Category: Felt

Exhibition: Flax Flower Project Unveils Felt Installation at Titanic Museum – Belfast

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland1 Comment

Twelve talented artisans from three felting organisations—Feltmakers Ireland, Feltmakers North, and the International Feltmakers Association (IFA)—have collaborated on the Flax Flower Project, a unique wet-felted installation set to debut at the Titanic Museum on Tuesday, the 1st of July, 2025. The exhibit, which celebrates Belfast’s rich heritage in flax and linen production, will run through August 2025 and return each summer thereafter.

The Flax Flower Project showcases intricate floral designs crafted from sustainable materials, including Merino wool, bamboo fibres, Margilan silk, silk fibres, and flax strands for hanging. This vibrant display blends traditional craftsmanship with innovative textile art, highlighting the cultural and industrial significance of flax in Belfast’s history.

Behind the Scenes

Shelley Steele and Jane Fox co-coordinated the Flax Flower Project. Shelley expressed her enthusiasm: “It’s been a great pleasure to organise The Flax Flower Project alongside Jane Fox. Bringing together such talented artists to honour Belfast’s legacy has been truly rewarding.”

Loli Cox, a member of Feltmakers Ireland and IFA, added: “I was thrilled to join this project, which celebrates Belfast’s flax and linen heritage while showcasing the sustainable art of feltmaking. This exhibit not only honours our past but also inspires sustainable creativity for the future, aligning perfectly with Feltmakers Ireland’s mission to promote natural fibres like sheep’s wool for wearable and artistic applications.”

The project reflects the felting organisations’ commitment to sustainable textile practices and the revival of traditional crafts. It highlights feltmaking as a sustainable art form, while also celebrating the heritage of linen-making—a craft that was once a cornerstone of Belfast’s economy. Through the tactile and creative process of wet felting, these artisans will educate the public about the historical and cultural significance of flax and wool, promoting eco-conscious artistry.

The contributing artists are Sharon Bell, Loli Cox, Jane Fox, Siobhán Healy Ryan, Marie Hopkins, Viktor Hurtovyi, Elaine McCombe, Laura Moffett, Jacki Sleator, Shelley Steele, and Fiona Whyte.

The Artists

For more information about the Flax Flower Project or to schedule a visit to the Titanic Museum exhibit, please visit the website. – https://www.titanicbelfast.com/

Feltmakers Ireland is dedicated to promoting sustainable textile practices and raising awareness of natural fibres through innovative and traditional feltmaking techniques – https://feltmakersireland.com/

The IFA fosters a global community of feltmakers, encouraging creativity and collaboration in the art of feltmaking – https://www.feltmakers.com/

Feltmakers North supports artisans in Northern Ireland, preserving and advancing the craft of feltmaking through education and exhibitions. https://feltmakersnorth.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Events: Feltmakers Ireland AGM 2025 – 11th of May

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

AGM

All members of the Feltmakers Ireland Guild are invited to our AGM on Sunday, the 11th of May.

By starting promptly at 10:30 AM, we aim to complete the meeting’s formalities in a timely manner, allowing us to listen to our Guest Speaker, Leiko Uchiyama, an artist, educator, and master dyer, who lives in Co Carlow.

Additionally, this year we will feature a Sellers’ Area and a Display Area. See below for more information.

Agenda

1.     Address by the Chair, opening the AGM (Suzanne Phelan will act on behalf of chairperson Deirdre Carroll, who is away)

2.     Address by Secretary (Lorna Cady)

3.    Treasurer’s Report (Annika Berglund)

4.    Wool Project Wool Report  (Annika Berglund)

5.    Motions for AGM

6.    Election of Chair and Committee 2025/26. Election of other Officers will be held at the June Committee Meeting. We always welcome new faces on the Committee—if you’re interested in helping to keep our Guild active and thriving, your support would be greatly appreciated!

7.    Guest Speaker is Leiko Uchiyama, a feltmaking artist originally from Japan and now living in Borris, Co Carlow. Her journey has taken her from Japan to New Zealand, Indonesia, and France, where she developed her feltmaking techniques. Leiko creates wearable pieces made of wool and silks, which she dyes using her own colour recipes. She also makes functional pieces for the home. She teaches Felting workshops throughout Europe, America, Australia, and Japan, and has exhibited her work in many countries.

Leiko will also have her dyed wool roving for sale at the AGM. She will bring Merino, Corriedale and a Silk/Merino mix of roving, which is ideal for the craft of felting.

8.    A Bursary Draw for €250 is open to all paid-up members and will take place at the AGM. The winner can participate in a Felting course and then provide a short recap article with photographs. (In 2024, guild member Adrienne Dempsey won the award. You can read about her experience in this blog post.)

9. Sellers’ Area: Members will have the opportunity to sell their work, fibres or supplies at the AGM. Methods of receiving payment, whether by cash, credit card, Revolut, or PayPal transactions, are the seller’s responsibility. The guild will provide tables, but NOT coverings or other displays. Please RSVP if you wish to participate in the Sellers’ Area, as space is limited. feltmakersIE@gmail.com

10.  Display Area: Members can also take the opportunity to display and discuss a small selection of their work with other members. Members will need to bring props to display their items. Make sure that your name is on your piece. The guild will provide two table coverings.

11.  Refreshments and chat. Refreshments will follow. If you could bring a little something, home-baked or not, we’d be delighted. We always appreciate goodies with our cuppa. If you have a travel cup, please bring it so we can reduce the waste of single-use paper cups.

Zoom Access

Members who cannot attend in person can use the Zoom link, which will be emailed beforehand on Friday. This session will not be recorded.

Leiko’s Instagram: @leikofelt

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about the content, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Of Interest: New FeltMatters Podcast – Season 3 Episode 2 – Felting, Bees, and Collaboration

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
FeltMatters the Podcast hosted by Vivienne Mortpeth and Heather Potten. The Bees - Lydia Needle's Fifty Bees CIC Project.

In Season 3, Episode 2 of the International Feltmakers Association‘s podcast, Felt Matters, hosts Vivienne Morpeth and Heather Potten delve into the theme of artistic collaboration, featuring an interview with needle felting artist Lydia Needle, whose surname fittingly mirrors her medium. Lydia shares her transition from teaching to working with wool and explores the ecological and artistic motivations behind her ambitious 50 Bees project, which highlights the importance of bee conservation.

The episode underscores the impactful role artists can play in confronting global issues, highlighting how informal, creative education and collaborative expression can drive meaningful change.

To listen to this specific episode, visit their YouTube page – https://youtu.be/neCFqU87gzA?si=unAXZE-CPy9hklwy

This page on YouTube links to all of the podcasts- https://www.youtube.com/@internationalfeltmakers

Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Lydia Needle’s Instagram – @lydianeedle Her 50 Bees Project on Instagram – @fiftybeescic

FeltMatters Instagram – @feltmatters.thepodcast

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about the content, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Education: Members with Upcoming Workshops

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Several members of Feltmakers Ireland teach their skills.

Here are some of the upcoming workshops they offer. We’re sorry we missed many of the March events—we were busy with our exhibition!

Gelli Plate Workshop with Mel Bradley – Co Louth

Mel Bradley is running a Gelli Plate printing workshop in her studio, Gallery 13, Millmount Craft Quarter, on Saturday, the 12th of April.

For more info & to contact- https://melbradleysilks.ie/contact/

IFA’s Discovering Feltmaking – Online Courses

Guild member Hélène Dooley is among the tutors for the International Feltmakers Association’s five online felting courses, which start on May 1st and end on June 30th.

For more info – https://www.feltmakers.com/discovering-feltmaking-course/

Needle Felting Workshop with Lucia Errity – Co Meath

Guild member Lucia Errity is teaching a needle felting workshop on the 11th of May.

Contact her via Instagram @luciaerrityart

2nd Annual Soul Dolls Retreat – Co Sligo

Guild member Caoimhe Tuthill is again pairing up with Shelly Ann Szigli for Sould Dolls Retreat in November 2025.

For more info – https://www.souldolls.ca/ireland-2025-soul-dolls-gathering

If you are a member of Feltmakers Ireland and offer workshops, please get in touch with us at feltmakersIE@gmail.com

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Exhibition: Stephanie Robison Sculptures – Marrow Gallery – San Francisco USA

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Poster for art exhibition - Stephanie Robison - featuring a pale orange and white sculpture.

Artist Stephanie Robison combines stone carving with needle felting to create playful sculptures in which wool appears hard and stone appears soft. She is currently having a solo exhibition at the Marrow Gallery in San Francisco, USA. Titled “Incantations for the Average Person”, her work has been described as “What Happens When Stone and Wool Have a Party?” by We and the Color online magazine.

The exhibition runs until the 29th of March.

For more information on seeing the show, visit the gallery’s website – https://www.marrowgallery.com/

There is an interview with the artist on the ‘Art is Awesome’ podcast – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stephanie-robison-sculptor/id1688820758?i=1000698729397

To see more of Robison’s works, visit her website – https://www.stephanierobison.com/

Instagram – @squishystone


Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Exhibition Recap: First Lady Sabina Higgins Opens ‘Symbols of Ireland’ Art Exhibition – Phoenix Park Visitor Centre

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland1 Comment
First Lady Sabina Higgins looking at Claire Merry’s ‘Hares in the Meadow’

Dublin, Ireland: Over 400 attendees gathered at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre for the opening of ‘Symbols of Ireland’, a stunning exhibition from Feltmakers Ireland.

First Lady Sabina Higgins, wife of President Michael D Higgins, officially opened the event with an inspiring address, marking a celebration of Irish craftsmanship and sustainability.

The exhibition featured the work of 47 guild members, showcasing many pieces crafted from Irish-raised wool fibre.

Mrs Higgins expressed her awe in her speech, saying, “I’m overwhelmed. I really haven’t seen a felt exhibition before… I have seen individual pieces in craft shops, but I haven’t ever seen anything like THIS! The innovation of the felt, how it is made from the start, is incredible.”

She went on to recommend transferring the exhibition to the National Gallery of Ireland, underscoring its cultural importance.

As Patron of the Wool in Schools Program, Mrs Higgins highlighted wool’s role as a sustainable
material, noting its durability and self-cleaning properties. She also connected the exhibition’s
themes to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, calling them “the 10
Commandments of our times.” To learn more about the Goals, visit here – https://sdgs.un.org/goals

‘Symbols of Ireland’ was open to the public at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre until the 30th of March, 2025. Visiting hours were 10 AM to 4 PM, Wednesday through Sunday, with free admission.

The Exhibition

  • Entering the Exhibition
  • Sabina Higgins and Loli Cox viewing Amanda Robinson Kelly’s artwork
  • Loli and our chairperson, Deirdre Carroll
  • The Committee. Left to right, Juliane Gorman, Deirdre Carroll, First Lady Sabina Higgins, Suzanne, Phelan, Lorna Cady (in front row), Annika Berglund in back row, Loli Cox, Adrienne Dempsey, and Elizabeth Redding. (Sam Fagan missing from photo)
  • Mrs Higgins talking with Lorna McCormack, head of Wool in Schools. Arwork by Heather Byrne
  • Mrs Higgins and Loli viewing Annika Berglund and Sandra Chase’s artwork
  • Astrid Tomprop-Hofmann and Suzanne Phelan
  • Mrs Higgins chatting with Helene Dooley
  • Mrs Higgins signing the guestbook
  • The room from above
  • A big crowd attended the opening

Photos taken by Robert Cox

To see all the fantastic photos (150!) of the launch, taken by Robert Cox, spouse of guild member and exhibition coordinator Loli Cox, please visit this website – https://www.icloud.com/photos/#/icloudlinks/00dU16AKlBy8bGRZ11kv0mi7Q

(You can download individual photos or all of them. Please credit Robert and include Feltmakers Ireland when sharing).

The video of First Lady Sabina Higgins’s speech can be watched on our YouTube Channel- https://youtu.be/j0u6qiopTUg

There is a ‘B Roll’ of 16 additional videos, which includes artwork and the visitors at our opening, on Robert Cox’s iCloud – https://share.icloud.com/photos/0f4mtmSfXq2iNbuX6Enf6x1ig

Digital Catalogue

If you are unable to come to Dublin, we have an online version of the exhibition via our catalogue – Catalogue- Symbols of Ireland

The Poster

The exhibition ran from Wednesday, the 5th of March, to Sunday, the 30th of March 30th, 2025, at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Gallery. Please note: the Centre is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

The gallery is conveniently accessible by Dublin Bus number 99 and is located within the historic Phoenix Park. For further details, including maps and directions to the park, visit https://www.phoenixpark.ie/directions.

The artwork featured on the exhibition poster is ‘Brigid’s Legacy’ by Jane Fox.

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Exhibition: ‘Symbols of Ireland’ – Annual Feltmakers Ireland Show – Phoenix Park Visitor Centre

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Poster for Feltmakers Ireland's annual exhibition - 2025 - 'Symbols of Ireland' at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. Sabina Higgins will launch show on the 2nd of March at 3 PM. The SHow runs Wednesdays through Sundays, from the 5th to the 30th of March.
The Poster for Feltmakers Ireland’s group exhibition in March.

Feltmakers Ireland is delighted to present ‘Symbols of Ireland’, a group exhibition celebrating the country’s rich cultural heritage through the art of felt. Sabina Higgins will officially launch* the exhibition on Sunday, the 2nd of March, at 3 PM.

This showcase explores Ireland’s iconic imagery and deep-rooted traditions through the versatile medium of wool—ranging from imported Merino fibre to locally raised Irish wool. Featuring an array of techniques, including wet felting and needle felting, members of Feltmakers Ireland have created striking three-dimensional sculptures, wall art, and wearable pieces, each offering a unique interpretation of Irish symbolism.

The exhibition runs from Wednesday, the 5th of March, to Sunday, the 30th of March 30th, 2025, at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Gallery. Please note: the Centre is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. (This may change if there is an increase in staffing. We will know more by the middle of the month).

The gallery is conveniently accessible by Dublin Bus number 99 and is located within the historic Phoenix Park. For further details, including maps and directions to the park, visit https://www.phoenixpark.ie/directions.

The artwork featured on the exhibition poster is ‘Brigid’s Legacy’ by Jane Fox.

*Provisional upon her schedule.

Feltmakers Ireland is a guild member of the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCI).

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

News: Northeast Feltmakers Guild Celebrates 2nd Annual Feltuary

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

The Northeast Feltmakers Guild (NEFG) invites felters worldwide to the second annual Feltuary, a global celebration where felters share their creations on Instagram and/or Facebook.

Each day in February has a woolly or felt-related prompt. You can interpret the prompt any way you desire for your post, and you need not post every day.

When sharing your posts, please include the hashtag #Feltuary2025, which you can follow to explore the work of other participants.

Check out NEFG’s Instagram account here: https://www.instagram.com/northeastfeltmakersguild/

You can also find Feltuary posts on NEFG’s Facebook using the hashtag: #feltuary2025 https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/feltuary2025.

Happy felting!


Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Of Interest: Tamzen Lundy Designs at Showcase 2025 – Plus Other Felt-related Businesses

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Showcase Ireland is celebrating its 50th year of elevating Irish craft and design. It runs from the 19th to the 21st of January at the RDS. For more information, visit – https://showcaseireland.com/newfront

Tamzen Lundy Designs

Feltmakers Ireland guild member Tamzen Lundy will exhibit at this year’s Showcase. Tamzen creates quirky, sustainably made, woollen wet felted gifts. She will be in booth L90 in the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) area of the RDS.

“Calling small shops of Ireland… Would you like to replace some of your imports with local craft? Remove plastic tat from your shelves for something a little more sustainable? The power lies with you…”

Tamzen Lundy Designs

Catch Tamzen at Showcase – Stand L90 – https://showcaseireland.com/newfront/exhibitor/tamzen-lundy-designs

Other Felt Related Businesses at Showcase

In addition to Tamzen Lundy Designs, other businesses exhibiting at Showcase 2025 use felted wool. Here are a few: Jayne Gillian Designs, Alexa Design, Boyne Valley Wools, and Noelle Ferris Felt Artist.

Jayne Gillian Designs

Jayne Gillian designs and makes unique felted Merino wool and silk scarves and collars. The designs, with their colours and textures, draw inspiration from the Irish Landscape and perfectly complement the Irish gift market. She is in the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCI) area at Showcase – C181. https://showcaseireland.com/newfront/exhibitor/jayne-gillian-designs

Alexa Design

Alexandra Zolich creates bespoke luxury Nuno felted scarves and wraps that combine silk fabric with fine Merino wool fibre.

She is in the DCCI area at Showcase – C164. https://showcaseireland.com/newfront/exhibitor/alexa-design

Boyne Valley Wools

Boyne Valley Wools is a craft studio in Co. Meath, beside the Newgrange visitors’ centre Bru Na Boinne. Proprietor Alison Fullam Gogan is a fifth-generation sheep farmer who spins wool by hand from her flock of Jacob sheep. The yarn is hand-processed and rich in natural lanolin oils, which make it waterproof. In addition, she creates felted wool paintings and sheep decorations.

Boyne Valley Wools in the LEO area at Showcase – L14. https://showcaseireland.com/newfront/exhibitor/boyne-valley-wools

Noelle Ferris Felt Artist

Noelle Ferris‘ collection features limited edition fine art prints of her original felt artwork. She is in the LEO area at Showcase – L21. https://showcaseireland.com/newfront/exhibitor/noelle-ferris-felt-artist


Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Education: Upcoming Felting Courses with Guild Members

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Feltmakers Ireland’s members include several who teach felting. Some teach wet felting, while others teach needle felting. We even have members who use and teach both techniques!

Below is a sampling organised by A-Z by county of upcoming felting courses taught by members in their local communities.

Co Dublin

10 Week Wet Feltmaking Course at Castleknock Community College - Evening Class. Poster from the Castleknock Community College website.

Guild member Clodagh Mac Donagh will teach a 10-week Wet Felting evening course at Castleknock College, Dublin 15. The class starts on Monday, January 27th, 2025, and runs from 7 to 9 PM.

“Feltmaking is a therapeutic but slow craft; it takes time to obtain the skills needed to make successful Felt pieces. Weeks 1 to 5 The first weeks will introduce students to wool and its properties and qualities; each class will build on the preceding one. Students will learn a little about some of the different wool breeds and the characteristics of their particular fleeces. They will produce small jewellery elements, creating felt beads, cords or ropes and felt flowers. Week 5 will combine these elements to make a neckpiece, brooch or bracelet. Weeks 6 to 10 will see students working on a small personal project of their choice, based on the skills they have learnt.”

For more information or to enrol, visit the college’s website – https://www.dcsnet.ie/web_aeccodublin/webbook2/webbookcourse_ETBDUB_SAC.asp

Co Galway

The poster for Belinda Reid's upcoming Painting with Wool workshop.

Guild member Belinda Reid will teach a felting workshop at her studio in Kinvara on Sunday, February 9th.

“Join us for a creative and engaging Felt Painting Workshop where you can create stunning felt art using high-quality wool. This 3-hour workshop is perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike!”

For more information and to enrol, visit her website – https://www.chasingdreamsfeltart.com/event-details/create-art-from-wool

Co Kildare

A sample of wet felted jewellery from Tamzen Lundy's upcoming class.

Guild member Tamzen Lundy is part of the Gather Collective at Southwells, Market Square, Kildare Town. She is hosting a Wet Felted Jewellery Workshop on Sunday, February 16th, from 2 to 4 PM.

Learn how to make a wool and silk necklace, suitable for beginners, fun and full of creativity!

For more information and to enrol, visit her website – https://www.tamzenlundydesigns.ie/book-online

Co Meath

Students at Lucia Errity's needle felting class in Co Meath.

Lucia Errity has a class on Painting with Wool on Sunday, the 9th of February, from 2 to 5 PM.

She teaches out of Harvest Gallery in Bellewstown. Contact her via direct message on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/luciaerrityart/ or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/lucia.errity

Future Felting Education Blog Posts

It would be lovely to share an ongoing monthly series about opportunities to learn feltmaking in Ireland. If you are a member who teaches felting (wet, needle or a combination, please let us know at feltmakersIE@gmail.com

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.