Ceramic Gingerbread House Workshop
2023-11-04 10:00 - 14:00, 2023-12-02 10:00 - 14:00 (Europe/London) | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Ceramic Artist Fiona Shannon will guide you through designing and making your Christmas gingerbread house which you can use for your festive table. Designed for beginners, this class will be a fun creative environment to get crafty using a range of clay techniques. Your gingerbread house will be fired to be collected at a later date.
Please bring apron and wear clothes that you won’t mind getting a little messy. It is advisable to cut your nails short for this class. 18 yrs +

Contemporary Weaving Workshop
2023-11-04 10:00 - 16:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
Contemporary designer and weaver Karolina Lisek from Little Tangle hosts a one-day tapestry weaving workshop exploring the art of hand weaving in a modern context. Karolina will teach the foundation skills of tapestry weaving with participants using her new larger sized frame looms. Participants will create an abstract wall hanging using a range of techniques such as plain weave, rya knotting and sumak. As well as covering the basic techniques, the workshop will encourage individual expression and experimentation through the use of texture, colour and composition. All materials will be provided.

Max No: 12 | Tutor: Karolina Lisek [Little Tangle]

Helen's Bay Golf Club Craft Fair
2023-11-06 19:00 - 21:30 | Helen’s Bay Golf Club, Golf Road, Helen's Bay, Bangor, BT19 1TL, United Kingdom
Stop by for a lovely evening and an opportunity to browse for crafts, art and other seasonal gifts handmade by local artisans. Admission is £5 and all proceeds go in the aid of Air Ambulance N.I.

Christmas Craft Market
2023-11-11 10:00 - 2023-12-21 16:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
One of the most popular festive markets on the North Coast returns! The Christmas Craft Market opens on Saturday 11 November from 10am-4pm and continues until Thursday 21 December.
In the Christmas Craft Market visitors will find unique, handmade presents – from pottery and fashion accessories to jewellery and glass homeware, beautiful artwork, artisan food and much more – all made with love by makers and visual artists based in Northern Ireland with most hailing from the Causeway Coast and Glens area – so by buying a one off handmade gift for a loved one, you’re also supporting a local small business.
The market runs weekly from 11 November to 21 December on Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm with additional opening hours on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9pm.

Kids Christmas Decorations
2023-11-11 11:00 - 12:30 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Join in for a festive workshop making multiple Christmas decorations. Each participant will be given a sheet of porcelain to make beautiful fine porcelain decorations impressed with lace or textured rollers and personalised with letter stamps to make each one individual!

Each child that attends this class needs to be accompanied by a parent for this workshop. This class is suitable for kids age 7+

Pierce-Sawn Brass Ornaments
2023-11-11 11:00 - 13:00 | The Workshop, 4a Church Street, Ballynahinch, BT24 8AF, United Kingdom
Participants will use a jeweller’s pierce saw to create a beautiful brass ornament, and choose from a selection of designs that are beginner-friendly. If time allows, they’ll also be able to add additional texture and personalised stamping to their ornament and their choice of eco-friendly ribbons to finish it all off.
This is a small class with a maximum of 6 attendees so participants will get as much personal instruction and guidance as they need.
If there is interest to join Dee in the future for jewellery-making classes, this is a great place to start learning to pierce saw and work with basic jewellery tools.
Tea, coffee and treats included.

Slip Casting Christmas Baubles Workshop
2023-11-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Join local ceramicists Rebecca Killen and Laureanne Kootstra (The Clay Project) for a Christmas workshop exploring the creative process of slip casting to make a pair of Christmas baubles. During this workshop you will have the opportunity to work with porcelain casting slip, a selection of plaster moulds and coloured porcelain. You will also learn about refining your cast pieces and how to apply surface decoration.
This Christmas evening will be fuelled with festive treats. Your bauble will be fired in our kiln and returned to Millennium Court 4 weeks.
This class is suitable for age 16+

Tales of Glass
2023-11-14 06:30 - 20:30 | Bullitt Hotel, 40a Church Lane, Belfast, 40a Church Lane, Belfast, United Kingdom
Join us at Tetto at The Bullitt Hotel, Belfast for Tales of Glass celebrating the “tales of folks” and the folktales surrounding glassmaking in Tyrone.
Hear from Gary and Ciara Currie – the founders of Tyrone Crafted Glass – who’ll share the history of Tyrone Crystal, their story of setting up a new glass design venture as well as tales of myth and legend from the factory floor.
Tales of Glass celebrates the “tales of folks” and the folktales surrounding glassmaking in Tyrone. Hear from Gary and Ciara Currie – the founders of Tyrone Crafted Glass – who will share the history of Tyrone Crystal, their story of setting up a new glass design venture along with tales of myth and legend from the factory floor.
Discover the products and tours that master craftsmen are developing today and the creation of modern glass suites. Dive behind-the-scenes of the process of making Ireland’s largest crystal chandelier for The Merchant Hotel – designed by Marcus Notley and made in collaboration with Tyrone Crystal. It is currently on display in The Great Room in The Merchant Hotel, Belfast.

The Tyrone Glass Experience: Open Studio
2023-11-17 11:00 - 15:00 | Unit 45, 2 Coalisland Road, Dungannon, Tyrone Crafted Glass, Unit 45, 2 Coalisland Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, United Kingdom
Come along to the Tyrone Glass Experience Open Studio, for a guided glass tour and workshop at their new studio space in Dungannon.
This experience gives you the opportunity to get to know glass-making up close – from the stories behind glass objects – including their treasured glass sword – to the origins of glassmaking in Tyrone and its impact on the surrounding area.
You’ll be able to get “hands on” and be guided through the process of cutting your own glass with one of their expert master craftsmen.
This event is part of Irish Design Week 2023 and kindly supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Intro to Papermaking
2023-11-17 18:30 - 20:30 | The Workshop, 4a Church Street, Ballynahinch, BT24 8AF, United Kingdom
Ever wanted to turn your junk mail and scrap paper into something beautiful and handmade?
This 2-hour workshop will go through the basics of paper making using a mould and deckle and participants will get to try their hand at the craft with plenty of hints and tips from Dee to assist. No experience needed. The best part is that there is no pressure – don’t like a page? Just plop the pulp back into the water and try again!
Participants will take home all the pages that they wish to keep.
Tea, coffee, and treats are included to help fuel the creativity, of course. Aprons will be provided, but be warned you can get a little wet with this activity.

Gel Plate Printing and Collage
2023-11-18 10:30 - 15:30 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Gel plate printing is a unique, fun and creative way to create artworks. During the course of this workshop, participants will explore a variety of ways to use the Gel plate to create their own designs.
Using inks and paint along with a range of Italian printing papers, fabrics [including Irish linen], found objects and foliage, they will create a series of hand-printed decorative designs that explore texture, colour and shape.
These papers will then be used to create unique collage artworks. A frame will be supplied so that they can take home their own collage artwork to hang at home.
This class is suitable for age 16+

Pop-up Christmas Shop
2023-11-22 10:00 - 2024-01-07 16:00 | 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, which are filled with beautiful hand-made products from local artists and makers. The perfect place to get that special gift and support your local crafters.

The shop is free to explore during normal opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am–4pm and Sunday 12–4pm.

Kiln Fused Glass Christmas Decorations
2023-11-25 10:00 - 15:00 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
This fused glass workshop is a gentle introduction to glass fusing, specifically designed for complete beginners. During the 5 hour session during which you will learn about glass fusing, types & compatibility and tools, various design techniques and safety in the studio.
Participants will make up to 3 Christmas decorations. A number of designs will be readily available – star, snowman, tree, bauble, sock, robin. However, if you wish, you can make up your own simple design at the workshop.
Closed, comfy shoes are a requirement; comfortable clothing, trousers or jeans are recommended. PPE equipment will be provided (safety glasses and facemasks) however you may wish to bring your own.
This class is suitable for age 16+

Burnavon Winter Craft & Food Fair
2023-11-25 10:00 - 17:00 | The Burnavon, Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DN, United Kingdom
The Burnavon Winter Craft & Food Fair is back for 2023, showcasing some of the most talented crafters and food producers from across the country. There will be a range of handmade jewellery, art, textiles, homeware, artisan food makers, and more, all available to buy on Saturday 25 November.
This is an ideal opportunity to get in the Christmas spirit, shop for the perfect custom-made presents and festive foods.

Form | Function | Flourish
2023-11-30 09:30 - 2023-12-23 17:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
A special ceramic group show which brings together the work of 18 established artists who have been invited to consider form, function and/or flourish, and create work that demonstrates the breadth of expression, skill and innovation in contemporary ceramics.
The exhibition continues until 21 December, and includes makers such as Malcom Murchinson, Anna Donovan, Claire and Karen Gibson, John McKeag, Rory and Helen Shearer, Sandra Robinson and many others.

Made in AND Late-Night Christmas Shopping
2023-11-30 18:00 - 21:00 | North Down Museum, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT, United Kingdom
North Down Museum is hosting a special Late-Night Christmas Shopping event at its Pop-Up Christmas Shop. Join in for an evening of music, artists demonstrations and shopping. The museum will be festively decorated, the coffee shop will be open, the visitors will be able to see the museum and purchase unique gifts in a completely different way.

Festive Dorset Button Making Workshop
2023-12-01 10:00 - 13:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
In this workshop with textile designer, Debbie McCann, you will be introduced to the heritage craft of Dorset Button making and shown how these fascinating buttons can be made into stunning Christmas decorations to adorn your tree. All materials will be supplied including plenty of sparkly yarn and ribbon in festive colours.

Max No: 8 | Suitable for 16+ | Tutor: Debbie McCann

Christmas Artisan Market
2023-12-01 13:00 - 20:00, 2023-12-02 11:00 - 17:00 | Castle Ward, Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, BT30 7BA
Castle Ward will host its Christmas Artisan Market from 1-3 December. In the theatre space and Stable yard you will find a handpicked selection of local designer/makers and food vendors showcasing their work and locally produced products– a great day out and opportunity to pick up locally handcrafted Christmas products. The Stable yard will be dressed in Georgian style with Christmas lights, accompanied by our living history actors telling you the stories of those who called Castle Ward home during the 18th century. On the late night opening, visitors will enjoy a night-time experience of Castle Ward lit up by the twinkling lights.

Please note, this event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre
2023-12-01 16:00 - 20:00, 2023-12-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
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!

For a unique shopping experience, join the makers and artists of the Creative Peninsula as the popular Christmas Fayre makes a welcome return to Ards Arts Centre for 2 days only. Support your local artists and makers and be inspired to purchase a perfect, unique, handcrafted Christmas gift, made in the borough of Ards and North Down.
Visitors will enjoy seasonal live music interludes, complementary gift wrapping, and festive refreshments.

Belfast Christmas Potter's Market
2023-12-01 17:00 - 21:00 | 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 at 2 Royal Avenue in Belfast!
The event will take place on Friday 1st December 5pm- 9pm and Saturday 2nd December, 10am – 5pm.
25 of Ireland’s top potters and sculptors will be gathered together to exhibit and of course sell their beautiful pottery – this festive market will have Christmas music , treats and hot drinks available from the cafe to enjoy while you browse.

Book Binding
2023-12-09 10:00 - 16:00 | Down County Museum, The Mall, English St, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 6AH
Participants will make a beautiful hand stitched book during this one day course; under the careful supervision of tutor Karen Dye-Hutchinson, they will learn the essentials of this craft with step-by-step instructions on how to make their own journal or artist book. This is a great foundation in traditional bookmaking and how it can be adapted.

Air Dry Christmas Decoration Children's Workshop
2023-12-09 10:30 - 12:00 | Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady, BT49 0FJ, United Kingdom
A one-day workshop with Ceramic Artist Fiona Shannon who will guide you through designing and making festive decorations for your Christmas Tree. Designed for beginners and improvers this class will be a fun creative environment to get crafty using a range of clay techniques. Please bring a box with you as children will get to take their creations home with them at the end of the workshop to dry and paint at home.

Suitable for ages 8 – 12 yrs.

Ceramic Christmas Tree Decoration Workshop
2023-12-09 13:00 - 14:30 | Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady, BT49 0FJ, United Kingdom
In this one-off workshop, professional ceramicist Fiona Shannon will guide you through designing and making festive Christmas decorations and tea lights perfect for your tree and table. Designed for beginners this class will be a fun creative environment to get crafty using a range of clay techniques. Fiona will fire and glaze your decorations to be collected at a later date.
Suitable for 18yrs +

‘Connection: Disconnection’
2024-01-13 11:00 - 2024-02-09 17:00 | R-Space Gallery, 32 Castle Street, Lisburn, BT27 4XE, United Kingdom
‘Connection: Disconnection’ presents the work and research of multi-disciplinary artist Heather Dornan Wilson.
The exhibition explores elements of a shared human experience: loss. Dornan navigates the journey of loss, through personal experience. Works manifest in sound, stitch, object, and imagery, collating together to narrate poetic stories touching on, grief, loss, gratitude, and the healing process. The exhibition reflects on death and loss as a fracturing of connection, creating cracks, yet without complete separation of parts. Fractured objects and shifting embroidered details dissipate to a single bare thread, manifesting as material metaphor for attempting to retain memories that feel like they are unravelling. Emphasising how memory, through love and loss can remain connected and held together. The loss of purpose is reflected in ‘Connection: Disconnection’ through Dornan’s own ill health and physical limitations impacting her hands and subsequently artist practice.
‘Connection: Disconnection’ brings together a re-envisioning of cathartic healing through stages of making. Dornan will create work in situ and in process. New works will unveil weekly, combined with accompanying texts published in the form of a blog.

Stage 1 – Unravelling– 13th – 21st January
Stage 2 – Brokenness– 22nd – 29th January
Stage 3 – Memory– 29th – 4th February
Stage 4 – Honouring– 5th – 9th February

Heather Dornan Wilson (b. Belfast) works experimentally with a range of media and materials. Her current work and research touches on the crossover between art, science, and human experience. She plays with a visual language that captures and celebrates stories of imperfection and brokenness, juxtaposed with beauty, potential, healing, and hope. The artist has extensively exhibited her work, and worked on numerous commissions, including visual responses for the NI Science Festival.

Pierce sawn brass bookmark workshop
2024-01-19 18:30 - 21:00 | The Workshop, 4a Church Street, Ballynahinch, BT24 8AF, United Kingdom
Participants will use a jeweller’s pierce saw to create a brass bookmark in one of four designs (Please advise which design you’d like to do in the notes upon checkout – Fox, Bee, Feather, Monstera).
If time allows, they’ll be able to add additional texture and personalised stamping to their bookmark and their choice of eco-friendly ribbons to finish it all off.
This is a small class with a maximum of 6 attendees; tea, coffee, and treats included.

Needle Felted Pet Keepsake Sculpture Workshop
2024-01-28 11:00 - 14:00 | Stone Row Artisans, 1st Floor, 2-6 Stone Row, Coleraine, BT52 1EP, United Kingdom
Learn the art of needle felting with Claire McDowel, Bad Bird Irish Artist and create your own textile sculpture of your faithful friend. Using photos of your canine or feline companion, you will learn how to make a wire frame, blend wool to create the exact coat colour and add individual features like their favourite toy or collar. Suitable for beginners and experiences felters – no experience necessary.
All materials and equipment supplied. Refreshments available throughout the workshop.

Impressions Of Nature Printmaking Workshop
2024-01-31 19:00 - 2024-03-06 21:00 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Tutor Ruth Osborne will be teaching a six-week printmaking course with a nature theme. Participants will be introduced to and experiment with a series of printmaking processes with a focus on working with and/or representing nature.
Sessions are suitable for beginners and all materials are supplied.
This class is suitable for age 16+
