Tag: Co Dublin

Open Call: Business Development Programme- VAI LEO Dublin

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
LEO Dublin and VAI offer A Lets Talk Creative Business Workshop

The Creative Industries Programme from Dublin City LEO, in collaboration with Visual Artists Ireland (VAI), offers a series of business development workshops for Dublin-based creative businesses.⁠

The workshops include:
-5 expert-led workshops (3 in-person, 2 online)⁠
-Business mentoring tailored to creative professionals⁠
-A chance to showcase your work during Local Enterprise Week on 6th March⁠
-Led by industry expert Emer Ferran, the programme will build confidence and skills in the following areas:⁠ Digitalisation, marketing, and finance⁠; Networking and group learning⁠; Preparing for success with funding, residencies, and ethical practices.⁠
⁠
When: 11th Feb – 18th March⁠, 10 AM – 4 PM.
Location: VAI (Temple Bar) & Zoom⁠
⁠
Participant Criteria:⁠
-Based in Dublin 1-13, 17, or 20⁠
-1+ year in practice post-qualification⁠
-Participated in a group/solo show in the past year⁠
-Able to submit a 2-year directional plan⁠

Fee: €60 (covers mentoring, materials, and catering)⁠
⁠
Deadline to apply: 9 AM, 27th January⁠, 2025.
⁠
To apply, submit 200 words on your business objectives⁠ and 3 high-resolution images of your work⁠ to the following email: services@visualartists.ie⁠

For more information – https://visualartists.ie/advert/lets-talk-creative-business-programme-open-call-deadline-27th-january-9am/


⁠

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.

Recap - Sunday Session

Recap: Pine Needle Felting Technique with Leiko Uchiyama

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland1 Comment
Leiko Uchiyama modeling one of her felted Pine Needle Technique shawls.

For Feltmakers Ireland’s Sunday Session in January, we enjoyed learning how to create the Pine Needle Felting Technique with guild member and artist Leiko Uchiyama. Our session was only two hours long, so each student concentrated on making a sample square.

A Full House

It was a popular session, as seen in the photos. Leiko, who teaches all over the world, is based in Carlow, Ireland, and we are incredibly fortunate that she was willing to share her expertise with us.

Beautiful Fibre

Leiko brought a gorgeous array of fibres for us to purchase – so many colours! The 50% Silk/Wool bundles glittered and drew us in.

At the end of the class, students lined up to purchase wool bundles from Leiko. She also sells online; here is a link to her shop – https://www.leikofelt.com/shop/

Leiko’s Art Work

Leiko brought samples and garments created with her iconic Pine Needle Felting Technique. As she makes both wearable and fine art felt using wool, she also brought thicker, sculptural felted works for members to see all the possibilities of wet feltmaking.

Hands-On Learning

An experienced tutor, Leiko, chose to demonstrate to small groups of students so members could more easily see what she was doing. She explained all the steps so clearly.

Members Working Away

While we concentrated and worked hard, we also had fun! It was good to catch up after the holidays!

More Photos

Finished Samples

All of the students completed their Pine Needle Sample within the allotted time. Displayed above is a selection of the samples created—some vibrant and multi-coloured, others quietly monochromatic. Judging by the smiles, it’s clear we had a fantastic time!

One of the students, Deirdre Crofts, went home and started making a series of table mats – only seven more to go!

Conclusion

This Sunday Session was a fantastic way to kick off our felting year. A heartfelt thank you to Leiko Uchiyama for sharing her inspiring craft with us.

The CIE Sports Hall buzzed with activity as we welcomed 27 hands-on students and more than a dozen observers. Some of our members travelled significant distances to join us, and it was nice to finally meet them in person.

Special thanks also go to the members who generously shared their delicious home bakes with the group. The Pavlova was a standout hit, and the cleverly renamed “Brexit Biscuits” (formerly known as ‘Empire Biscuits’) brought plenty of smiles. Apologies for not having a photo of the refreshment table.

A warm and sincere thank you to everyone who contributed to making the day successful.

Here’s to a creative and fulfilling year ahead!

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: Feltmakers Ireland’s Open Day – National Heritage Week Awards – County Winner, Dublin City

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland


On the 15th of November, Feltmakers Ireland was awarded the County Winner in the National Heritage Week Awards for the Dublin City Council local authority area.

Every year, the Heritage Council celebrates the work of communities and organisations that hosted National Heritage Week events, which kick off on the third weekend of August and run until the end of the following weekend. Feltmakers Ireland hosted two Open Days, where we shared the magic of wet felting with the public. One event was in Kilbeggan, County Westmeath, and the other was in Inchicore, County Dublin, at the CIE Sports Hall and Social Club, where we typically hold our monthly Sunday Sessions. In addition to sharing how wool fibres transform into felt, we displayed felted wearables and artwork created by members. A second display area had information on Irish wool, how it can be used for feltmaking, and copies of our book, ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’.

To see a photo-filled recap of our event in Dublin, visit here on our blog – https://feltmakersireland.com/2024/08/22/recap-august-craft-open-day-felted-vessels-inchicore/

A video of our Open Day can be found on our social media:

The video is also on our YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/shorts/edUGtYr94_g

Thank you to the Heritage Council for recognising feltmaking as a cultural heritage. Additionally, we want to thank the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCI) for supporting our guild throughout the years.

We don’t know who kindly nominated our event for the County Dublin Award, but we are ever so appreciative! Go raibh míle maith agaibh, (which is ‘Thank you very much’ in Irish).

The Awards

In addition to County Awards, there are eight other categories:

  • There is a category that relates to the theme of the year. The theme of 2024 was ‘Connections, Routes and Networks’
  • Wild Child Event Award
  • Water Heritage Award
  • Inclusive Heritage Award
  • Irish Language Award
  • Sustainability and Climate Heritage Award
  • Intangible Cultural Heritage Award
  • Heritage Hero Award

To learn more about award categories, visit the Heritage Week website- https://www.heritageweek.ie/awards

The guild appears at 1 minute 35 seconds in this five-minute video clip.

Awards Ceremony

To watch a full video of the National Heritage Week 2024 Awards Ceremony, visit RTE’s YouTube page here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IziFzpG3ltM

To see a photo-filled recap of our event in Kilbeggan, visit here on our blog – https://feltmakersireland.com/2024/09/04/recap-feltmakers-ireland-open-day-in-kilbeggan-co-westmeath-august-craft-month/


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.

Event: Dublin Fibre Festival Next Saturday

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Have you wanted to purchase a copy of Feltmakers Ireland’s book ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’ but not had the opportunity? Come to the Dublin fibre event of the year: The Dublin Fibre Festival.

Feltmakers Ireland and almost 30 other local textile exhibitors will be at the Dublin Fibre Festival on Saturday, the 26th of October. This is THE opportunity to touch yarn and fibres in person and watch spinning, felting, and other fibre arts demonstrations!

A List of the Exhibitors

Where: The Richmond Barracks.

For more information, visit the Festival’s website – https://www.dublinfibrefestival.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.

Event: Feltmakers Ireland at Dublin Fibre Festival

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Feltmakers Ireland will share the wonders of wet and needle felting at the Dublin Fibre Festival on the 26th of October, from 10 AM to 5 PM. In addition to demonstrating felting, we will sell copies of our book, Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking, and a selection of felted artworks created by members.

In addition to our organisation, almost thirty other exhibitors and vendors will be present, including Feltmakers Ireland’s guild members Juliane Gorman of FeltHappiness Hats and Sandra King of Irish Fibre Crafters.

Location: Richmond Barracks, St Michael’s Estate, Inchicore, D08 YY05, Dublin, Ireland.

The festival is a ticketed event, with tickets available at the door.

See this page for more information on all the vendors: https://www.dublinfibrefestival.com/vendors-exhibitors

For more details, head over to the Dublin Fibre Festival website. https://www.dublinfibrefestival.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: Two Textile Shows at the Coach House Gallery – Dublin Castle

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Two textile organisations, Textile Journey and Element15 Textile Artists, will exhibit at the Coach House Gallery near the Chester Beatty Museum in Dublin.

Textile Journey is an all-Ireland group that unites practitioners at all stages of their careers and with various access needs. Their exhibition, ‘Beyond Chaos,’ is a collection of works highlighting their members’ collaborative spirit. The show includes contributions from collaborations, including an Australian group, Textile Art Community Art Space, based in Melbourne, which celebrates the artistry and craftsmanship of textile work and strengthens the cultural ties between Ireland and Australia. Jane Fox, a member of the Feltmakers Ireland guild, is also a member of this group.

Element15 is a collective based in Co. Kildare. Individual artists develop their own practice in tandem with each other, distinct but connected. Element15’s exhibition, ‘Roots‘, is inspired by the work of Co Wicklow-based poet Jane Clarke. Elaine Peden, a member of the Feltmakers Ireland guild, is also a member of this group.

When: 26th September 2024 until 19th January 2025.

Where: Coach House Gallery.

For more information, visit each organisations’ Instagram –

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.

Recap - Sunday Session

Recap: Felt and Fantasy – Needle Felted Toadstools at the September Sunday Session

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Blog post by Committee Member Suzanne Phelan

Nara Fritch – artist

The recent Sunday Session in September had a bit of fantasy as we were led by the
wonderful Nara Fritch in a workshop making toadstools. The task for the morning was
to learn to needlefelt a mushroom of the Fly Agaric variety.

Each participant received a small bag of fibre and the tools, needles, and foam pad to make the mushroom.

Nara is an amazing tutor; as you will see from the photographs, everyone engaged with the task, and the resulting little red mushrooms with white spots were a joy to behold. One person actually managed to make two in the short period. Nara explained how to cover the white cap with red wool, keep a straight line between the colours, and make the cap itself and the stem and join them together. I am sure there are many more toadstools in the
making around the country as several members joined us online via Zoom.

Stabbing Away

Some of Nara’s Work

Nara had some wonderful examples of her needle felting on display, not just toadstools of different colours, but also fantastic needlefelted figures. In addition, she displayed pieces of her fused lampwork beads, along with her small-batch roasted coffees and cards.

It was a fantastic Sunday Session. Thank you to Nara for coming to share her knowledge with us and thank you, Suzanne for putting together this post.

Our next Sunday Session will be the 13th of October and is a ‘Feltmaking Playtime’ – bring and share what you are working on with the rest of the Guild.

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: World Wide Spin in Public – Two Locations in Ireland

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

For this year’s World Wide Spin in Public (WWSIP) on Saturday, September 21st, there are two Spin in Public happenings in Ireland: Dublin and Galway.

World Wide Spin in Public (WWSIP) Day was started in 2009 and is scheduled for the third Saturday of September. There is a Facebook group showing all the spinning happening worldwide – https://www.facebook.com/groups/wwsipday/

For more information about the Irish events, visit the Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners, and Dyers‘ social media accounts –

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/weavespindyeie/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/weavespindyeIE

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: Wet Felting Evening Classes – Castleknock

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Clodagh Mac Donagh teaches an eight-week Wet Felting Class via Castleknock Community College. This course, aimed primarily at beginners, is a hands-on course, using just your hands, wool fibre, soap (no glue), and warm water to create decorative and practical items. Among the items that participants will produce are jewellery, purses, bags, pouches, felt flower brooches, bowls, and felt pictures to frame. 

Tutor: Clodagh Mac Donagh is an art educator and feltmaker who has spent most of her life working in education, teaching and lecturing art at the 2nd and 3rd levels. She has spent the last 12 years facilitating Artmaking in the Intellectually Disabled Sector. Moreover, Clodagh is a long-time member of Feltmakers Ireland!

Note: Materials provided.

When: The class starts Monday, the 23rd of September and runs from 7 to 9 PM, for 8 weeks.

To register, visit the following website, click the category of ‘Arts and Crafts’ and then choose M 12 Feltmaking (Wet) Beginners / Improvers –https://www.dcsnet.ie/web_aeccodublin/webbook2/webbookcourse_ETBDUB_SAC.asp

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: Online Workshop with Judit Pocs now Open to Non-Members – Dublin – FULL

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Sorry, but this Workshop is now FULL.

Feltmakers Ireland is excited to announce that we are holding a hybrid online workshop with renowned Hungarian artist and tutor Judit Pocs on Sunday, October 6th, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

We have ONE spot remaining, now open to non-members for 105 euros.

In this course, Judit Pocs’ Online Workshop – Eyeglass Cases with Special Closure via Zoom, we will make an eyeglass case with an interesting shape and closure, the surface of which we will decorate with pre-felted patterns. The long nose of the lid extends to the back of the case, where the closure strap is located. The case closes by pulling the long nose through the strap. The two tendril-like extensions make its shape more organic, and a spiral line can also be felted into the design. Self-made prefelt patterns make the surface rich and exciting.

We will work with 19-micron Australian merino wool tops.

Judit recommends this course for beginners and advanced alike.

Where: The workshop is a hybrid as it will be held at the CIE Sports Hall in Inchicore, Dublin, and conducted via Zoom. Judit will teach us from Hungary. This is a class of 18 students.

Students should bring their felting supplies and a packed lunch. Complimentary tea and coffee will be provided. Wool kits from Leiko Felt will be available on the day of the class for 22 euros per kit if interested.

NOTE: The link is for non-members. If you are a member of Feltmakers Ireland, please email feltmakersIE@gmail.com to reserve the spot.

To learn more and register, please visit this page on Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/judit-pocs-online-workshop-eyeglass-cases-with-special-closure-via-zoom-tickets-958096691997

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.