Hi folks
Thanks to a lot of you who have renewed your membership to feltmakers Ireland. A very warm welcome to all the new members. You are part of a vibrant and active community of crafters that range from beginners to practicing professionals. We can all learn from each other and help to keep an ancient craft alive as well as bringing it into the 21st century with new and always evolving techniques and surprises.
What do we have planned for this year?
FEBRUARY
We hosted our Basic and Beyond- Hat Making workshop… safe to say that this group is very finely kitted out in the headgear department!
ALL THROUGH THE YEAR- 2nd sunday of the month
We have already had two very successful “Sunday Sessions”- a full house each time. January saw the talented Kay, demonstrate smocking… us beginners muddled our way through, but under her expert eyes we definitely left a little wiser.
February saw the inspiring work of Elaine. She took us through beading.
Every second Sunday of the month we hold our Sunday sessions in the park- That’s Phoenix Park, Knockmarroon gate- studio. We are lucky enough to have a permanent base here. Our Sunday Sessions are a relaxed session from 10:30am-12:30 with tea/ coffee and buns. We usually host an experienced member who may provide a demo or a talk about the way they work. It is an invaluable chance to meet face to face and share ideas.
This Sunday session is hosted by volunteers, only a nominal €5 donation is asked (for the tea-coffee- time and petrol of the demonstrator).
We are always trying to encourage members in the parts of the country to set up a similar regular session. Especially to facilitate new beginners as they engage in the craft.
MARCH
March 15th is the closing date for first submissions for our joint International Exhibition with Finland Filttii. We really look forward to many of you members entering a piece.
We have an unconfirmed venue in Galway for the returning Irish entries… wouldn’t it be great to see your work displayed both internationally and nationally!?!
APRIL
A wonderful opportunity- a 2 day “masterclass” with Leiko Uchiyama making a scarf using her pine needle technique.
MAY
Sunday the 19th, our AGM; when all our current paid members are invited to attend. Share ideas, buy fibre and hear a talk.
(membership forms will be available on the day, if you haven’t managed to pay yet, and we will accept the membership fee).
JUNE
A 1 day workshop on Nuno felting, by our very own Elizabeth Bonner.
Date/ time/ Venue TBC
JULY & AUG
Summer break, but we will probably still host at least one Sunday Session in the Park.
THE AUTUMN
We hope to host another international tutor led workshop and we are currently actively trying to confirm a name. We also endeavour to be at the KNIT AND STITCH show this year in NOVEMBER.
The Knit & Stitch is a four day event. We are looking for volunteers to man our stand. We will also take park in the “Learning Curve” workshops so we will need tutors also. Volunteers are asked to give a ½ day on the stand (you will receive entry to the Knit & Stitch).
If you think you can help out in any way, please contact us.
Perhaps you might lead a Sunday Session? Put your name down to volunteer at the Knit&Stitch… maybe you would like to lead a workshop or have a venue for an exhibition in mind. Perhaps you have limited time but great computer or graphics skills and can work with us in the “virtual space”… we welcome all intiatives.
Remember as a member you can also now advertise your own workshops and events, all we ask is that you are a paid up member and that you tell us a little about yourself so that we can share that inspiration with the community in the promotion of the felting craft.
Thank you to all our valued members, see you over the year.
Please find the most up to date information on our webpage.
Follow us on Facebook
This information is subject to date changes.
Feltmakers Ireland 