Dublin – Feltmakers Ireland

Open Call: Sculpture in Context 40th Anniversary Exhibition – Application Deadline in 1 Week

Published on Apr 18, 2025Apr 18, 2025 by Feltmakers Ireland

Sculpture in Context will celebrate 40 Years of showcasing sculpture in Ireland this September. The DEADLINE for applying is next Friday!

Exhibition entries are open to artists working in three dimensions in any medium. They encourage the broadest possible definition of sculptural practice, encompassing object-making, installation, performance, video, and emerging hybrid forms, both permanent and ephemeral.

Note: In the past, several feltmakers have submitted and been accepted to exhibit in Sculpture in Context shows. Search ‘Sculpture in Context’ on our Feltmakers Ireland website to read about some of these members’ pieces.

The exhibition attracts numerous visitors and offers significant visibility and potential for selling work.

The large sculptures will be showcased in the garden’s natural setting, creating a dialogue between art and nature. The indoor gallery will showcase a curated selection of works, offering an intimate and thoughtfully arranged viewing experience.

Entrance is by open submission, and selection is made by an independent panel of judges.

DEADLINE: 11:59 PM, on Friday the 25th April, 2025.

How to Submit

Up to three submissions per artist are allowed, with an entry fee of € 16 for each submission.

The online submission process requires support documentation. Please note that if you close the portal mid-entry, your application will not be saved.

For more information and to submit your application, visit their website www.sculptureincontext.ie

Sculpture in Context’s Instagram – @sculpture_in_context

Open Call: Dublin Fibre Festival Seeking Vendors, Exhibitors and Instructors

Published on Apr 7, 2025 by Feltmakers Ireland

Dublin Fibre Festival poster - 18th October, 2025. Open Call for Vendors, Workshops, Exhibitors.

The second year of the Dublin Fibre Festival will be held on the 18th of October, 2025 at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA).

Applications for vendors, exhibitors and workshop instructors are open until the 30th of April for vendors and exhibitors.

Vendors and Exhibitors

All fibre artists are welcome to vend or exhibit in the following categories:

Wool, knitting and crocheting, felting, embroidery, macrame, textiles and fabrics, weaving, and wool-related technology.

Workshop Tutors

For workshop instructors, eligible categories include the following:

Teaching fibre-related techniques, crafts, products, technology, software, small businesses, and entrepreneurship subjects.

Talking about a technique, craft, product, history, culture, technology, small businesses, entrepreneurship or anything related to the fibre industry and having a small business in the fibre/craft industries.

For more information, visit their website – https://www.dublinfibrefestival.com/

Dublin Fibre Festival’s Instagram @dublinfibrefestival

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.

Open Call: Sculpture in Context 40th Anniversary Exhibition – National Botanic Gardens – Dublin

Published on Mar 28, 2025Mar 28, 2025 by Feltmakers Ireland

Sculpture in Context - 40th Anniversary Exhibition - open call - National Botanic Gardens of Ireland in Dublin.

Sculpture in Context will celebrate 40 Years of showcasing sculpture in Ireland this September.

Exhibition entries are open to artists working in three dimensions in any medium. They encourage the broadest possible definition of sculptural practice, including object making, installation, performance, video, and emerging hybrid forms, both permanent and ephemeral.

The exhibition attracts many visitors and offers significant visibility and potential to sell work.

The large sculptures will be showcased in the garden’s natural setting, creating a dialogue between art and nature. The indoor gallery will display a selection of works, providing an intimate and curated viewing experience.

Entrance is by open submission, and selection is made by an independent panel of judges.

DEADLINE: 11:59 PM, on Friday the 25th April, 2025.

How to Submit

Up to 3 submissions per artist are allowed, with an entry fee of 16 euros for each submission.

The online submission process requires support documentation. Please note that if you close the portal mid-entry, your application will not be saved.

For more information and to submit your application, visit their website www.sculptureincontext.ie

Sculpture in Context’s Instagram – @sculpture_in_context

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

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.

Sunday Session: This Sunday – Your Creative Journey – ‘Symbols of Ireland’

Published on Mar 7, 2025Mar 6, 2025 by Feltmakers Ireland

March Sunday Session - The Creative Journey behind the artwork - Symbols of Ireland. — Photo of in-process eco printing for fabric to be Nunofelted.

The previously scheduled topic for this Sunday’s Session has been changed.

Our session with Clodagh Mac Donagh will now occur during our April Sunday Session. The March Sunday Session will be devoted to our members’ behind-the-scenes experience creating artwork for the ‘Symbols of Ireland’ exhibition.

Behind the Scenes

We invite members to bring the samples, sketches or resists that led up to the creation of the exhibited pieces. We would love to hear about the creative challenges you encountered—whether it was perfecting a technique, sourcing materials, or reworking an idea.

We also warmly welcome members who could not submit a piece for the exhibition—whether due to time constraints or works that did not fit within the exhibition guidelines. Your creative journey is equally valuable, and we’d love to hear about your experiences.

To ensure everyone has the opportunity to share, each member will have a limited time to present their work and reflections.

Additional Details

When: THIS Sunday, the 9th of March, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Where: CIE Sports Hall and Social Club.

Complimentary tea and coffee will be served at this Sunday’s Session. Home-baked goods to share are always welcome! If you can, please bring a travel cup or mug to decrease our use of one-time cups.

As a member perk for 2025, we no longer charge 5 euros per session.

As this is the season of coughs and sneezes, we would prefer if you do not share these. Please do not attend if you may be unwell.

We will have Zoom access to this Sunday’s Session, which will be emailed to members today, Friday, the 7th of March.

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

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.

Sunday Session: The Creative Journey Behind the Art in ‘Symbols of Ireland’

Published on Mar 3, 2025Mar 3, 2025 by Feltmakers Ireland

The previously scheduled topic for this Sunday’s Session has been changed.

Our session with Clodagh Mac Donagh will now take place in April. Instead, we will dedicate this Sunday’s Session to our members’ behind-the-scenes experience creating the pieces for our exhibition, Symbols of Ireland.

Behind the Scenes

First Lady Sabina Higgins opened our exhibition to the public on Sunday, March 2nd, drawing admiration and enthusiasm from approximately 375 visitors. While the finished pieces showcased our members’ remarkable talents and creativity, we know each artist had their own ‘Creative Journey’ to make their piece.

This Sunday, we invite members to bring their samples, sketches or resists that helped them make their exhibited pieces. We would love to hear about the creative challenges you encountered—whether it was perfecting a technique, sourcing materials, or reworking an idea.

To ensure everyone has the opportunity to share, each member will have a limited time to present their work and reflections.

Additional Details

When: Sunday, the 9th of March, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Where: CIE Sports Hall and Social Club.

As a member perk for 2025, we no longer charge 5 euros per session.

As this is the season of coughs and sneezes, we would prefer if you do not share these. Please do not attend if you may be unwell.

We will have Zoom access to this Sunday Session, which will be emailed to members on Friday, the 7th of March.

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

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.

Reminder: Last Day to Apply to Symbols of Ireland

Published on Feb 21, 2025 by Feltmakers Ireland

Today is the last day to apply to Feltmakers Ireland’s upcoming group exhibition, ‘Symbols of Ireland’.

It’s a rainy day in Ireland – no surprise, there! However, if you have been waiting for a sunnier day to photograph your piece, do not worry: We do not need perfect photographs. Instead, we need your submissions. So, please apply.

The deadline is Friday, the 21st, at midnight – today!

Here’s the link to where and how to apply. https://feltmakersireland.com/exhibition-application-symbols-of-ireland-2025/

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

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 Jan 16, 2025Jan 16, 2025 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

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.

Sunday Session: Let’s Felt Together and Share Your Work – October

Published on Oct 11, 2024 by Feltmakers Ireland

Do you have any unfinished felting (or other textile) projects? Or do you want to share a recent piece that you created?

Play Time!

All guild members are invited to attend this coming Sunday’s session on the 13th of October. You are welcome to bring any wet or needlefelting projects you are working on and the supplies needed to create them.

Students who were part of Judit Poc’s Felted Eyeglasses Case Workshop on the 6th of October are encouraged to bring their WIP and/or completed cases to show off!

(Note: If you missed this Guild Workshop, Judit is offering it via her website – https://pocsjuditstudio.hu/workshop/glasses-case-with-special-closure-online-workshop/

Share Your Work

Members are also welcome to bring completed felted creations and have the option of selling them to other members! We have so many talented members! (Payment arrangements will need to be taken care of by the sellers).

We will play and share together this Sunday Session!

When: Sunday, the 13th of October, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
Where: CIE Hall/Inchicore Sports and Social Club, Library Square, C.I.E. Works, Inchicore, D08 PA07 https://maps.app.goo.gl/bajpGLbhpnbvQnY87
There is ample parking outside the Hall, and the G1, G2, and number 60 buses have a stop on nearby Sarsfield Road.

Additional Information

A Sunday Session like this will require lots of tea/ coffee/cake and chat, so there’ll be an abundance of that. Of course, homebakes are always welcome! Please bring a ‘keep cup’ or mug from home if possible. That will lessen the amount of paper cups thrown away.

There is the usual 5 euro fee.

Note: Since this is the season of colds and coughs, let’s not share them. However, we welcome you to join via Zoom Link, which we email to all members.

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

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: The Second Big Spin – Dublin

Published on Aug 23, 2024Aug 23, 2024 by Feltmakers Ireland

As part of August Craft Month, the Irish Guild of the Weavers, Spinners and Dyers is holding the ‘Second Big Spin’, tomorrow, Saturday, the 24th of August.

Time: 2 – 8 PM
Where: Beckett Lock Hotel, North Wall Ave, Point Square Village, Dublin, D01 E5C7.
Access: There is a multi-storey car park nearby and there is a set down area in front of the hotel.

Spinners of all levels are welcome, bring your wheel or spindle. Weavers are also very welcome to bring their inkle looms, rigid heddle looms, etc. There is no charge to attend the Big Spin. Both members and non-members are welcome.

For more information, visit, their website – https://weavespindye.ie/

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

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: Inspiration Behind More Artworks

Published on May 13, 2024May 29, 2024 by Feltmakers Ireland7 Comments

Feltmakers Ireland’s art exhibition at the Phoenix Park Visitors’ Centre is curated around the ‘Opposites Attract’ theme this year. In the gallery, you can read about each piece’s inspiration. For those who cannot make it to the show, here are the inspiration and photographs of some more of our members’ artwork.

The Series

The complete series of posts on our Members’ Inspiration can be found here:

Astrid Tomrop-Hofmann

The inspiration for the vessel ‘Roulette’ comes from the overthrow of nature with its diversity.

Light, Movement, Smells and Sounds play a major role in the development and implementation of my ideas!

There is so much to see and explore; you just have to look out for it. Enjoy discovering my vessels!

Breda Fay

I liked the balance of black and white. The magnetism was added after playing a game with my grandson. Does it attract/repel?

Lory Cotti Cottini

Separation/Union, Fragments/Whole form, in between Emotions and Shades, create my artistic works.

Neasa Ryan

For ‘Moondance’, dark alien-like figures/faces sprung to mind, however as the piece evolved, with the addition of curved stems slightly revealing the dark colour underneath, I felt it provided a slightly softer feel to the piece, and it reminded me of gaunt alien type flowers or emaciated alien forms. Either way, with the cloudy white background, the Van Morrison song ‘Moondance’ sprung to mind, and I felt it was an apt name for the piece. In such an inhospitable environment, devoid of life as we know it, what could be more opposite (yet attractive) than flowers on the moon or flowers /alien forms dancing harmoniously on the moonscape for that matter?

Ramona Farrelly

‘Ebb and flow’ is a childhood memory of climbing in and around the rock pools at various beaches I spent my summers with my cousins on the east coast shores of Dublin and Wicklow. The creatures living on these rocks and in these pools fascinated me. Half in water, half out, the water changes their environment and how they look. The limpets clinging tightly to the rocks, as well as the sea urchins, took up lots of my childhood curiosity.

Ursula Heiting-Wiese

The combination of soft silk and (considerably) rough wool that transforms into something completely new with Nuno felting is the perfect interpretation of the theme for me. To emphasise the opposites further, I chose black and white and open and closed parts with a ‘holey’ scarf.

We hope that you enjoyed learning about what inspires these artists. This series on the exhibition will continue over the coming weeks. ‘Opposites Attract’ is at the Phoenix Park Visitors Centre until the 26th of May.

The gallery is open from 10 AM until 4 PM daily.

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

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.