Make a John Surlis Leitrim Chair
2025-10-04 10:00 - 2025-10-12 18:00 (Europe/London) | Green Woodwork Ireland Workshop, Minnowburn, Ballynahatty Rd, Belfast, Minnowburn, BT8 8LG
Stephen Ryan from Green Woodwork Ireland will teach you the skills needed to produce your own Leitrim Chair using the same traditional techniques as John used during his life. This workshop will allow you to practice an ancient form of woodcraft that was once widespread across the country, a craft that has long since disappeared from our woodlands and workshops.
During this 4-day workshop, you will use traditional tools and equipment such as the Shave Horse, Scotch Eyed Auger, Drawknife, Froe, Spokeshave, Tenon Cutter, Cabinet Scraper and much more to produce a chair that can be used and admired in the home as well as being a focal point for visitors.
You will learn how to cleave and shape wood that will then be assembled using round mortise and tenon’s secured with Oak wedges, typical of old Irish furniture, completed with a finish of linseed oil and beeswax.
This course is suited to all levels including complete beginners. As you will be working in a workshop environment, sturdy footwear is important. A good pair of boots is ideal and if you happen to have steel toe caps this would be even better. Open-toed or low-cut footwear is not suitable and may mean you cannot participate in the workshop. The tutor will supply safety gloves but if you have your own tight-fitting safety gloves feel free to bring them along, these safety measures are to protect your hands and feet from cuts and to protect your feet from sharp and heavy tools and equipment being dropped. You must be aged 16 or over to attend this class. All tools and materials are supplied. Workshop times are 10.00am to 6.00pm.
Please keep in mind that some of the workshop tasks can be a bit physical, but help will be on hand if you find any of the tasks challenging.
The workshop will be held at the Green Woodwork Ireland Workshop, Minnowburn. Workshops are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Key dates:
Saturday 4th, Sunday 5th, Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th of October, 10.00am to 6.00pm

Fused Glass Handkerchief Vase Workshop
2025-10-16 10:00 - 13:00 | FE McWilliam Gallery, 200 Newry Road, Banbridge, BT32 3NB
Participants will make their own handkerchief vase under the guidance of fused glass artist Sarah Walsh. In this beginner’s class they will learn the basics of creating a glass panel, including glass cutting and using colourful frits. Each participant will transform a 25cm x 25cm piece of glass into a unique artwork which will be fired and shaped to form a contemporary handkerchief style vase.
All tools and safety equipment will be provided. Please wear suitable clothing and flat, closed-toe shoes. Finished works will be taken back to Sarah’s studio for firing before being returned to the venue for collection at a later date.
Max No: 8 | Suitable for 16+ | Tutor: Sarah Walsh

Silver stacking rings workshop
2025-10-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Down Arts Centre, 2 - 6 Irish Street, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 6BP, United Kingdom
Participants will spend a day of fun and make a pair of silver stacking rings 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 pair of rings to take home. No previous experience is required.
Please bring an apron to protect clothing.

Halloween lanterns for 8 - 12yrs old
2025-10-18 13:30 - 17:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Join tutor Linda Mulholand – under her supervision children will craft spooky Halloween lanterns from mixed materials to light up dark scary Halloween nights!

Craft NI @ RUA 2025
2025-10-19 10:00 - 2026-01-04 17:00 | Ulster Museum, BT9 5AB, United Kingdom
Craft NI has been invited to present a Guest Showcase at the 144th Royal Ulster Academy of Arts (RUA) Exhibition at the Ulster Museum. This exciting partnership between the RUA and Craft NI brings together two leading organisations dedicated to nurturing and celebrating artistic excellence.
The Academy has a long-standing commitment to recognising craft as an integral part of contemporary visual culture: RUA academicians exhibiting this year include celebrated ceramicist Anne Butler, glass artist Alison Lowry and renowned silversmith Cara Murphy, whose exquisite, sculptural silver vessels and tableware have been commissioned at the highest levels, including Downing Street and as the maker of four Grand National trophies.
The Craft NI Showcase will further expand on this celebration of material-based practice, featuring works by Adam Frew, Andrea Spencer, Anne Earls Boylan, Caitlin Murphy, Celine Traynor, Derek Wilson, Grainne Watts, Jack Doherty, Jakki Trainor, Janice Gilmore, Joel Smith, John Piekaar, Mark Hanvey, Mario Sierra (Mourne Textiles), Patricia Kelly and Scott Benefield. From wheel-thrown porcelain to blown glass sculptures, woven textiles to meticulously crafted jewellery, visitors will encounter a diverse spectrum of work that demonstrates both tradition and innovation.

‘Materials, Messages and Meaning #14: Experimental Dialogues’
2025-11-01 11:00 - 2025-11-28 17:00 | R-Space Gallery, 32 Castle Street, Lisburn, BT27 4XE, United Kingdom
‘Materials, Messages and Meaning #14’ features Lydia Bell, Michael Geddis, Patricia Kelly, Ruth Osbourne and Ioana Petcu-Colan, five visual artists selected from our annual open call, each responding to the theme ‘experimental’.
Experimental – 1. based on untested ideas or techniques and not yet established or finalized. 2. involving a radically new and innovative style.
The group exhibition presents the work of these five artists, allowing its ‘experimental’ nature to emerge through their diverse approaches – in the materials they choose to work with, the messages and meaning they convey through those materials, and the processes they employ to make their work.
Michael Geddis re-sites and re-purpose scientific tools and processes using patterns from nature as inspiration. Patricia Kelly’s textile practice entails working with the landscape, stitching, natural dying, and folklore. Ruth Osborne similarly draws from the landscape using soil, chemistry, place and the elements as tools to create new textile outcomes. Lydia Bell’s work likewise uses the rural landscape as the starting point to tell stories of change, survival and impact on nature, history and communities. Finally, Ioana Petcu-Colan starts with a musical landscape to generate exploratory ways to see music and hear visual art.

Curved Earth - Ceramic Forms in Spiral Balance
2025-11-01 14:00 - 2026-02-14 17:00 | Enniskillen Castle Museum, Enniskillen Castle, Co. Fermanagh, BT74 7HL, United Kingdom
“Curved Earth” showcases work by Enniskillen-born, London-based ceramic artist Pádraig Drugan.
Pádraig’s striking hand-crafted ceramic sculptures flow with spirals, curves and rhythmic lines. Inspired by the natural world, the forms suggest harmony, movement and balance, inviting us to pause and reflect. Short media clips reveal how Pádraig creates his work from first sketches to finished clay pieces. Photographs of his stone installations along the Irish Atlantic coastline provide a further insight into the landscapes and traditions that inspire the artist.
“Curved Earth” invites visitors to reflect on form, beauty and rhythm in a way that speaks to universal experience.

Admission tickets to Enniskillen Castle are necessary.

Please note opening hours as follows:
Mon – Fri: 9.30am – 5.00pm, Sat: 11.00am – 5.00pm

Big Bauble Showcase
2025-11-06 18:00 - 2025-12-30 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
An annual staple at Craft NI Gallery during the festive season, the Big Bauble Showcase features a wide selection of limited ranges and one-off baubles all handcrafted to a high standard by local designer-makers in porcelain, felt, enamel, textiles or hand blown glass. The event is a highlight for visitors who come back each year to add to their collection.
Stop by to admire the skills of local makers and pick up a meaningful gift!

THE GIFT
2025-11-06 18:00 - 2026-01-31 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
THE GIFT, Craft NI Gallery’s Christmas selling exhibition, will showcase thoughtfully-designed and beautifully-crafted works that highlight the concept of considered gifting, as well as showing the gifts and dedication of designer-makers, reflecting their mastery of material and unique design. These contemporary works, functional or decorative, will be objects made to be cherished and given with intention. Visitors can expect to see unique creations, whether it is jewellery, ceramics, textiles, glass, wood, jewellery and mixed media.
The exhibition will refresh the concept of festive gifting with unique, handcrafted gift ideas that celebrate and support talented makers, thoughtful gift givers and cherished receivers in equal measure.

Participating makers: Andrea Hayes, Andrea Spencer, Anne Earls Boylan, Claire Hart, Egle Banyte, Gail Kelly, Hugh Cummins, Jakki Trainor, James Gilbert, Janice Gilmore, Joanna Komorowska, Joel Smyth, Patricia Kelly, Sue Cathcart, Ursula McGivern.

Knit + Stitch
2025-11-13 10:00 - 2025-11-16 17:30 | Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park Halftown Road, Lisburn, BT27 5RD, United Kingdom
After a fantastic debut, Knit + Stitch returns to Belfast this fall from November 13 -16! Taking place at the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn, this is an event textile lovers will not want to miss, whether they are professional craft makers or hobbyists!
The show previously known as The Knitting and Stitching Show has had a rebrand and has a new logo and name, but you can expect the same inspiring content: textile art exhibitions, hands-on workshops and opportunities to buy from over 100 craft exhibitors.
Craft NI will also have a stand in the show, promoting the skills and beautiful work of Northern Irish makers and answering any questions about local craft and craft makers.
Book your tickets at the link below and use code CRAFNI to save £2 off standard adult / concession tickets only. (Offer not valid on VIP, Child or group tickets. Offer expires Sunday 2nd November 2025. Booking fee applies.)
Please note show closes at 4pm on Sunday. Various types of tickets available, starting at £16.

Textile birds workshop
2025-11-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Crescent Art Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NH, United Kingdom
Under the guidance of tutor Linda O’Kane, participants will learn how to make some padded and embellished birds which can be worn as a brooch or attached to a bag or suitcase, or even displayed on a door knob.
All materials will be provided but please bring some small scissors to class. Suitable for 16+ years.

Please note the workshop runs 5:15 – 7:15pm.

Flowerfield Christmas Craft Market
2025-11-15 10:00 - 2025-12-23 16:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
The Flowerfield annual Christmas Craft Market opens on Saturday 15 November from 11am-4pm and continues until 23 December.
This contemporary craft market on the North Coast returns with over 35 independent craft makers and unique, special gifts. Featuring homeware, jewellery, textiles, clothing, artisan food and more, visitors will be able t obrowse for festive gifts as well as support local makers.
The market runs Monday – Saturday from 15 November to 23 December 10am – 4pm with additional opening hours on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9pm.

Open Night at The Boat House Gallery
2025-11-21 17:00 - 21:00 | The Boat House Gallery, 60 Causeway Rd, Bushmills, BT57 8SU, United Kingdom
Stop by the Boat House Gallery on Friday, November 21st, 5 – 9pm for a festive evening and soak in the warm, creative atmosphere! A great evening to enjoy live music, browse for works from local makers and see Adam Frew’s live demo at the potter’s wheel!

Four Week Christmas Ceramic Nativity Workshop
2025-11-22 10:30 - 2025-12-13 12:30 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Join Ciara Campbell for this 4 week workshop to create your own ceramic nativity set made up of 11 clay pieces, just in time for Christmas!
Please note the workshop will take place on Saturday 22nd, 29th Nov & 6th, 13th Dec | 10:30am – 12:30pm
This class is suitable for age 16+

Crafted on the Coastline
2025-11-22 11:00 - 15:00 | The Courthouse, 75 Main Street, Bushmills, BT57 8QB, United Kingdom
Stop by for a day of creativity at The Courthouse Bushmills with Crafted on the Coastline, a celebration of craft and artistry from makers across the Causeway Coast and Donegal.
On Saturday 22nd November, 11am–3pm, discover a vibrant exhibition featuring nine talented makers, each bringing a unique perspective and skill. The exhibition includes a Mini Makers section, where children of all ages can take part in drop-in creative activities – free, fun and no booking required, all within the same space as the makers.

Miniature hobby horse workshop
2025-11-27 05:00 - 19:00 | Crescent Art Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NH, United Kingdom
Learn how to make an adorable hobby horse in miniature under the guidance of tutor Linda O’Kane. All materials will be provided (you will have materials to make 3 hobby horses) but please bring some small scissors to class.

Made in AND: Pop-Up Christmas Shop
2025-11-27 18:00 - 20:00 | North Down Museum, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT, United Kingdom
The Made in AND Christmas Pop-Up Shop returns to the North Down Museum!

Featuring twinkling lights, live music, and craft demonstrations, it’s the perfect evening to start the holiday magic and get a sneak peek of all the beautiful items available. Discover a beautiful selection of handcrafted gifts and artwork made by over 25 talented local artists and crafters.
Whether you’re shopping for a unique present or simply soaking up the seasonal spirit, this is the perfect place to find something special for your loved ones.

'Cakes to Clay' - talk by James Watson
2025-11-27 19:00 - 20:30 | F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio, Banbridge, BT32 3NB, United Kingdom
F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio invite you to a talk by James Stanley Watson, ceramic artist and winner of The Great Pottery Throw Down 2025 on Thursday 27 November 2025.
James Stanley Watson is a Northern Ireland-based ceramic artist known for his expressive, story-rich creations that blend imagination and craftsmanship. After discovering pottery just four years ago, James’ creative journey led him to the nation’s screens as the winner of The Great Pottery Throw Down 2025.
A former cake maker and performer, James brings a deep sense of play, narrative, and human connection to his work. His ceramics often explore themes of memory, transformation, and the joy of making – with his signature ghosts becoming beloved symbols of warmth and whimsy.
Event cost: Members £5, Guests £10, Students £5
Please call the gallery on 028 4062 3322 to book your place. 7pm for tea/coffee, talk starts at 7.30pm

The Tedberry Market
2025-11-28 16:00 - 2025-11-30 18:00 | Down Royal Racecourse, Gravehill Road, Lisburn, BT27 5RW, United Kingdom
Don’t miss this exciting Christmas market, showcasing over 150 handpicked vendors which include craft makers such as Moneyvart Ceramics, Mud Ireland, Blackheath Pottery, Bough and Burr Furniture and Natasha Swan Ceramics to name but a few.

Enjoy the lively atmosphere, get acquainted with local craftsmen and just relax in a pleasant company. Tickets must be bought in advance and are limited.
The opening times are: Friday, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

General Admission: £8 Includes entry for one adult, access to all vendor areas, and live entertainment.
Child (2-16): £4 Entry for children.
Under 2’s: FREE

Pottery Studio Open Weekend
2025-11-29 10:00 - 2025-11-30 16:00 | Belfast Ceramics Studio, Unit 10E Owen O'Cork Mill, 288 Beersbridge Road, Belfast, Antrim, BT55DX, United Kingdom
The holiday season is on its way – join the Belfast Ceramics Studio for their Christmas Open Studio days! Stop by for a cozy, creative afternoon filled with festive cheer, pottery fun and handmade pieces that make the perfect gift.
Visitors will be able to try their hand at the potter’s wheel, make Christmas decorations while enjoying refreshments, and browse a Pottery Sale by Studio Members.
Free to attend, no need to book.
OPENING TIMES:
Saturday 29th November 10am – 4pm
Sunday 30th November 12noon – 4pm.

Christmas Art & Craft Fair with North Down Craft Collective
2025-11-30 10:00 - 16:00 | WWT Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain Rd, Comber, Newtownards, BT23 6EA
North Down Craft Collective returns to the charming setting of Castle Espie for their annual Christmas market – stop by to meet local artists and makers and shop their beautiful, handmade craft pieces – from textiles to ceramics, paintings to prints, and plenty more in between.
Over 30 artists and makers will be showcasing their work making your Christmas gift buying a pleasure this year!
Enjoy festive music, treats from the Kingfisher Cafe and your chance to meet the makers.
Admission to the fair is free of charge (normal charges apply to visit the wetland area)

5 week throwing course for beginners and improvers
2025-12-04 10:30 - 12:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
During this 5 week course, participants will learn the basics of throwing including techniques like centering, opening out and pulling up to create a variety of different pots, including mugs and bowls.

Pots are fired and glazed for collection at a later date. Please note, this course will run on Thursdays.

Hark Christmas market
2025-12-04 19:00 - 22:00 | St Anne’s Cathedral, Donegall Street, Belfast, BT1 2HB, United Kingdom
Hark is a Christian Christmas Market and is hosted every year in the iconic St Annes Cathedral in the Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Visitors will be able to enjoy live music with Carols being sung and a variety of market stalls with creative ideas for Christmas: jewellery, ceramics, wood and so much more!

Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre
2025-12-05 16:00 - 2025-12-06 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
For a unique shopping experience, join the makers and artists of the Creative Peninsula as the annual Christmas Fayre makes a welcome return to Ards Arts Centre!

Be inspired to purchase the perfect, unique, handcrafted Christmas gift in the opulent festive setting of the Georgian and Sunburst galleries of Ards Arts Centre.
All work has been handcrafted and designed by the professionally practicing artists and makers of Ards and North Down.
There will be seasonal live music, complimentary gift wrapping and festive refreshments.

OPENING HOURS:
Late Night Shopping: Fri 5 Dec, 4pm – 8pm
Small Business Saturday: Sat 6 Dec, 10am – 4pm

Belfast Christmas Potter's Market
2025-12-06 10:00 - 17:00 | 2 Royal Avenue, 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, United Kingdom
This year’s Christmas Belfast Potters’ Market will take place on Saturday, December 6th from 10am – 5pm.
Over 40 Of Ireland’s top potters and sculptors will be gathered together to exhibit and of course sell their beautiful pottery.
The venue, 2 Royal avenue, is right in the centre of Belfast, and it is fully accessible with disabled toilets and ramps.

Vault Christmas market
2025-12-06 11:00 - 2025-12-07 17:00 | Carlisle Memorial Church, Carlisle Circus, Belfast, BT13 1AB, United Kingdom
The Vault Christmas Market is once again returing to the beautiful Carlisle Memorial Church in North Belfast. Over the course of a weekend, the former church will be filled with 60+ stalls selling high-quality jewellery, gilded glass & stained glass, ceramics, macramé & crochet, homeware and so much more.
The Vault Christmas Market is also a fun weekend out with friends and family, with music refreshments and the regular walkabout performers, elves and of course ‘The Santa You Deserve’ aka ‘Bad Santa’ causing havoc, or snoozing in a corner. And new this year is the Godzilla Santa Grotto – it has to be seen to be believed (and explained).

Cathedral Quarter Christmas Sunday Art Market
2025-12-07 10:00 - 2025-12-21 15:00 | Cathedral Quarter Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
The Cathedral Quarter Christmas Sunday Art Market will take place on Sundays in December right in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Hill Street Belfast will come alive with festive stalls, local artists, independent makers, handcrafted gifts, and creative Christmas vibes from the city’s most artistic district.
Dates and opening times: Sunday 7, 14 and 21 December from 10am to 3pm

Yuletide Market at Rowallane Garden
2025-12-13 10:00 - 2025-12-14 16:00 | Rowallane Garden, Off Crossgar Road, Saintfield, BT24 7LH, United Kingdom
The Yuletide market, a much-loved family favourite, returns to Rowallane Gardens! Local craft people and traders return to the Stableyard for a weekend of festive fun.
Get in the Christmas spirit as you browse the stalls in search of special gifts, take in the smells of the season and hear the sounds of choirs floating through the garden.
Free event but admission ticket to Rowallane required.

Portview Christmas Market
2025-12-19 18:00 - 2025-12-20 16:00 | Portview Trade Centre, 310 Newtonards Rd, Belfast, BT4 1HE, United Kingdom
Portview Christmas Market returns to Portview Trade Centre on the Newtownards Road, showcasing a great range of local makers of craft, jewellery, ceramics, vintage and so much more. This is a family-friendly event which will also have local DJs and hospitality available.
Please note the following opening hours:
Friday Night December 19th 6 – 10pm
Saturday December 20th 12 – 4pm.

The Anna Cheyne Visual Art Award exhibition
2026-01-12 09:30 - 2026-02-14 22:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
The Anna Cheyne Visual Art Award acknowledges the outstanding achievements of Lisburn artist Anna Cheyne (1926-2002), and is open to artists working in any medium. This exhibition will feature a selection of the entries received for this year’s competition. The winning artist(s) will be announced at the preview and acquired artwork will become part of the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Art Collection.
Anna Cheyne was a highly respected artist who made her home in Lisburn. She was known for exhibiting widely across Britain and Ireland, consistently appearing in major shows like t-Oireachtas and the Royal Ulster Academy. Her strong dedication to her work was formally recognised in 1994 when she was appointed an Academician of The Royal Ulster Academy.
Please note: open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 10pm and Saturday 9.30am to 5pm; closed on Sundays.
