August Craft Month – Page 3 – Feltmakers Ireland

Recap: Sharing our Love of Feltmaking – Resounding Success for Feltmakers Ireland’s Open Day

Published on Aug 22, 2023Sep 8, 2023 by Feltmakers Ireland

Feltmakers Ireland was delighted to be part of the August Craft Month 2023 and National Heritage Week. This year, we are celebrating our 20th Year Anniversary of the founding of Feltmakers Ireland.

On Sunday, August 20th, a beautiful sunny day, our Open Day was held in the CIE Sports and Social Club, Inchicore, Dublin 8. We aimed to introduce wet feltmaking and bring our love of the Craft to a wider audience.

We were set up and eager to welcome our first visitor/participant at 11AM. Each participant would make a flower with wool from a choice of three options. All wool and tools needed were provided. Written instructions were available and could be taken away and tried at home.

Feltmaking instructions can be downloaded below.

feltmakersireland-how-to-felt-3-styles-of-flowers-1 Download

Through the course of the day, we were thrilled to welcome over 40 visitors. We also welcomed some new members who joined today. Thank you to all!

Photographs courtesy of Fiona Leech and Deirdre Carroll.

This event would not have been possible, and the success that it was, without the help of a number of people. Thanks to all our demonstrators, Juliane, Marian, Hélène, Elain, and Adrienne. Thanks also to new members Hilary and Valerie, who jumped in and volunteered. Many thanks to Annika, who, this year, was responsible for the publication of our book “Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking ‘. A number of books were sold today. Unsurprisingly, there was great interest in her demonstration of carding and combing using Irish wool. Thanks to Fiona for providing tea and coffee. Thanks also to those who brought along cakes and biscuits for us to enjoy. Thanks to Lorna, who arranged the hire of the hall and ensured everything was in place.

In particular, I have to thank Juliane for taking the lead in organising such a fabulous and successful day. Thank you for your commitment, organising skills, boundless energy, and infectious enthusiasm.

Thanks to Juliane and Marian for ensuring that all the participants had everything they needed.

Apologies if I have left anyone out.

Thanks to everyone who visited us today; we look forward to seeing you again in the near future.

Regards,

Deirdre Carroll
Chairperson Feltmakers Ireland

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PPS: We have three short videos on how to make the three flowers on our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@feltmakersireland

Or look below for links to the particular flower.

How to use QR codes: point your cell phone camera towards the QR code and click on the link that will pop up on your screen. This link should take you to the specific video.

*The Daisy Coaster with Link to the YouTube Video on Feltmakers Ireland’s Channel*

*The Lily Bud with Link to the YouTube Video on Feltmakers Ireland’s Channel.*

*The Cupped Flower with Link to the YouTube Video on Feltmakers Ireland’s Channel.*

A short video of visitors working on their flowers is on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Again, many thanks to August Craft Month and National Heritage Week for so kindly publicising our Open Day.

August Craft Month has an online audience experience survey HERE

Event: Learn How to Felt a Flower with Feltmakers Ireland Open Day

Published on Aug 19, 2023Aug 18, 2023 by Feltmakers Ireland

As part of August Craft Month AND National Heritage Week, Feltmakers Ireland is having their Open Day on the 20th of August, from 11 AM until 3 PM. We are meeting where we usually have our Sunday Sessions – CIE Hall/Inchicore Sports and Social Club in Dublin 8.

We are making three types of flowers: the Daisy, a good introductory wet felting project; the Lily Bud, a three-dimensional felting project; and the Cupped Flower, a slightly more challenging project.

We have a downloadable handout that details all of the steps.

feltmakersireland-how-to-felt-3-styles-of-flowers Download

Plus, we have three short videos that demonstrate all the steps – sped up, of course!

How to use QR codes: point your cell phone camera towards the QR code and click on the link that will pop up on your screen. It should take you to the particular video. You can find our YouTube Channel HERE.

Besides wet felting with Merino wool, which has been hand-dyed by Feltmakers Ireland member Leiko Uchiyama, we will share felting with Irish-raised wool. Additionally, you will be able to browse (or purchase) our recently published book, “Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking,“ filled with inspiration and knowledge about forty breeds of Irish-raised sheep whose wool can be used for wet and/or needle felting.

Hope to see you there!

Event: Felt a Flower – August Craft Month – Open Day

Published on Aug 18, 2023Aug 10, 2023 by Feltmakers Ireland

This Sunday, August 20th, join Feltmakers Ireland from 11 AM until 3 PM for a delightful and family-friendly event celebrating the art of feltmaking.

Discover the magic of transforming fluffy Merino wool fibres into vibrant flowers through the fun and engaging process of wet felting. Whether you’re interested in daisies, daffodils, roses, or whimsical fantasy flowers, under the expertise of our members, you’ll have the opportunity to create your very own masterpiece using soap, water, and your hands.

If you’re curious about sheep and the different varieties of Irish wool, this event is perfect for you! Witness the fascinating reactions of various Irish wool types as they are needle and wet felted. There will be opportunities for the adventurous to craft felt samples using different kinds of Irish Wool.

Don’t miss the chance to browse and purchase our recently published book, “Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking, filled with inspiration and knowledge about forty breeds of Irish-raised sheep whose wool can be used for wet and/or needle felting.

Bring your family and friends to Feltmakers Ireland’s Open Day at the CIE Hall/Inchicore Sports and Social Club in Dublin. It will be a day of creativity, learning, and sharing the love for wool and the art of feltmaking.

This event is partially funded by Design & Crafts Council Ireland.

For more information, visit the August Craft Month website – https://augustcraftmonth.org/augustcraftmonth2023/open-day-at-feltmakers-ireland/

Event: Landscape Felting, Spinning, and Dyeing Demos by Sharon Wells

Published on Aug 15, 2023Aug 11, 2023 by Feltmakers Ireland

On the 19th and 20th of August, The Wicklow Craft Foundation (WCF) has an inaugural event which includes an exhibition comprised of multiple craft disciplines. It is taking place at The Schoolhouse for Art in Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow.

In addition, craftspeople will be on-site to demonstrate their skills and share their expertise.

Feltmakers Ireland member Sharon Wells will demonstrate landscape felting, spinning, and dyeing. She will have samples of many types of Irish wool fibre from sheep farms all over Ireland. You can see Galway, Cheviot, Wensleydale, Jacobs, Welsh mule, Kerry Hill, Charollais, Shetland, Zwartbles or Valais samples. She will discuss their uses in felting and/or spinning. Some are for sale on the day.

Demonstrations will be live-streamed via the WCF website for those who cannot attend in person. For further information and access to the live-stream, please visit http://www.wicklowcraftfoundation.ie

For more information, visit the August Craft Month website – https://augustcraftmonth.org/augustcraftmonth2023/2-day-craft-exhibition/

Event: ‘Tension’ Documentary Film Showing

Published on Aug 14, 2023Aug 13, 2023 by Feltmakers Ireland

FORM Designmade in Carlow will be presenting a viewing of their documentary film ‘Tension’ at the DCCI conference room, Castle Yard, Kilkenny, on Tuesday 15th at 1.30 and 5.30. The approximate duration of the film is 30 minutes.

This project was initiated during lockdown and is a collaboration between members, showcasing different skills, materials and approaches to craft making. Please join us if you can.

For more information, visit the August Craft Month website – https://augustcraftmonth.org/augustcraftmonth2023/form-tension-documentary/

Event: Felt a Flower – Open Day

Published on Aug 12, 2023Aug 10, 2023 by Feltmakers Ireland

On Sunday, August 20th, join Feltmakers Ireland for a delightful and family-friendly event celebrating the art of feltmaking.

Bring your family and friends to Feltmakers Ireland’s Open Day, from 11 AM to 3 PM, held at the CIE Hall/Inchicore Sports and Social Club in Dublin. It will be a day of creativity, learning, and sharing the love for wool and the art of feltmaking.

This event is partially funded by Design & Crafts Council Ireland.

For more information, visit the August Craft Month website – https://augustcraftmonth.org/augustcraftmonth2023/open-day-at-feltmakers-ireland/

Workshops: Feltmakers North Wet Felting Taster Sessions

Published on Aug 9, 2023Aug 8, 2023 by Feltmakers Ireland

As part of August Craft Month, the Feltmakers North guild offers two free wet felting taster sessions for adults on the 11th and 18th of August. No booking is required.

Location: The Lisburn Public Library, Co. Antrim.

For more information, see this event page – https://craftni.org/augustcraftmonth/wet-felting-taster-session/

Exhibition: Into the Weave – Lavit Gallery in Cork

Published on Aug 9, 2023Aug 8, 2023 by Feltmakers Ireland

In association with Cork Craft Month, the Lavit Gallery presents ‘Into the Weave‘, a group exhibition of artwork that utilises or references the medium of textiles. Represented are artists and makers for whom textiles are the sole material, artists for whom the medium is a new departure or a diversification, and those for whom fabrics are a recurring theme or subject.

Feltmakers Ireland member Leiko Uchiyama has several pieces in the show.

Exhibiting artists include Laura Angell, George Bolster, Ceadogán Rugs (designs by Deirdre Breen and Shane O’Driscoll), Myra Jago, Allyson Keehan, Richard Malone, Evelyn Montague, Ailbhe Ní Bhriain, Helen O’Shea, Caroline Schofield, Margo Selby, Matt Smith, and Jennifer Trouton.

The show runs until the 26th of August.

For more information, visit their website – https://lavitgallery.com/into-the-weave/

Exhibition: Tamzen Lundy has art in ‘Pathways’

Published on Aug 1, 2023Jul 30, 2023 by Feltmakers Ireland

Press Release

The Craft NI gallery on Royal Avenue, Belfast, launches a new exhibition this month as part of
August Craft Month, an all-island promotion of craft and design.

Exhibition: Tamzen Lundy has art in ‘Pathways’

The Craft NI gallery on Royal Avenue, Belfast, launches a new exhibition this month as part of August Craft Month, an all-island promotion of craft and design.

The exhibition is entitled “Pathways” and runs from the 3rd of August through the 15th.

Tamzen Lundy (previous chairperson of Feltmakers Ireland and now full-time practising textile artist and teacher) has a very personal piece selected for this month-long exhibition.

Her piece is called “Extinguished”. This piece represents the number of children, minors and young people that were killed during “The Troubles “in Northern Ireland. Innocent lives quickly extinguished.

Each life is represented by a lit match, burned bright but short. The ground fabric is wet felted 100% wool, representing the earth and land. Then all is encased between this wool and a shroud of lightweight silk chiffon, representing the ethereal, precious and fragile life and beyond.

The matches are connected by a red linen thread, each knotted and linked together. “The Red Thread that Connects” is an Eastern concept of connectedness, pathway or destiny.

The piece is 85cm x 85cm (Wool, Silk Chiffon, Linen and Wooden Matchsticks).

The work is also supported by a video piece showing the lighting, burning, and the extinguished matches as they pile up over time.

Tamzen was born in Belfast in the late 70’s, and this sense of place often informs her work.

Previous pieces, such as “The Ballymurphy Precedent”, have been shown with Feltmakers Ireland as part of their international exhibition in Finland in 2018. More recently, her sculptural piece “Bridges not Bombs” was shown in Phoenix Park in 2022.

Tamzen is a textile professional with 25+ years’ of experience. She has worked on all sides of fashion retail, design and manufacturing. Since 2020 she has focused her time on her own arts practice, describing herself as a felt maker and textile artist.

Her commercial work is playful and inspired by stories and the Irish landscape; this is sold in several small independent retailers across our Island as well as direct.

More information about Tamzen, as well as workshop dates, can be found on her website – www.tamzenlundydesigns.ie