First up, Deirdre Crofts is coming up trumps again and will show us how to make these cute elf booties at the next session on the 12th of November.
So there’ll be plenty of time to make multiples of them for family and friends before the 🎄trees go up!
The guild will provide the wool roving and various sparkly bits. All you need to bring is your felting kit = a towel, bubble wrap, and soap.
When: Due to circumstances beyond our control, we must start a half hour earlier than usual and finish up earlier – 10 AM until 11:30. Additionally, we will enjoy our coffee break on the go – while felting.
Also, please bring a home-baked treat to share. There is a member contribution of 5 euros to cover the coffee/tea/hall rental.
Members who cannot attend in person can use the Zoom link that will be emailed out on Friday or Saturday. If the tech elves cooperate, the session will be recorded and will later be uploaded to our YouTube Channel.
December Session
On the 10th of December, guild member Sharon Wells will work with us to needlefelt a beautiful winter scene. There will be a charge of €10 for all the materials for this session. More details for later. But it could be another Christmas present ticked off the list!
Annika Berglund showing us the details of her felted necklace.
On Sunday, the 8th of October, Feltmakers Ireland member Annika Berglund shared her experiences with her recent in-person classes at the seven-day Hungarian Felt Camp, with five tutors AND her many experiences with studying felting via online courses.
Initially, Annika created her artwork out of totally different materials. She worked in ceramics, bronze, and glass. Seeking a more sustainable and less energy-hungry media, she tried textiles Dublin Knitting and Stitching Show in 2019. This was where she took her first feltmaking workshop. After discovering felt, she then proceeded to take many online classes. Her trip to Hungary was an opportunity to return to learning in person.
Scroll down to the bottom to see the links to the Hungarian tutors and the online felting classes.
Hungarian Felting Camp
The guild members enjoyed seeing each of the pieces that Annika created during the retreat. She would hold them up, and then we passed them around the room.
She cautioned that it was a full-on program, with most projects taking more time than allotted. Most of the projects could have been done over two days! Fortunately, Annika could complete her projects by continuing in the evenings. The one exception to this was the pillow project taught by Bea Németh.
There were three groups of students, with around ten students per group. Two of the groups were English speakers, and one of them had German speakers. Annika’s group was impacted by Covid-19, with more participants becoming ill daily. Interestingly, two students were only mildly affected by the virus. They managed to follow along, working outdoors and receiving their instructions via WhatsApp. The wonders of technology!
The cost of the seven-day workshop was around 1,375 euros, which included tuition, room, board, and transport from Budapest. The class was held in the village of Nagybörzsöny.
Necklace Project – Anikó Boros
Annika’s favourite class was creating a felted fuschia necklace with Anikó Boros (BaribonHU). She really appreciated the new feltmaking perspective and eye for detail that this teacher brought to the class.
{See above for a photo of Annika sharing this project.}
Pillow Project – Bea Németh
Annika sharing the pillow that she made in Bea Németh’s class.
Interestingly, the students worked together on a giant rug, each person decorating her own square, which they then felted and fulled collectively. After the wool became properly felted, the large piece was cut up, and each part returned to its’ designer. Then, they learned how to use an ingenious cord-making machine and, finally, how to assemble and sew their cushions.
Felted Bag with Prefelts – Gabriella Kovács
Annika sharing her felted bag.
Taught by Gabriella Kovács, this class was billed as being for ‘lazy felters’. In this class, the students use manufactured prefelts. There was no laying of wool roving. Interestingly, the students learned how to create a bag so that the lining was integral to the layout.
Doorway Guardian – Márti Csille
Annika sharing her Doorway Guardian
In this class, the students learned how to make a modern version of the traditional tumars, which is an amulet-like embroidered felt to keep evil away and is hung in the entrance area of the yurt. Annika explored new colour combinations in this piece.
Nunofelted Scarf – Nadia Szabó
Annika sharing her nunofelted scarf
With this class, Annika strove to create exceptionally clean lines to her geometric pattern with her wool layout. The silk was dyed afterwards.
Some of the teachers sell their finished products and online workshops via their websites. Other tutors may need to be contacted directly for further information. Some of the teachers who teach online have recorded classes that are available year-round, while others have ones with specific availability. Several of the tutors teach additional classes which are not included below. Visit the links to be inspired and learn!
Links are in the approximate order of when mentioned during Annika’s presentation.
If you have experienced other online felting-related courses that you have enjoyed, let us know. We will collect this information for a future post. – feltmakersIE@gmail.com
This Sunday, the 8th of October, from 10:30-12:30, Feltmakers Ireland member Annika Berglund will share her experiences at the Hungarian Felting retreat and other online felting classes that she has taken.
By Annika Berglund
The Joy of Learning
When I was asked to do a Sunday session about my recent Felting Retreat adventure, I was a little worried that it might not be enough for the two hours available. I had a little think and decided to do a talk about online felting courses in general and the Hungarian retreat in more detail.
I used to work in ceramics, glass, and bronze but was looking to change to some form of textiles in late 2019 and early 2020, mainly to find less energy-hungry means of expression. I started with a number of short workshops at the 2019 Dublin Knit and Stitch, of which the felting one was probably my favourite. Luckily, the 2020 Basic and Beyond happened soon after, which further whetted my appetite.
Online Education
Then came Covid, and I discovered a wealth of Felting courses available online. These courses give access to some of the best teachers in the world, and open the door to a wealth of new techniques and ideas, no matter your experience and level of felting. Having this window onto a bigger world of the craft and global community of felting has meant a lot to me, especially during the lockdown, but also since then, and I am hoping to share some of my best experiences and answer any questions in relation to online learning.
Felting in Hungary
The seven-day Felting Retreat I attended in September featured five excellent teachers, my absolute favourite being Anikó Boros (Baribon), teaching her fabulous finely felted fuschia necklace. {https://baribon.hu/ }
The other 4 courses were:
Making a large rug together and then cutting it up to make individual pillows with Bea Németh. { https://www.facebook.com/beanemez }
So, come along to the CIE Hall/Inchicore Sports and Social Club, for this Sunday Session of Feltmakers Ireland and learn about Annika’s experiences with feltmaking in Hungary and online.
On Sunday, the 10th of September, 2023, 24 members of the Feltmakers Ireland guild gathered to celebrate our 20th anniversary. Founded by Elizabeth Bonnar in 2003, the guild is connected by our interest in transforming sheep wool into felted creations.
Our completed tapestry will be exhibited at our upcoming annual juried exhibition, which will be held at the Phoenix Park Visitors Centre in October 2023.
The 2023-2024 Committee with founder Elizabeth Bonnar (third from the left) –
Committee Members, left to right: Adrienne Dempsey, Marian Fagan, Guild founder Elizabeth Bonnar, Lorna Cady, Deirdre Crofts, Juliane Gorman, Deirdre Carroll, Elizabeth Redding, and Fiona Leech. Missing – Annika Berglund as she was travelling. Photograph by Helene Dooley.Deirdre Crofts – organiser of our Flower Tapestry event.
As part of our celebration, we ‘combined hands’ to create a giant ‘tapestry’ out of felted flowers. Organiser, artist, and teacher-extraordinaire Deirdre Crofts designed five differentflowers for members to create: the Anemone, the Dahlia, the Daisy, the Lily, and the Pansy.
(See the bottom of the page for links to download).
Members sat together and created the above five flower styles. Some members created their own fantasy flowers, so there is a lovely mix of styles.
A Selection of Photographs from the Day
And like any party, there was a delicious spread of sandwiches (including vegetarian and gluten-free), endless tea and coffee, and those famous home-bakes, which our Membership Secretary, Fiona Leech, so artfully displayed!
So many tasty sandwiches!
Membership coordinator, Fiona Leech, keeps us hydrated & fed.
Many thanks to Deirdre Crofts for organising such a splendid event. Additional thanks to the other Committee members who helped sort our supplies, set up the wool kits, and share their flowermaking knowledge. Our gorgeously colourful Merino wool was purchased from Feltmakers Ireland member Leiko Uchiyama.
This Sunday, on the 10th of September, we will create a wonderful floral tapestry to commemorate Feltmaker’s 20th anniversary. The more flowers we have, the bigger it will be. It will become a travelling celebration wherever we go for years to come!
If you like, bring along already felted pink and/or white flowers to contribute to our Guild’s tapestry. The more the merrier!
Come along. It’ll be a 3-hour session this time. Bring the usual felting equipment that you use. Fibre will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring any fibre of your own in the pinkish range. Bring some home bakes to share, of course.
Next Sunday, on the 10th of September, we will create a wonderful floral tapestry to commemorate Feltmaker’s 20th anniversary. The more flowers we have, the bigger it will be. It will become a travelling celebration wherever we go for years to come!
Bring along already felted pink and/or white flowers to contribute to our Guild’s tapestry if you like. The more the merrier!
Come along. It’ll be a 3-hour session this time. Bring the usual felting equipment that you use. Fibre will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring any fibre of your own in the pinkish range. We will supply the bubble wrap and resists, too.
With our members’ help at our next Sunday Session on September 10th, we will create a wonderful floral tapestry to commemorate Feltmaker’s 20th anniversary. The more flowers we have, the bigger it will be. It will become a travelling celebration wherever we go for years to come!
Come along. It’ll be a 3-hour session this time. Bring the usual felting equipment that you use. Fibre will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring any fibre of your own in the pinkish range. Bring some home bakes to share, of course.
Sunday Sessions are open to anyone – Member or Not.
Looking forward to seeing lots of you there.
Members who cannot attend the Sunday Session in person can use the Zoom link emailed the day before the event. The session will not be recorded.
BOUNTIFULExhibition There’s one week left to get your submissions ready for the September1st deadline for our annual juried exhibition.
Opening on September 30th at the Visitor’s Centre, Phoenix Park and running for the month of October. We’ll also be looking for invigilators for the month. If you can help, that would be great. All details about the exhibition will follow shortly.
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.
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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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 ChannelThe 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Feltmakers Ireland 
