an embroidery hoop (optional) to class.

Intermediate Metalsmithing: Jewellery Making with Claire Mooney
2023-01-16 19:00 - 2023-02-20 20:30 | Moneydarragh Hub, 101 Longstone Road, Newry, BT34 4UZ, United Kingdom
A series of six metalworking sessions in which those with experience can build upon basic metalworking techniques for jewellery and silversmithing. Led by silversmith Claire Mooney.

Suitable for those who have completed beginners metalwork and those with some experience.
If you’re unsure if this course is suitable for you please feel free to reach out to Claire for a quick chat!
Session 1; Tools and Techniques
Session 2; Fold Forming in Copper
Session 3; Fold Forming in Silver
Session 4; Silver Stacking Rings
Session 5; Pierced Pendant (with Bezel set Cabochon at an additional £8 cost)
Session 6; Completion/Free Week
Beginning Monday 16th January and continuing weekly for 6 sessions.
Dates may be subject to change should unexpected circumstances arise.
Materials and light refreshments provided.
Suitable for ages 12+ (Children aged 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult)
Get in touch with Moneydarragh Hub via social media to arrange payment in person via cash.

Feltmaking Workshop with Andrea Hayes
2023-01-14 10:00 - 16:00 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Using a colourful array of merino wool and specialist effect fibres, participants will be taken through the wet felting process to create their own bespoke art work using wet felting and needle felting process. Participants are asked to bring their own individual picture that they wish to work from. Andrea will guide you through the process with your selected image. All materials will be provided, as they are included in the cost for this class.

Terracotta plant pot workshop
2023-01-11 18:00 - 20:30 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Join ‘The Clay Project’ and enjoy a creative evening exploring handbuilding and surface decoration techniques to create your very own terracotta plant pot. This hands-on workshop will involve cutting, joining and layering rich terracotta clay as well as graffito decoration to bring your pots to life. The workshop is suitable for beginners as your tutors will guide you through each part of the process.
Your plant pots will be taken away to be fired and returned to Millennium Court within 3 weeks.

North Down Craft Collective Christmas Art and Craft Fair
2022-12-11 11:30 - 16:30 | The Court House Bangor, 16 Quay St,, Bangor, BT20 5ED, United Kingdom
This year’s North Down Craft Collective Christmas Art & Craft Fair will be help on Sunday 11th December at North Down’s newest creative space, Bangor Court House!
This B2 listed building has been beautifully restored and opened it’s doors last month hosting live bands and comedy acts.
Why not call in and meet the makers, sort your Christmas shopping and relax in the iconic surroundings of the Court House this Christmas!
11.30am – 4.30pm
Free entry

Christmas Family Fun
2022-12-10 11:00 - 14:30 | 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 | 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.
