To my great surprise and joy, I received a call a while back, to be told I had won a bursary voucher from Feltmakers Ireland to put towards any course I’d like to do in felting. (Editor’s note: Ramona won the Membership Renewal Draw, which took place at our AGM in May).
I chose Pam de Groot’s surface treatment course, ‘Surface, Form and Space’. This online course is great for learning various techniques for adding parts and creating form and texture in felt.
The course consists of 7 modules/weeks with activities from undulations, lumps and bumps, buttons and claws, as well as pimples, warts, connections and brains, all of which can be used to create new and interesting forms in your felt. I very much enjoyed the first two modules, particularly as I created four little characters that my daughter and her partner fell in love with and claimed as their own. (See image below).
One of the pieces created by Ramona Farrelly in Pam de Groot’s ‘Surface, Form and Space’ online course.
Pam is ever present with helpful and encouraging comments. Her instructions are clear and concise. The beauty of the online course is that the parts can always be revisited if you’re unsure.
Students ask questions and receive feedback from the tutor for the duration of the course. During the last two weeks, the students create a felted project combining the learned techniques.
The Ruzuku platform also allows student interaction via posting images and commenting. This is very useful to everyone on the course. Reading each other’s comments and gaining more knowledge this way adds to the tutor’s teaching. (More information about Pam’s classes can be found on her website).
A piece Ramona created around a hard object – a ceramic vessel that she made.
On Sunday, the 7th of May 2023, the founder and president of Feltmakers Ireland, Elizabeth Bonnar, gave an address at our AGM. Below is an excerpt of her speech. Underneath this, there is a selection of felted creations that Elizabeth shared during the meeting.
Elizabeth Bonnar at the AGM
It is a great pleasure for me to be with you all today to give this address to Feltmakers Ireland in the new venue here in Inchicore. This is an auspicious day for us. We are celebrating the upcoming launch of the book on our Guild’s Wool Project and the 20th anniversary of the founding of Feltmakers Ireland, which took place on the 3rd of May 2003, 20 years ago almost to the day.
I have been asked to talk about our Guild’s beginnings, but first, I will tell you a little bit about the history of feltmaking, how I became aware of this amazing craft, and how that set me on the path to setting up Feltmakers Ireland.
It would be good to start by precisely defining what felt is:
Felt is the world’s oldest textile structure. Felting converts fibre – usually wool – into fabric without spinning or weaving. When wool fibres are subjected to a combination of moisture and friction, with the addition of heat and a little alkali, the resulting fabric is felt. Wool fibres are covered with overlapping scales, which open up and interlock when rubbed together. The longer the rubbing, the more entangled and firmer the felt becomes. Shrinkage is involved, and this, of course, must be allowed for.
~~ Elizabeth Bonnar ~~
The history of feltmaking tells us that it is an ancient craft dating back over four thousand years, which had its cradle in central Asia. From the late 1960s, in the UK, a revival of feltmaking occurred mainly due to the British artist Mary Burkett. During a trip to Iran in 1962, she stopped her car for a closer look at a group of people rolling a bundle of something in a bed of leaves. It turned out to be felt. She recognised the antiquity of the designs and the unusual but simple nature of the process and wondered why such an ancient craft seemed to be close to extinction. She spent the next 16 years researching felt in the East, research which had far-reaching effects. Her exhibition “The Art of the Feltmaker” in Cumbria in 1979, followed by a book of the same name, was a revelation to the public. Artists and crafts persons alike were amazed and delighted. The book and the exhibition acted as catalysts for the rebirth of feltmaking and the setting up in 1984 of the International Feltmakers Association, based in the UK and covering the British Isles.
How I discovered feltmaking In 1996, planning to retire a few years early and exploring new horizons, I joined the Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners, and Dyers. Having been an inveterate knitter all my life, I thought I knew everything about wool, but at one of their workshops, I discovered to my amazement, that apart from knitted and woven articles and carpets, it was possible to make fabric from unspun wool, using water, friction, and soap, giving myriads of possibilities in colour, texture, shape and design. I was immediately hooked. Having learned about the International Feltmakers Association, known as the IFA for short, I enrolled as a member. I was allocated to Region 15, the Republic of Ireland, which had six other members at that time, one of them being the area coordinator.
Just after I retired, I was able to attend a five-day international conference held by the IFA at a college in Manchester. The top feltmakers worldwide were teaching there, with spectacular exhibitions of their work on display. A large hall filled with stands showed felting supplies from the UK and abroad. It was like an Aladdin’s cave of colour and texture, like nothing I had ever seen. I was fortunate to see the world’s best at the beginning of my felting journey. In addition, I was able to attend some of the workshops, one of them being Nuno feltmaking, felting into the fabric, taught by Sheila Smith. Nuno is the Japanese word for cloth. Nuno later became my favourite felting technique. Sheila and I formed an immediate and lasting friendship. As fellow Scots, we had both been trained in Glasgow. I came away from the conference realising that there existed a very active worldwide network of felting organisations which anyone could tap into – or contribute to. This international element we used to the full, later in our Guild.
At the annual Knit and Stitch Show in the RDS in Dublin in November 1996, I had my first experience of helping to handle a stand for the IFA. It was up on the balcony, in the crafts gallery between the Lacemakers Guild and the Weavers, Spinners, and Dyers. Our stand was staffed by two members from the UK and our team from Ireland. The UK members were Pamela Dunbar from Lisburn and Joan Braganza from Surrey. They became great mentors to me, not only in feltmaking and running the stand but also in how to organise meetings and workshops, sourcing and ordering supplies, record keeping, networking and financial matters. Later, I became the coordinator for Area 15 and took over the running of our stand at the Knit and Stitch Show.
At The Knit and Stitch At the show, we feltmakers were the relatively new kids on the block, as the craft of feltmaking was virtually unheard of. There was huge interest in our stand. Three of us would stand in a row demonstrating how to make samples. We used coloured and natural wool tops, adding in yarns, silk fibre, fragments of materials and lace, showing how pieces of fabric could be produced like magic within minutes using wisps of wool. We hung them up along the edge of our table to be touched and admired. The effect was electrifying to the public, and throngs surrounded our table. Naturally, water was involved in the process, and much plastic sheeting had to be manipulated to keep the table and floor dry. One of my most challenging experiences occurred when clearing up after the show ended. I was carrying a heavy bucket of water away when the handle came off, and the water cascaded down through the gaps in the decking onto the floor below. It caused great laughter upstairs but not so underneath. Somehow it got blamed on Joan Braganza, who, luckily for me, had already left the country for home.
In the beginning Under the auspices of IFA Region 15, we started running feltmaking courses in Castleknock in the lovely new parish centre of Our Lady Mother of the Church, with its beautiful facilities. We began with the Basic and Beyond, a one-day course held in January, which we advertised at the Knit and Stitch in November. This worked very well as people booked places in advance for themselves and as Christmas gifts. The Basic and Beyond was a great success over the years. We often had 36 participants, filling the hall with three sets of pupils, teachers, and much-needed helpers. After that, we held regular workshops, often with international tutors, including hat making, Nuno felting, silk papermaking, and sampling fibre from different sheep breeds. Our workshop in February 2003, entitled “Felt Fragmented”, was given by Sheila Smith, now immediate past chairperson of the IFA and a superb teacher.
The Birth of Feltmakers Ireland Our membership grew to 40, and in February of 2003, because of the surging interest in feltmaking, we realised it was time to set up an autonomous group in Ireland to be known as Feltmakers Ireland. A steering committee was set up, and with advice from the Crafts Council, who provided a facilitator, we organised an Open Day in our hall in Castleknock. At this event, the Guild would be formally established and inaugurated. From the beginning, at the Knit and Stitch, we had noted down the names and contact details of everyone interested in felting who visited our stand. Over the years, we ended up with about 240 names. We circulated these names and those of all other guilds, notifying them of our intention to set up a feltmaking guild at the Open Day, held on the 3rd of May 2003, in Castleknock. We invited them to attend. On the day, there was a great turnout. We had set up an exhibition of work, feltmaking demonstrations, and stands selling materials used in feltmaking, fibre from different sheep, silk fibre, yarns and fabrics. Afterwards, there were refreshments.
Twenty-eight of the many attendees stayed on for the formal setting up of the Guild. Then the facilitator from the Crafts Council took us through the whole process, which entailed telling our story so far, group discussions to decide our aims and objectives, and question time. After consensus was reached, officers and committee members were elected. All went smoothly, and by 3 pm on the 3rd of May 2003, Feltmakers Ireland had come into being.
Then the hard work began, registering with the Crafts Council, setting up bank accounts, getting insurance, organising workshops, and so much more. Over the years, Feltmakers Ireland has thrived despite some ups and downs, the sort any guild would have. The worst was Covid, but the committee saw us through this with great stamina and perseverance. The good news is that there has been renewed interest in feltmaking since Covid and that a second felt renaissance may well be on the way. Our committee is ready for it!
In conclusion I want to finish by thanking all those who helped set up our organisation, all previous members and all those who have followed in our footsteps. Long may Feltmakers Ireland continue to give us creative joy, enriching fellowship, and fun!
A Selection of Elizabeth Bonnar’s felted creations
Feltmakers Ireland held their Annual General Meeting on Sunday to celebrate our 20th Anniversary. Founder and former guild president Elizabeth Bonnar shared her story, including the group’s inception and its journey over the past two decades. Her speech was moving and inspiring, and the members were fascinated to learn about the events she participated in during her time as president.
Elizabeth Bonnar
Additionally, Elizabeth brought some of her beautiful felted creations to share. More of her work can be seen in an upcoming blog post. Many thanks to Clodagh Mac Donagh and Kay McKenna for helping to artfully display Elizabeth’s work.
The outgoing guild president, Breda Fay, spoke about the accomplishments of the past year and expressed her gratitude to everyone who has helped to make the guild vibrant. Next, Lorna Cady spoke on behalf of the outgoing secretary, Clare Brophy, thanking her for her hard work during her time with the guild. Both Breda and Clare were recognised for all of their hard work.
Annika Berglund, the treasurer, gave a presentation on the guild’s finances, providing transparency and accountability to members. She also had on hand, printed copies of the new book, Exploring Irish Wool for Felting. Several members purchased copies of this important book.
Towards the end of the meeting, Secretary Fiona Leech drew names from a felted vessel. Ramona Farrelly was awarded the bursary prize of 250 euros to be used for a felt-making workshop.
Of course, there was tea, coffee and cakes to be enjoyed!
Some members brought pieces that they have created. Apologies for the lackluster photography.
Clare MerryAdrienne DempseyTeddy by Máiréad De Burca, Small Brooches by Elizabeth Redding, and Toxic Tear by Fiona LeechSandra ChaseVessel on the left by Helena Mc Guinness and the one on the right by Marian Fagan.
Overall, the meeting was a great success, with members coming together to celebrate the guild’s 20th Anniversary, reflect on the past year’s accomplishments, and plan for the future. It was also an opportunity for members to showcase their creativity and for the guild to recognize the contributions of its members.
Many thanks to all who were able to attend either in person, or via the Zoom link.
Apologies if anyone’s contributions have been overlooked.
This AGM is the beginning of the year of our 20th anniversary. By starting promptly at 10.30 AM, we hope to have the formalities of the meeting completed in good time, so we can listen to our Guest Speaker, our founder Elizabeth Bonnar, give a short account of ‘Our Guild’s Beginnings’ and glimpse some of her fantastic work.
Members who cannot attend in person can use the Zoom link that will be emailed out on Friday or Saturday. The session will not be recorded.
YUMS Refreshments will follow – please bring some Home Bakes for us to sample. We always appreciate goodies with our cuppa.
SHARE ONE PIECE You are welcome to bring one piece of your own work from the last 20 years – new members, too, please – to display around the room.
(Please label your piece clearly and securely, and please, please, please bring the piece home with you).
AGENDA
Address by Chair, the opening of AGM (Breda).
Address by Secretary (Clare).
Treasurer’s Report (Annika).
Report of Wool Project Book (Copies may be available).
Election of Chairperson and Committee for 2023-34. The election of officers will be held at the 11th of June meeting.
Motions.
GUEST SPEAKER – Elizabeth Bonnar, the founder of Feltmakers Ireland, will address the meeting on the History of FI and may display some of her work.
Bursary Draw for €250 for all paid-up members will occur at the AGM. The award is to be used to attend a Felting Workshop (either in-person or online). Afterwards, a blog post reporting on the workshop/class would be most welcome.
Tea/Coffee Home Bakes.
NB: Motions for the AGM MUST be submitted in writing, to the Committee, 14 days before the AGM. This is to allow time to circulate all members in advance of the meeting.
THIS AGM IS THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR OF OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY.
By starting promptly at 10.30 AM, we hope to have the formalities of the meeting completed in good time, so we can listen to our Guest Speaker, our founder Elizabeth Bonnar, give a short account of ‘Our Guild’s Beginnings’ and glimpse some of her fantastic work.
We hope to have an unofficial launch at the culmination of our brilliant research project, our wool book – Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking.
YUMS
Refreshments will follow – please bring some Home Bakes for us to sample. We always appreciate goodies with our cuppa.
SHARE ONE PIECE
You are welcome to bring one piece of your own work from the last 20 years – new members, too, please – to display around the room.
(Please label your piece clearly and securely, and please, please, please bring the piece home with you).
BURSARY AWARD
While we are delighted to announce that all members are eligible for the drawing of an award of €250 to put towards any workshop either in person or online, from any international tutor of your choice.
AGENDA
Address by Chair, opening of AGM (Breda).
Address by Secretary (Clare).
Treasurer’s Report (Annika).
Report of Wool Project Book (Copies may be available).
Election of Chairperson and Committee for 2023-34. The election of officers will be held at the 11th of June meeting.
Motions.
GUEST SPEAKER – Elizabeth Bonnar, the founder of Feltmakers Ireland, will address the meeting on the History of FI and may display some of her work.
Bursary Draw for €250 for all paid-up members will occur at the AGM. The award is to be used to attend a Felting Workshop (either in-person or online). Afterwards, a blog post reporting on the workshop/class would be most welcome.
Tea/Coffee Home Bakes.
NB: Motions for the AGM MUST be submitted in writing, to the Committee, 14 days before the AGM. This is to allow time to circulate all members in advance of the meeting.
This AGM is the beginning of the year of our 20th Anniversary.
By starting promptly at 10.30 AM, we hope to have the formalities of the meeting completed in good time, so we can listen to our Guest Speaker, our founder Elizabeth Bonnar, give a short account of ‘Our Guild’s Beginnings’ and glimpse some of her fantastic work.
We hope to have an unofficial launch at the culmination of our brilliant research project, our wool book – Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking.
Yums
Refreshments will follow – please bring some Home Bakes for us to sample. We always appreciate goodies with our cuppa.
Share One Piece
You are welcome to bring one piece of your own work from the last 20 years – new members, too, please – to display around the room.
(Please label your piece clearly and securely, and please, please, please bring the piece home with you).
Bursary Award
While we are delighted to announce that we will be giving one lucky member a whopping €250 to put towards any workshop either in person or online, from any international tutor of your choice.
Anyone whose 2023 membership is paid up before May 1st will be eligible for the draw at the AGM on May 7th.
Report of Wool Project Book (Copies may be available).
Election of Chairperson and Committee for 2023-34. The election of officers will be held at the 11th of June meeting.
GUEST SPEAKER – Elizabeth Bonnar, the founder of Feltmakers Ireland, will address the meeting on the History of FI and may display some of her work.
Bursary Draw for €250 for all paid-up members will occur at the AGM. The award is to be used to attend a Felting Workshop (either in-person or online). Afterwards, a blog post reporting on the workshop/class would be most welcome.
Tea/Coffee Home Bakes.
NB: Motions for the AGM MUST be submitted in writing, to the Committee, 14 days before the AGM. This is to allow time to circulate all members in advance of the meeting.
Just a reminder that it’s AGM time of year again and this year we’ll be together after two years of zoom. It’ll be instead of the Sunday Session on the 15th MAY.
We’ve a new venue too , thanks to Lorna Cady, which we hope may become our other new home.
It is the CIE Sports and Social Clubhouse in Inchicore. 1 Library Square, also known as West Terrace but more importantly the postcode is D08 PA07. I’ll forward the link on google maps closer to the date.
Dublin Bus from town : 40 and 79
Below is the outline of the running order for the meeting to start promptly at 10.30am with the usual reports and addresses from the committee members. Two guest speakers will share a little about themselves and their practices followed by coffee and refreshments, chat and a “Lucky Dip”. We will aim to move swiftly through official business to have more time for the social bit. Because let’s face it, we’re really good at that bit and we’ve really missed it.
We are asking everyone , who might like to, to bring a small secret parcel of felting materials ( fibre, fabrics, embellishments etc..) max €5- €10ish to be a surprise lucky dip! Anybody who brings a bag gets to receive a lucky dip bag, but there is no obligation to participate.
We’d also like to suggest that everyone bring cake, buns or whatever as is normally done for the AGM. There’ll be plenty of tea and coffee.
You must be a member to attend, but you can renew your membership at the door if you have not joined already.
Finally, if there is anything that you’d would like added to the agenda it must be sent to the Secretary by 5th May. That’s 10 days before the meeting as is written in the constitution.
Reminder- to get MAKING A BUZZ…. help us celebrate biodiversity in the park- by making giant BEES, BIRDS, INSECTS, FLOWERS… and felt bombing the local environment!
In Sept – Sept 13th to be exact, we will be taking part in a biodiversity event in Phoenix Park. We want to felt bomb a tree- with a twist… Let’s make Bees & Birds and all things biodiverse…. Endangered insects and native flowers… in felt.
We would like these pieces to be large- perhaps 30cm to be seen from afar and work in a hanging or pinning way. If you feel like a challenge, help us to BRING A BUZZ back to the park!
We are asking you to get making- and bring them along to the AGM in May…. of course, we have more time as the Biodiversity day will be in Sept…. but it was so beautiful and encouraging for everyone to see the indivdual pieces of felt work last year at our AGm- that we are hoping of you will bring your creepie crawlies already in MAY and motivate your fellow felters to join the FUN!
AGM this year will take place on 17th May in Lucan.
Last year our collaborative art project was so well supported and has helped so much I the decorating of the studio- the exhibition space and the Knit and Stitch stand that we are hoping to try something similar again!
In Sept – Sept 13th to be exact we will be taking part in a biodiversity event in the Phoenix park. We want to felt bomb a tree- with a twist… Lets make Bees & Birds and all things biodiverse…. Endangered insects and native flowers… in felt.
We would like these pieces to be large- perhaps 30cm to be seen from afar and work in a hanging or pinning way. If you feel like a challenge, help us to BRING A BUZZ back to the park!
We are asking you to get making- and bring them along to the AGM in May…. of course we have more time as the Biodiversity day will be in Sept…. but it was so beautiful and encouraging for everyone to see the indivdual pieces of felt work last year at our AGm- that we are hoping of you will bring your creepie crawlies already in MAY and motivate your fellow felters to join the FUN!
Feltmakers Ireland is a member of DCCoI. We try to forward on to our members events that may be of interest. See the links below for booking for 11th June AGM and seminar of DCCoI.
Join us on June 11th at the National Museum of Ireland for the ‘Creative Livelihoods’ – The Value of Craft in Communities seminar. We have an exciting line-up of speakers that will highlight the value and
opportunities of living and working in rural regions while connecting to a global marketplace. Highlights include Lorna McAuley from the Harris Tweed Authority who will bring us on a journey that maps the
highs and lows of the Harris Tweed industry and what it means to the Isle of Harris. Colin McCallion of eBay will share insights on the potential for online trade and eBays role in opening
the global market place for craft and Chupi Sweetman will share how she grew her brand to operate in 64 countries around the world.
Hi folks,
Hi All,