Craft NI

Ceramics
2022-03-26 10:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Designed for beginners, during this one day workshop your tutor Fiona Shannon will teach you how to hand roll, form and decorate your own cheeseboard, centrepiece plate or cake stand. After completing a piece they will then go on to be fired in the kiln by the tutor.
Please note: Short sleeves, old trousers and an apron are recommended but clay washes off easily; workshop is suitable for 18+yrs.

'Masks'
2022-03-24 11:00 - 2022-04-02 17:00 | Artcetera Studios, 43B Rosemary St, Belfast, BT1 1QB, United Kingdom
Organised by Kingsroad Studios and their first solo show, this exhibition is about a lot of things. Masks are worn to celebrate, to threaten, to protect. They are parts of rituals and ceremonies and have been used for centuries by people around the world.
Recently, they have been part of our daily vocabulary and attire. A mask can be invisible, worn to hide our feelings and mental health.
For this project, Kingsroad Studios decided to include a range of raw materials and techniques to represent the diversity of mask making: leather, bark, suede, beads, Jesmonite, resin and paint were used in the process. Each mask has been decorated and finished by hand, while the original forms that the moulds are made from were sculpted individually using papier mâché amongst other things.
The Opening Night is on Thursday, 24th March between 6pm and 9pm. This is a free event, everyone welcome. The exhibition will run until Friday 1st April.
Opening times: Mon-Fri, 11am-5pm and Sat 12-4pm.

Jewellery design: create a silver bracelet
2022-03-19 10:00 - 16:00 | Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady, BT49 0FJ, United Kingdom
During this one day workshop, participants will design and make a unique silver bracelet under the guidance of goldsmith Diane Lyness. Each participant will be taught traditional jewellery making techniques such as piercing, soldering, shaping, texturing and polishing to create a beautiful piece of jewellery to take home. No previous experience is required. All you need to bring is an apron and bundles of enthusiasm!
Please note: each participant will have their own materials and equipment

Mills and Factories of Derry – Local to World Leaders: Online Talk with Sebastian Graham
2022-03-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Online, United Kingdom
As part of Aleana Egan’s public programme, Void Gallery are excited to welcome Sebastian Graham to give an online talk that will illustrate the rise of the textile industry in Derry. Sebastian will look explore some of the important sites in the city and local area.
Sebastian Graham lives and works in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone. He has been studying and researching mills since 2014 and has created a website where it is possible to discover the history and ownership of over 4000 mills across Northern Ireland. He currently works for Ulster Architectural Heritage as a Heritage Project Officer. Recent research has focused on the collective memory of flax scutchers* throughout Ulster. This included comparing stories, poems and archive footage of scutchers and exploring links around the province.
Sebastian is currently mapping out the mills for the rest of Ireland and is always interested in listening to stories and memories of those who worked in the mills and factories across the country.
You can visit Sebastian’s website http://www.millsofnorthernireland.com for more information.
*A scutcher works in a flax mill, processing the flax plant in preparation to make linen.
Book your tickets here for this online talk.
Image: Carrydarragh Flax Mill, Co. Derry. Photo by Sebastian Graham

Textile Art Workshop
2022-03-12 11:00 - 15:00 | The Designerie, 88 Main Street, Antrim, Bushmills, BT57 8QD, United Kingdom
Textile artist Andrea Hayes will guide you through how she creates her beautifully embellished gilded waxed fabrics used on her textile artworks. These are delicately placed and stitched onto hand painted backgrounds using machine and hand embroidery.
You will create your very own seascape/landscape. There will be examples to view and work from on the day, or you are welcome to bring in your own image allowing you to create a very personal unique piece of art for your home.
Sealed fabric/workshop packs will be made up to use for the workshop.
Sewing machines will be available at the workshop or you are welcome to bring your own.

Please note: This event will take place on the 1st floor – there is no lift available; you will need to wear a mask or visor for the workshop unless you are medically exempt. Social distancing will be in place and numbers in the class will be reduced as a result.
Hand sanitiser, hand washing facilities & sealed refreshments all be provided.

Spooncarving
2022-03-12 10:00 - 17:30 | Green Woodwork Ireland, Minnowburn Wardens Office BT8 8LE, Belfast, BT8 8LE, United Kingdom
During this one-day workshop, Stephen Ryan from Green Woodwork Ireland will teach you the skills needed to become a traditional spooncarver. Each participant will learn axe, straight and hook knife carving skills to produce their own cooking spoon from locally sourced, freshly cut wood.
All tools and materials are supplied. This course is suited to all levels including complete beginners. Due to the use of sharp tools during the class, sturdy boots or shoes should be worn.

Introduction to slip casting
2022-03-12 10:00 - 16:00 | The Ash Gallery, 83 Central Promenade, Newcastle, BT33 0HH, United Kingdom
Join local ceramicists Rebecca Killen and Laureanne Kootstra for a full day workshop exploring the creative process of slip casting.
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.
Three of your cast porcelain pieces will be fired and ready to be collected from The Ash Gallery before 26th March.
Tea, coffee and lunch provided.

Flameworking Essentials
2022-03-12 09:30 - 2022-03-13 16:00 | Andrea Spencer Glass, 35 Lagavara Road, Ballintoy, BT54 6NG, United Kingdom
Flameworking Essentials is a two day workshop for people who want to learn methods and techniques of working with Borosilicate glass at the torch. During the class, glass artist and tutor Andrea Spencer will cover the fundamentals of working with solid rod and hollow forms. Participants will have the opportunity to learn flame working skills and techniques that will allow them to experiment, practice and construct with glass at the torch. Techniques will include gathering, shaping, stretching, sculpting, bridging and blowing.
The working day will be structured around demonstrations and plenty of individual practice (and guidance) at the torch. The class will be focused on exploration and investigation rather than finished products. There will also be discussions about studio set up, the different families of glass that can be used at the torches along with guidance about what equipment will work best for individual practise.
For more information or to apply for a place please contact andreaspencerglass@gmail.com

Mr Papers Workshop
2022-03-11 14:00 - 17:00 | Top Floor Art Gallery & Open Studios, 92 Main Street, Saintfield, Ballynahinch, Down, BT247AB, United Kingdom
Top Floor Art are offering a fun workshop based on the Peggy & Mr Pegman creative kit which was designed during their Great Kit Challenge 2021.
Sue Cathcart and her humorous Mr Papers character will take part in this fun afternoon where participants will help Peggy create a beautiful outfit to impress the Lord Mayor as she has been invited to a party at Belfast Castle!
Workshop including Peggy Kit – £35
Workshop only (for those who have already purchased their kit) – £15
Numbers are limited, book by email or ring Emma on 07828570837

Needle Felted Spring Hare Workshop
2022-03-06 11:00 - 14:30 | Stone Row Artisans, 1st Floor, 2-6 Stone Row, Coleraine, BT52 1EP, United Kingdom
During this 3 hour workshop, you will learn the art of 3D needle felting with textile artist Claire McDowell of Bad Bird Craft. Suitable for both beginners and those with some experience of felt work, you will go through all the basics of felting carded wool to create a soft sculpture of a hare; participants will learn how to create a basic wire armature and how to sculpt their 3D sitting hare using a combination of different tones of wool.
The little hare will be finished off with glass amber eyes and a tiny dried flower and ribbon wreath.
All materials and tools for this project will be supplied. Refreshments will also be available throughout the workshop.
Please note: Stone Row Artisans is located on the 1st floor of the old Laura Ashley Building. Unfortunately there is no lift facility in the building. Please remember to wear your mask/ visor during the workshop unless you are medically exempt. Social distancing measures will be in place and hand sanitiser will be provided.

Nature Printing: Printmaking with Plants
2022-03-05 10:30 - 16:00 | Stranmillis University College, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5DY, United Kingdom
This workshop will provide a short overview of the history of the art of nature printing followed by a practical printmaking session exploring mark making, pattern and design using a range of fresh and dried plants. With the help of tutor Ruth Osborne, participants will create a range of unique prints using Irish Linen and Italian papers and will have the option to frame their work at the end of the session.
All materials are provided.

Arm Knitting
2022-03-05 10:30 - 13:30 | The Designerie, 88 Main Street, Antrim, Bushmills, BT57 8QD, United Kingdom
This workshop is ideal for beginners and knitters alike; your tutor Jill Gurney will show you how to knit with your arms, making your very own cosy throw, approx. 70cm x 145cm.

The cost includes all materials & light refreshments supplied (please message when you book to let organisers know what colour you would like: pearl, dove grey, mushroom pink, denim, mustard or sky blue).

3D Needle Felting
2022-03-05 10:00 - 16:00 | The Burnavon, Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DN, United Kingdom
During this one day workshop local textile artist Andrea Hayes will demonstrate the dimensional qualities of felt. Discover the wonderful art of needle felting as Andrea shares a wide range of tips and techniques providing you with a step by step guide. By the end of the day you will have created your very own 3D needle felted blue tit.
Please note: there will be a short break for lunch (bring your own). Suitable for 16+

Silver Smithing: Silver Stacking Rings
2022-03-05 10:00 - 16:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
Spend a day under the guidance of Goldsmith Diane Lyness as you make a pair of silver stacking rings. Each participant will be taught traditional jewellery making techniques such as piercing, soldering, shaping, texturing and polishing to create a beautiful pair of rings to take home. Personalise and add colour to your ring by adding one or two semi-precious stones. No previous experience is required. All you need to bring is an apron and bundles of enthusiasm!

Please note there is a maximum of 10 participants; suitable for 16+

Glassblowing Workshop
2022-03-04 10:00 - 16:00, 2022-02-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Helen Hancock Glass Studio, Derry
This one day workshop will provide an introduction to glassblowing – you will be working with specialist equipment and tools, and with a furnace running at 1150 degrees. You will learn how to spin your own glass plate and create a bespoke jug.
Please note: protective eyewear and long sleeves are essential; strictly for 16y+; only 4 places available.

Bending Glass
2022-03-03 12:00 - 2022-03-06 18:00 | Flax Art Studios, Havelock House, Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 1EB, United Kingdom
Initiated and organised by artist Johanna Leech with support from Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive (DFA) in partnership with Flax Art Studios, Bending Glass tells the story of master glass bender and neon sign maker Adrian McNevison of AM Light. This exhibition illuminates the former UTV studios with artworks made from light and archive footage from the UTV vaults.
Courtesy of the UTV Archive, this is illustrated throughout with footage of local television programming which was made visually distinctive by neons supplied by McNevison. Presented alongside the screenings and stills are contemporary neon artworks produced by AM Light for Michael Hanna, Stuart Calvin and Johanna Leech, self-made neons by Kevin Killen, lightboxes by Susan Hughes, a written guide by Paula Blair, and a video interview with McNevison and his son Chris.

Please note the exact opening hours below:
Thursday, 3rd of March: 4pm – 9pm (Opening night, Late Night Art)
Friday, 4th of March: 12 – 6pm
Saturday, 5th of March: 12 – 6pm
Sunday, 6th of March: 12 – 6pm

Clay Throwing
2022-03-02 19:00 - 2022-03-23 21:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
On this 4-week course you will learn the key stages of wheel throwing on the pottery wheel and the basics of ceramics. Your tutor Fiona Shannon will encourage you to produce functional items using stoneware clay (cost includes 2 bags for each participant). After completing a piece they will then go on to be fired in the kiln by the tutor. You can purchase additional clay should you wish to create more work.
The workshop will take place on Wednesdays: 2, 9, 16, 23 March.
Please note: Short sleeves, old trousers and an apron are recommended but clay washes off easily. Your finished piece will need time to dry out and be fired twice in Flowerfield’s kilns. Your work will be ready for collection 4 weeks after the date of your workshop.

Clay Creations
2022-02-26 10:30 - 12:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Explore the world of clay in this workshop as you hand-build an animal under the careful supervision of tutor Fiona Shannon. This workshop is designed for beginners and improvers – participants do need little dexterity in their hands to work with clay. Using air dry clay, they can take their animal home, paint it and leave it to dry.
Please note: this workshop is aimed at 10-14 year olds. Short sleeves, old trousers and an apron are recommended but clay washes off easily. Please bring a box in which to take your animal home.

Contemporary Weaving - Abstract Wall Hanging
2022-02-26 10:00 - 16:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
This one day tapestry weaving workshop explores the art of hand weaving in a modern context. Your tutor Karolina Lisek from Little Tangle will teach the foundation skills of tapestry weaving using a frame loom. 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.

Maximum number of participants is 10; all materials will be provided.

Ceramic Jewellery
2022-02-25 19:00 - 2022-03-11 21:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
In week one, ceramic artist Ciara Campbell-Crawford will teach you how to design and create a delicate necklace with a set of matching earrings using the finest porcelain clay and coloured underglazes. Add intricate details using wooden and rubber stamps and rolling pins. Your clay designs will be taken back to Ciara’s studio, where she will fire and glaze them in her kiln. In week two, you’ll be given the opportunity to add fittings such as earring hooks, studs and diamanté to finish your pieces, ready for you to wear home that evening.
A week between classes is required to allow time for your ceramic jewellery to dry before assembling and decorating on week two.

Maximum 10 participants, 16+

Introduction to stone carving
2022-02-24 19:00 - 2022-04-06 21:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
During this 6 weeks stone carving course you will learn to carve V-cut letters or basic images in stone, incising into the material to create the shadow and light that crisply define letters with no need for paint.
Tutor Johnny Kerr will introduce you to the carving tools and you will begin by carving numbers or initials on a 30cm x 30cm piece of sandstone to practice, then try a more ambitious piece – perhaps a family name or image on 60cm x 30cm sandstone to complete your finished piece.
Please note this course is aimed at beginners (maximum number 10, 16+); all materials, tools and safety gear supplied. There will be a break on March 17th.

Ceramics
2022-02-12 10:00 - 16:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
This one day course is designed for beginners (18+). You will be taught how to make sculptural forms to create a decorative vase for your spring table. After completing your vase it will then go on to be fired in the kiln by your tutor, Fiona Shannon. You can purchase additional clay should you wish to create more work.
Please note: short sleeves, old trousers and an apron are recommended but clay washes off easily; your finished piece will need time to dry out and be fired twice in Flowerfield’s kilns. Your work will be ready for collection 4 weeks after the date of your workshop.

WWt Castle Espie Group Exhibition
2022-02-05 11:00 - 2022-02-27 16:00 | WWT Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain Rd, Comber, Newtownards, BT23 6EA
North Down Craft Collective have organised a group exhibition at WWT Castle Espie wetlands showcasing a selection of ceramics and art from selected designer-makers. Running from the 5th to the 27th of February in the Graffan galleries, the exhibition will have work available for sale via the Castle Espie retail team with a catalogue available in the gallery. Keep an eye on North Down Craft Collective’s socials – there will be artists in-stu on various days.

'Curved with Intent' - Meet the Makers!
2022-02-03 17:00 - 20:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI are delighted to invite you to the opening night of ‘Curved with Intent’, their upcoming exhibition of contemporary design in wood.
Craft NI Gallery will take part in Late Night Art Thursday, February 3rd between 5pm – 8pm. Join us and meet the designer-makers exhibiting in ‘Curved with Intent’ – a great opportunity to ask them about their inspiration, processes or enquire about future commissions!
‘Curved with intent’ is Craft NI’s first event of a varied 2022 exhibition programme and promises to raise interest in the beautiful medium of wood and admiration for the talented Northern Irish designer-makers who work with it.
Wood as a construction material and man have had a very long relationship – not surprising since it is so extraordinarily versatile. The ability to create curved forms in wood is an example of its extreme adaptability to different needs and types of objects and construction, and it perfectly illustrates the theme of the exhibition – gentle and purposeful mastery that transforms a simple organic material into beautiful and/or functional craft objects.
Wood can be shaped in many ways, and the work displayed in the exhibition will demonstrate both a variety of objects and methods, including carving, turning, laminating, steam bending and cutting from solid.
The participating designer-makers are David Cousley, Mark Hanvey, Ronan Lowery, Brian McKee and John Piekaar.
Each participating designer-maker speaks through their work to the audience of their own particular relationship with the material: the shapes they produce are more or less practically and/or aesthetically purposed. They are very deliberately envisaged – they are curved with intent.

Silversmithing techniques
2022-02-03 14:00 - 2022-02-24 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
Under the guidance of tutor Diane Lyness, you will learn a variety of jewellery techniques including soldering, piercing, shaping, texturing metal and polishing. During this 4 weeks course, 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.
Please note: 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.

'Curved with Intent'
2022-02-03 10:00 - 2022-03-27 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI are delighted to welcome you to ‘Curved with intent’, an exhibition of contemporary design in wood. ‘Curved with intent’ is Craft NI’s first event of a varied 2022 exhibition programme and promises to raise interest in the beautiful medium of wood and admiration for the talented Northern Irish designer-makers who work with it.
Wood as a construction material and man have had a very long relationship – not surprising since it is so extraordinarily versatile. The ability to create curved forms in wood is an example of its extreme adaptability to different needs and types of objects and construction, and it perfectly illustrates the theme of the exhibition – gentle and purposeful mastery that transforms a simple organic material into beautiful and/or functional craft objects.
Wood can be shaped in many ways, and the work displayed in the exhibition will demonstrate both a variety of objects and methods, including carving, turning, laminating, steam bending and cutting from solid.
The participating designer-makers are David Cousley, Mark Hanvey, Ronan Lowery, Brian McKee and John Piekaar.
Each participating designer-maker speaks through their work to the audience of their own particular relationship with the material: the shapes they produce are more or less practically and/or aesthetically purposed. They are very deliberately envisaged – they are curved with intent.

Glassmaking
2022-02-01 14:00 - 17:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Choose your favourite bird and using glass skills, you will use a glass mosaic effect to design and create your bird sculpture. Your tutor Natasha Duddy will show you techniques that include glass-cutting, grinding and combining glass enamels and frits. Metal wire will be attached to your bird so you can add it to your base of choice afterwards. No previous experience required.
Please note, no open toe sandals or footwear allowed.

Valentines Fused Glass
2022-01-29 10:00 - 14:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
Create a unique and lasting gift for a loved one this Valentines by designing and creating fused glass decorations. Under the guidance of glass artist Keith Sheppard ,you will work with different coloured glass to make two glass pieces from a choice of three options: love heart sun-catcher, heart shaped coaster or heart shaped hanging decoration. You can make up your own simple design at the workshop or use the templates provided by the tutor. Keith will teach you various design techniques, demonstrate the tools required for glass cutting, as well as how to work safely and handle glass with confidence. Your completed fused glass decorations will be taken back to Keith’s studio for firing and returned to the venue one to two weeks later for collection.
All tools and materials will be provided. You may wish to bring your own safety glasses. Please wear suitable clothing and flat shoes.
Please note: completed glass decorations will not be returned by post – collection only from the venue; maximum number of participants is 10; suitable for 16+

Land and Lore
2022-01-28 10:00 - 2022-03-05 16:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
Textile artist Ruth Osborne’s exhibition will explore the relationship between nature, landscape and folklore, which can shape our understanding and responses to the natural world. This exhibition brings together textile art, printmaking and natural materials to inspire a connection to nature and explore the historical symbolism and beliefs embedded in our landscape.
