Tag: Feltmakers Ireland

Recap: Opening of ‘Water and Flow’ Exhibition – Phoenix Park Visitor Centre

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland1 Comment
A man with glasses and a mustache presenting at a wooden podium in front of blue artworks on a stone wall.
Conor O’Brien launched our exhibition

Feltmakers Ireland’s ‘Water and Flow’ exhibition was officially launched on Saturday, 4th April at 3 PM in the beautiful gallery of the OPW’s Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. The event was opened by knitwear designer Conor O’Brien, who shared insights into his creative journey, from studying at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) to discovering Aran knitting through a college assignment, with guidance from his grandmother. He also spoke about his strong support for using Irish-raised wool in his work, highlighting the importance of local materials and heritage in contemporary design. Learn more about Conor from his website- https://conorobrienstudio.com/

The exhibition features 67 striking pieces of felted artwork, showcasing the breadth and creativity of contemporary feltmaking. The opening was very well attended, with approximately 140 people present to celebrate the occasion. Since the launch, several works have been purchased by visitors.

‘Water and Flow‘ will continue to run until Sunday, 26th April, offering further opportunities to experience this vibrant and engaging exhibition.

Some Photos of the Launch

Photos courtesy of Tom Macagno, Loli Cox, and members’ contributions.

A group of ten people posing together in front of artwork in a gallery, with a mix of smiling expressions and vibrant clothing.
Conor O’Brien and some of the committee saying, ‘Wool’
An art gallery setting with two individuals; a woman speaking at a podium with a floral accessory, and a man casually dressed, standing nearby. Various artworks are displayed on the stone walls.
Loli Cox introducing Conor O’Brien
A man and a woman pose together in an art gallery, smiling. The man has short, curly hair and a moustache, wearing a black shirt. The woman has long, brown hair and is dressed in a patterned top featuring blue flowers. The background displays several pieces of art on stone walls.
Conor and Loli Cox
Two women standing in front of framed textile art pieces in a gallery setting. The woman on the left is wearing a knitted shawl and smiling, while the woman on the right is dressed in a coat and hat, with a neutral expression. Various artworks, including a floral piece and a vibrant sunset, are displayed on the wall behind them.
Founder Elizabeth Bonnar and Juliane Gorman
Two women smiling at a table filled with various pastries, biscuits, and cheeses in an art gallery setting, with artworks displayed on the walls.
Siobhán Healy Ryan and Elizabeth Redding setting up the refreshments
A man and a woman standing in an art gallery, smiling at the camera. The man wears an orange fleece top and jeans, while the woman has short, grey hair and is dressed in a colourful, felt vest with a decorative bag. Various artworks are displayed on the stone wall behind them.
Claire Merry and her husband Phil
A crowded gallery space filled with people attending an art exhibition. Artwork is displayed on the stone walls, and a table with refreshments is in the foreground.
The gallery was full of visitors
An art exhibition featuring a speaker in front of a gathered audience, with artworks displayed on the stone wall behind.
Conor O’Brien speaking
A crowded art gallery event with attendees socialising and viewing artwork on display. The venue features stone walls and various paintings hanging. Some people are holding drinks and engaged in conversation.
People chatting
A crowd of people viewed an art exhibition, standing in a gallery with stone walls. Various artworks are displayed on the walls and the audience appears engaged.
Visitors listening
A group of visitors exploring an art gallery featuring various artworks on display. The gallery has a stone wall and wooden flooring, with attendees engaged in conversation and admiring the art.
More people at the launch
A group of people chatting at an art exhibition, surrounded by colourful artworks on the walls and in a gallery with stone and brick architecture.
The only photo of Sam Fagan, our Treasurer, wearing her Foxford Blanket Jacket

The Gallery

A collection of various artworks displayed on a stone wall, featuring a sheep portrait, abstract and landscape pieces, and a felt art piece depicting a glass of water with animals, accompanied by information plaques.
A felted sculpture depicting a small house with the word 'Café' on it, surrounded by stones. In the foreground, a miniature figure is pulling a yellow inflatable raft with a small dog inside. In the background, there are artworks displayed on stone walls, including a black cat sculpture.
A felted portrait of a woman with long hair, exhibiting expressive features and a contemplative gaze. The artwork is framed and displayed on a brick wall, accompanied by a label detailing the artist.
Art exhibition featuring three framed artworks displayed on a brick wall. The top piece depicts a bird in flight against a cloudy sky, the left artwork features a vibrant landscape with trees, and the right piece presents a textured design with seashells and flowing blue colours. Accompanying labels provide information about the artists.
An art gallery display featuring three framed artworks hanging on a textured stone wall. The left artwork depicts a vibrant landscape with a river, the centre artwork shows a waterfall, and the right piece features abstract stone formations. Accompanied by descriptions on the wall.
An art installation featuring three pieces of felt artwork against a stone wall. The top left piece displays a white water lily on a dark background, the middle piece is a blue abstract design, and the right piece depicts vibrant elephants against a sunset scene. Artist information is displayed below each artwork.
Two decorative table lamps with unique felt shades displayed on a clear surface. The lamp on the left features a white shade with blue wave patterns, while the lamp on the right has a beige shade with blue fish designs.
A textured artwork framed in white, depicting a vertical arrangement of stones and organic shapes, set against a backdrop resembling earthy waves, displayed on a stone wall.
An art display featuring four framed artworks on a stone wall. The pieces include an abstract blue swirl, a stylized portrait with blonde hair, and a vibrant blue piece with black elements, alongside a textured blue fabric artwork. Each artwork has a descriptive plaque beneath it.
A gallery wall featuring various artworks framed and hung against a stone background. The pieces include abstract paintings in shades of blue, a portrait, and a textured textile art piece, each accompanied by informational plaques.
A gallery display featuring three artworks on a stone wall. On the left, a framed blue textile piece with abstract designs. The centre piece depicts a white bird surrounded by colourful foliage. On the right, a vibrant textile artwork showing a boat with characters sailing on a blue sea under a rainbow.
A hand-felted vase in shades of blue and teal on the left, alongside a felted landscape sculpture featuring a waterfall and greenery on the right. Both pieces are displayed in an art gallery setting with stone walls.
A wooden display stand holding a textured blue wool sculpture resembling waves, with a information card beside it.
A felted vest displayed on a mannequin, featuring a wave-inspired design in shades of blue and white, set against a stone wall in an art exhibition.
A gallery wall featuring various artworks, including a vibrant felted creature on the left, a textile piece depicting a surfer on a wave, a hanging fabric artwork with blue motifs, and a framed piece resembling a swirling vortex.
A handmade felt figurine with a serene expression, featuring brightly coloured hair and clothing, adorned with jewellery and holding a feather.
A handcrafted black cat figure made of felt, featuring bright yellow eyes and a pink nose, posed on a wooden base next to two small felt fish.
A gallery wall displaying various pieces of artwork, including felt creations and paintings, accompanied by artist descriptions. The artworks feature diverse themes such as nature, underwater scenes, and abstract designs against a stone wall backdrop.
An art display featuring various framed paintings and textile artworks on a stone wall, showcasing oceanic themes and landscapes.
An art exhibition featuring four framed artworks displayed on a stone wall, with information plaques below each piece.
A collection of four artworks displayed on a stone wall, featuring a felted piece with a swimmer, a textured vertical artwork, a circular stone sculpture, and a framed painting.
Three blue felted vases displayed on a white surface, featuring a whimsical figure dressed in blue sitting atop the largest vase. The background shows an art gallery with artworks on stone walls.
A handcrafted felt mermaid figure sitting on a display, wearing a pink hat with flowers and a textured tail.
A blue artistic shawl displayed on a stand, featuring textured floral designs and fringes, situated in an exhibition space with a stone wall background.
An art display featuring three pieces on a white wall. On the left, a floral textured painting in vibrant colours. In the centre, a blue crafted wall piece with rounded shapes. To the right, a hanging textile artwork depicting flowers and foliage, with a blue fabric flowing downwards.
An art exhibition featuring four textile artworks. On the left, a colourful tapestry of a waterfall and trees; next to it, a felted piece depicting flowing water; above, a textured artwork with leaves; and below, two smaller felted pieces in shades of blue and grey, all displayed on a white wall with accompanying artist information.

Artists with their Artwork

Last year, in the blog post about our ‘Common Threads’ exhibition at the National Design and Craft Gallery in Kilkenny, we included a section featuring members alongside their pieces. As this is an engaging feature, we hope to get a photo of each member in the show.

If we overlooked you at the opening, or you have yet to visit, can you please take a photo of yourself next to your piece and email it to the following address: feltmakerIE@gmail.com

A woman with long blonde hair wearing glasses and a red scarf, standing in front of vivid artwork in an art gallery. The artworks include a framed piece depicting a bird flying in a blue sky and another abstract piece with soft blue and white colours.
Adrienne Dempsey
A smiling woman with long blonde hair stands beside a handcrafted puppet on a table, set against a backdrop of colourful artwork displayed on a stone wall.
Alison Duffy
A woman with grey hair wearing a black top and a green scarf stands next to a framed textile artwork of a figure surrounded by blue and green colours, displayed on a stone wall.
Anne Heavey
A woman with short purple hair stands in front of an abstract blue painting with yellow accents, hanging on a stone wall. She wears a patterned top and a green scarf, and a decorative necklace.
Annika Berglund
A woman in a light pink blazer stands smiling in front of a wall displaying vibrant felt art, including a white lily and a colourful abstract piece.
Audrey Murray
A smiling woman with long brown hair, wearing a blue top and a yellow scarf, stands in front of an artwork display featuring a sculpted face on a blue textile background. The walls are made of stone and there are more artworks visible nearby.
Belinda Reid
A woman with curly hair stands in front of a framed artistic portrait of a woman with blonde hair and red lips, displayed on a stone wall. She is wearing a floral patterned top and an olive green coat.
Caitríona Nolan
An elderly woman stands smiling beside two vibrant textile artworks depicting a waterfall and nature scenes, in an art gallery setting.
Claire Merry
A woman stands smiling in front of a stone wall, displaying a felt art piece featuring a glass of water, animals, and raindrops, alongside several artworks and descriptions.
Corina Hogan
A woman with shoulder-length hair wearing a teal jacket stands smiling in front of a framed artwork depicting a portrait of a girl with long hair and a pensive expression. The background features exposed brick and a visitor information board.
Deirdre Crofts
A woman smiling and gesturing towards a framed artwork featuring a jellyfish and various sea elements, displayed on a stone wall.
Eglė Silenaite-Enyed
A woman smiling beside a vibrant textile artwork featuring a boat, sun, rainbow, and various playful animals.
Eithne O’Dea
A woman with curly hair smiles while standing next to a colourful abstract artwork in an art gallery, with exposed stone walls in the background.
Elaine Peden
A smiling woman with long hair, wearing a black jacket and a red top, stands in front of art displayed on a stone wall. The artwork includes a colourful textile piece with the word 'PHOENIX' and another depicting a figure fishing by a river.
Elizabeth Redding
A smiling woman wearing a grey beret and round glasses holds a needle-felted black cat sculpture on a wooden base, surrounded by artwork displayed on a stone wall.
Eva Salamon
A woman smiling in front of a framed artwork depicting an underwater scene, surrounded by colourful felted pieces on a stone wall in an exhibition.
Hedi Gotthalmseder
A woman with glasses smiles confidently while standing beside a framed artwork of leaves with water droplets. The background features various textile art pieces.
Hélène Dooley
A woman smiling in front of a handcrafted textile hanging against a stone wall, featuring blue designs on a white background, showcasing her artwork.
Jacqueline Atkinson
A woman and a young girl, both smiling, pose together in front of framed artworks in a gallery. The woman wears a dark coat and a beige beanie, while the girl is in a patterned coat and a multicoloured hat holding a cup of strawberries.
Joanne Foley
A woman with grey hair wearing a light blue and black garment stands alongside textile artworks in a gallery. She is smiling and appears to be engaged with the exhibit, which includes felted pieces and a vibrant landscape scene.
Juliane Gorman
A woman stands beside an artistic display in a gallery, showcasing blue-textured textile art on a mannequin and a wooden crate. She wears a dark coat, blue scarf, and holds a matching bag.
Katarina Hruskova
A woman in a patterned yellow dress stands in front of a stone wall displaying colourful felt artwork, which includes depictions of a building and a landscape with a waterfall.
Linda Costello
A woman standing next to a piece of textile art in an exhibition, wearing a patterned sleeveless top with a blue flower brooch and black trousers.
Loli Cox
A smiling woman with glasses and long, blonde hair stands in front of an art exhibition, wearing a black coat and blue beaded necklaces. Behind her are colourful textile artworks displayed on a stone wall.
Lorna Cady
A woman stands beside a framed piece of textured artwork depicting a landscape with a river, featuring various colours and materials. The artwork is displayed in an art gallery with brick and stone walls.
Lucia Errity
A woman standing in an art gallery, smiling and wearing a black cardigan. Behind her is a colourful abstract artwork made of various materials, displayed on a stone wall.
Margaret Corroon
A woman smiling in front of a piece of artwork featuring blue and black elements, displayed in a gallery with a stone wall background.
Maggie McCartney
A woman stands beside a colourful abstract artwork featuring jellyfish-like forms, set against a textured background of blues and greens, in an art gallery.
Marie Dunne
A woman stands next to a sculpture of a cottage made from felt, featuring a scene with figures in a kayak. The background displays various artworks on a stone wall.
Marie Hopkins
A woman with glasses stands beside three pieces of felted artwork displayed on a gallery wall. Two artworks are hung above her, featuring natural elements, with vibrant colours and textures.
Marika Miklosi-Manning
A woman with wavy blonde hair and glasses stands beside a framed piece of artwork featuring a textured design of pebbles and earthy tones, with a stone wall and a window in the background.
Neasa Ryan
A woman stands beside a decorative artwork depicting a waterfall and lush greenery, crafted from wool and displayed in a wooden bowl. The setting includes brick walls and framed art in the background.
Patricia Englishby O’Connor
A woman stands in front of a wall displaying various artworks, including a circular blue piece. She is wearing a patterned blue and white blouse and blue jeans, smiling at the camera.
Patricia Conroy
A woman with long, silver hair and glasses stands smiling in front of framed artwork on a stone wall. The artwork includes a colourful landscape and other pieces, while she wears a denim jacket.
Sandra Chase
A smiling woman stands beside a framed artwork featuring a blue spiral design on a textured background, displayed on a stone wall.
Siobhán Healy Ryan

Online Catalogue

Here’s a link to Feltmakers Ireland’s online catalogue of ‘Water and Flow’

There is also a PDF version of the catalogue.

Two women smiling in an art gallery featuring various artworks on the walls, standing close together.
Annika and Fiona after all of their hard work

Appreciation

Thank you to everyone who helped make this exhibition such a success.

Many thanks to Conor O’Brien for launching the exhibition with his interesting talk, to our members for contributing their fantastic artwork, and to Annika Berglund and Fiona Leech for displaying everything so beautifully. Additionally, we would like to thank Loli Cox for introducing our guest speaker. We’re also very grateful to the committee members for organising and setting up the lovely refreshments. Finally, we want to thank the OPW Phoenix Park Visitor Centre for again inviting us to use their stunning gallery for our annual exhibition.

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 the content, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Recap: Feltmakers Ireland at The European Wool Experience

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland1 Comment
Two women and a child engaging in a crafting activity, using their hands to felt materials on a table covered with bubble wrap.
A group of people engaged in a crafting activity at a workshop, with several participants seated at a table working with materials, and others standing around observing and interacting.

On Saturday, the 28th of March, lots of lovely volunteers from Feltmakers Ireland travelled down to Tralee to the European Wool Experience, to share our love of feltmaking with visitors from all over Ireland and Europe.

We demonstrated wet felting using Irish-raised wool.

And our hands-on feltmaking workshops were very, very popular! As we were super busy, we didn’t take as many photographs as we might have done. (All around us were amazing displays that featured Irish Wool. To see some of these, look at the Instagram accounts of Sharon Wells and the Meadowlands Hotel:

Felted Artworks

In addtion to sharing feltmaking, we shared our artwork with a joint exhibition with the Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners, and Dyers, who kindly brought some of our work to Tralee on our behalf.

Here’s a brief video of our exhibition:

Appreciation to Everyone

A group of four individuals, two women speaking into a microphone while two others listen, at an event featuring artworks displayed on blue boards in the background.

HUGE thanks to the European Wool Exchange, Catherine Phibbs of the Irish Grown Wool Council, and most of all to Sharon Wells for inviting us to be part of the European Wool Experience. It was inspiring to be part of your vision and help to make it a reality!

(In the photo, from left to right are the organisers: Sharon Wells, Dóra Jamniczky-Kaszás of the European Wool Exchange (EWE), Catherine Phibbs of the Irish Grown Wool Council, and Alberto Costa of EWE.

Especially warm thanks to ALL of the members who helped us with this event. Huge appreciation to our members who embraced working with Irish wool and trusted us with their artwork. Lastly, thank you to the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, which, through their GANS Network Support Scheme, helped fund the Irish-raised wool we purchased from Ériu and Woolstore Ireland and distributed to our members.

Bit by bit, we are trying through our feltmaking to increase the use of locally grown, Irish wool!

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 content-related questions, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Exhibition: Feltmakers Ireland Presents ‘Water and Flow’ Exhibition – Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Gallery – Dublin

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
'Water and Flow' Feltmakers Ireland Group Exhibition poster, featuring felt artwork by Joanne Turner. Details about the exhibition location at Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, dates from 2nd to 26th April, and opening hours. Announcement of a launch event with knitwear designer Conor O'Brien on the 4th.

Feltmakers Ireland is delighted to present ‘Water and Flow’, a vibrant group exhibition featuring the contemporary artwork of 68 members. This showcase explores the many interpretations of water through the rich and versatile medium of felt.

From gentle streams to powerful oceans, ‘Water and Flow‘ explores the many moods of water: its energy and stillness, its capacity for renewal, and its connection to human emotion, from sorrow to joy.

Using fibres ranging from imported Merino wool to locally sourced Irish fleece, members have created a diverse body of work that highlights both traditional and contemporary felting practices. Featuring an array of textile techniques, including wet felting and needle felting, guild members have created three-dimensional sculptures, wall art, and wearable pieces, each offering a unique perspective on the theme, reflecting the creativity and individuality of the artists involved.

The Opening

The exhibition will be officially launched by knitwear designer Conor O’Brien on Saturday, 4 April at 3 PM.

Where and When

The exhibition is at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Gallery and runs from Thursday, the 2nd of April, to Sunday, the 26th of April. The hours are 9:30 AM to 5 PM, daily, with the exhibition closing on its final day at 3 PM.

The gallery is conveniently accessible by Dublin Bus number 99 and is located within the historic Phoenix Park. There is ample parking near the Centre.

For further details, including maps and directions to the park, visit https://www.phoenixpark.ie/directions.

The artwork featured on the exhibition poster is ‘Waterfall’ by Joanne Turner.

Her Instagram @olannoriginals

We warmly invite you to join us for the opening or visit throughout the month to experience this dynamic and engaging exhibition celebrating feltmaking in Ireland.

Online Catalogue

A link to Feltmakers Ireland’s online catalogue of ‘Water and Flow’

There is also a PDF version of the catalogue (if the above link is not working for you).

News: Thank you for your Submissions to ‘Water and Flow’

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Poster for Feltmakers Ireland's exhibition submission, titled 'Water & Flow', at Phoenix Park Visitors Centre in April 2026. Note indicating that applications are now closed.

WOW!

Dear Members,

Thank you for all of your excellent submissions!

We are overjoyed to receive such an outpouring from you. There will be 68 pieces in our group show, ‘Water and Flow’.

This Open Call is now shut – the deadline was extended a week to the 20th of March.

Email Confirmations

Each artist will receive an email with instructions on where to drop off or mail their artwork.

If you are NOT dropping it off at the gallery on the MORNING, 10:30 – 11:30 AM of the installation on Wednesday, the 1st of April, you should ensure your piece has been received at one of the five drop-off points by Tuesday, the 31st of March.

If you need to drop off your piece at the gallery on the morning of the installation, please let us know BEFOREHAND by email.

Questions or concerns, please email feltmakersIE@gmail.com

Of Interest: Second Printing of ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’ Now Available in Libraries Across Ireland

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Cover of the book 'Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking' featuring a rural landscape with sheep and feltmaking materials. Text on the right announces 'Our Book is in the Library!' and shows a search result from Libraries Ireland with availability details.

We’re delighted to share that the second printing of ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’ is now available through the library system in Ireland.

If you search your local library catalogue or visit the Libraries Ireland website, you’ll find that there are currently 20 copies in the system. Some are still on order and being processed, but you can reserve a copy and have it delivered directly to your local branch for collection.


You can find and reserve the book here: https://librariesireland.spydus.ie/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/FULL/WPAC/BIBENQ/754928726/80649840,1

Editor’s Note: You will need a valid library card to reserve the book.

Thank You to Our Supporters

Everyone at Feltmakers Ireland would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all of our wool-loving readers and supporters who have made this second printing possible.

We are especially grateful to artist and guild member Annika Berglund for being the book’s editor. She took on the complex and detailed work of establishing the wool breed testing subcommittee and organised the results into a cohesive, educational, and beautifully presented book.

Prefer to Own Your Own Copy?

If you’d like to add ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’ to your own textile book collection, you can purchase a copy directly from our website: https://feltmakersireland.com/exploring-irish-wool-for-feltmaking/


Whether you borrow it through your local library or keep a copy on your own shelf, we hope this book continues to inspire your exploration of Ireland’s rich and diverse wool heritage.

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.

Reminder: Membership Renewal Time

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland


It’s now THAT time of year – time to renew your Feltmakers Ireland membership. Our membership is valid for a calendar year, from January to December.

Good News:

If you joined Feltmakers Ireland through the Dublin Fibre Festival in October (or later), your membership will automatically roll over and remain valid through 2026.

Why Renew? Member Benefits Include:

Monthly Sunday Sessions

Take part in our popular Sunday Sessions, featuring hands-on felting, Textile Journeys, and more opportunities to learn and connect. We now have monthly meetings in County Galway too!

Exhibitions and Shows

Members are eligible to participate in our annual exhibition and additional group shows. In 2026, we will be exhibiting at:

  • Phoenix Park Visitor Centre (April)
  • European Wool Day, Tralee (May)
  • A group exhibition at The Leitrim Design House later in the year

Public Demonstrations of Feltmaking

Eligible members can demonstrate feltmaking to the public. In 2025, we shared the magic of feltmaking at:

  • Bloom
  • Two August Craft Month Open Days
  • Tullamore Show
  • Dublin Fibre Festival
  • Fibreshed Ireland’s Textile Market

Workshops & Learning Opportunities

Members can register for Feltmakers Ireland workshops. In 2025, these included:

  • Two multi-day workshops with international tutors
  • Our annual Fine Felt Workshop
  • Our Basic & Beyond course

Promotion & Visibility

  • Have your felting classes listed on our Resources Page
  • Share your exhibitions, courses, and other news on our blog and social media*
  • Be part of our Guild’s raising the profile of Feltmaking

Community

Most importantly, membership means being part of the warm, supportive, and inspiring Feltmakers Ireland community.

*We aim to be inclusive and share all members’ news. However, due to time constraints, we may be unable to share all events. We are an all-volunteer organisation. Please send your news to feltmakersIE@gmail.com

Ready to Renew (or Join)?

To renew your membership (or join) Feltmakers Ireland, please visit our Membership Page –https://feltmakersireland.com/membership-application/

We look forward to another creative year!

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: Feltmakers Ireland at Fibreshed Ireland’s Textile Market

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

By committee member Loli Cox

Loli and Margaret
Loli and Clodagh

On Saturday, the 22nd of November 2025, Feltmakers Ireland had the privilege of taking part in Fibreshed Ireland‘s first Textile Market, which was part of their annual Symposium held the day before.

Fibershed is a global movement that evolved from Rebecca Burgess and Courtney White’s 2019 book, ‘Fibreshed: Growing a Movement of Farmers, Fashion Activists, and Makers for a New Textile Economy.’ Weaver and natural dyer Burgess developed a project focused on wearing clothing made from fibre grown, woven, and sewn within her bioregion of North Central California. In Ireland, our fibreshed encompasses the whole island. The Fibershed movement champions local, regenerative fibre systems—connecting soil, plants, animals, and humans through transparent supply chains and bioregional textile practices.

At the Textile Market, volunteers from Feltmakers Ireland set up a lively demonstration station where visitors could watch both wet felting and needle felting techniques. We talked passionately about the guild’s mission to keep traditional feltmaking skills alive, to celebrate Irish wool in all its glorious variety, and to foster creativity and community through this extraordinarily versatile material.

A special highlight was the chance to promote our beautiful book, ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’. Copies were available for sale alongside an array of handmade treasures: wet-felted vessels, pocket books and bags, bookmarks, greeting cards, whimsical wool pumpkins, and gnomes—every single piece made exclusively with Irish wool from a rainbow of native sheep breeds.

Visitors loved getting hands-on: touching fleece samples from rare and heritage breeds, feeling the different textures, and discovering how dramatically each type of wool felts. Our display of members’ artwork—landscape wall pieces, sculptures and wearable art—showed just how far this simple fibre can be pushed in skilled and imaginative hands.

A thank-you to the Fibreshed Ireland team for inviting us and for creating such a warm, inspiring event. We’re especially grateful to our own guild members, Margaret and Clodagh, who gave their time so generously and demonstrated with enthusiasm. Additionally, it was also a joy to spend the day alongside our fellow artisans who spin, naturally dye and process Irish wool with equal love and dedication. Vendors included guild members Katarina of WoolStore Ireland, who shared her beautifully processed Irish wool fibre and Juliane of FeltHappiness, who shared her sculptural hats.

Closeup of Woolstore Ireland table
Juliane at her table
Feltmakers Ireland members at the Textile Market. From left to right: Juliane, Loli, Margaret, Sam, and Katarina.

Gallery of Photos

Aga + Katja (plus, Anne O’Toole on the far right) at Sound of Spinning
Petra Skyvova and friend
Linda Costello offered info on business suports available to fibre creatives and farmers.
Charlie of Mallon Linen, Malu Colorin -co founder of Fibreshed Ireland, and Anne O’Toole
Malu and Anne O’Toole of KnitAran
Jessica Leonard – co founder of Fibreshed Ireland with the Soil Your Scarf display
Close up of Mallon Linen’s display

Apologies for not having photos of Liz of the Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers spinning flax or Sandra of Irish Fibre Crafters.

Events like these remind us why we do what we do: to honour the sheep, the land, the makers, and the long story woven into every handful of fleece.

Feltmakers Ireland is already looking forward to the next chance to collaborate with Fibreshed Ireland —here’s to many more days of woolly connection!

Editor’s note: If you missed our book at the Textile Market, you can order it online via our website – https://feltmakersireland.com/exploring-irish-wool-for-feltmaking/

Our book

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: Flax Flower Project Unveils Felt Installation at Titanic Museum – Belfast

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland1 Comment

Twelve talented artisans from three felting organisations—Feltmakers Ireland, Feltmakers North, and the International Feltmakers Association (IFA)—have collaborated on the Flax Flower Project, a unique wet-felted installation set to debut at the Titanic Museum on Tuesday, the 1st of July, 2025. The exhibit, which celebrates Belfast’s rich heritage in flax and linen production, will run through August 2025 and return each summer thereafter.

The Flax Flower Project showcases intricate floral designs crafted from sustainable materials, including Merino wool, bamboo fibres, Margilan silk, silk fibres, and flax strands for hanging. This vibrant display blends traditional craftsmanship with innovative textile art, highlighting the cultural and industrial significance of flax in Belfast’s history.

Behind the Scenes

Shelley Steele and Jane Fox co-coordinated the Flax Flower Project. Shelley expressed her enthusiasm: “It’s been a great pleasure to organise The Flax Flower Project alongside Jane Fox. Bringing together such talented artists to honour Belfast’s legacy has been truly rewarding.”

Loli Cox, a member of Feltmakers Ireland and IFA, added: “I was thrilled to join this project, which celebrates Belfast’s flax and linen heritage while showcasing the sustainable art of feltmaking. This exhibit not only honours our past but also inspires sustainable creativity for the future, aligning perfectly with Feltmakers Ireland’s mission to promote natural fibres like sheep’s wool for wearable and artistic applications.”

The project reflects the felting organisations’ commitment to sustainable textile practices and the revival of traditional crafts. It highlights feltmaking as a sustainable art form, while also celebrating the heritage of linen-making—a craft that was once a cornerstone of Belfast’s economy. Through the tactile and creative process of wet felting, these artisans will educate the public about the historical and cultural significance of flax and wool, promoting eco-conscious artistry.

The contributing artists are Sharon Bell, Loli Cox, Jane Fox, Siobhán Healy Ryan, Marie Hopkins, Viktor Hurtovyi, Elaine McCombe, Laura Moffett, Jacki Sleator, Shelley Steele, and Fiona Whyte.

The Artists

For more information about the Flax Flower Project or to schedule a visit to the Titanic Museum exhibit, please visit the website. – https://www.titanicbelfast.com/

Feltmakers Ireland is dedicated to promoting sustainable textile practices and raising awareness of natural fibres through innovative and traditional feltmaking techniques – https://feltmakersireland.com/

The IFA fosters a global community of feltmakers, encouraging creativity and collaboration in the art of feltmaking – https://www.feltmakers.com/

Feltmakers North supports artisans in Northern Ireland, preserving and advancing the craft of feltmaking through education and exhibitions. https://feltmakersnorth.blogspot.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.

News: Feltmakers Ireland AGM 2025 – this Sunday

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Poster for Feltmakers Ireland's AGM 2025 - This Sunday with guest speaker Lieko Uchiyama - picture of Leiko and some of her hand-dyed wool fibres.
Leiko Uchiyama with a selection of her hand-dyed fibres

All members* of the Feltmakers Ireland Guild are invited to our AGM on Sunday, the 11th of May.

By starting promptly at 10:30 AM, we aim to complete the meeting’s formalities promptly, allowing us to listen to the Textile Journey of our Guest Speaker, Leiko Uchiyama, an artist, educator, and master dyer, who lives in Co Carlow.

Additionally, we will feature a Sellers’ Area and a Display Area this year.

Image of wool and wool & silk fibre that LeikoFelt sells and will provide at the AGM for members to purchase.


Leiko brought a selection of her gorgeous hand-dyed fibres during the Pine Needle Felting Workshop in January. She will have similar supplies available to purchase this Sunday. Other guild members will be bringing felted artwork and supplies too. IF you want to be included in this Vending Opportunity, please RESERVE a spot by emailing feltmakersIE@gmail.com

There is no cost for members to sell at the AGM.

Agenda

1.     Address by the Chair, opening the AGM (Suzanne Phelan will act on behalf of chairperson Deirdre Carroll, who is away)

2.     Address by Secretary (Lorna Cady)

3.    Treasurer’s Report (Annika Berglund)

4.    Wool Project Wool Report  (Annika Berglund)

5.    Motions for AGM

6.    Election of Chair and Committee 2025/26. Election of other Officers will be held at the June Committee Meeting. We always welcome new faces on the Committee—if you’re interested in helping to keep our Guild active and thriving, your support would be greatly appreciated!

7.    Guest Speaker is Leiko Uchiyama, a feltmaking artist originally from Japan and now living in Borris, Co Carlow. Her journey has taken her from Japan to New Zealand, Indonesia, and France, where she developed her feltmaking techniques. Leiko creates wearable pieces made of wool and silks, which she dyes using her own colour recipes. She also makes functional pieces for the home. She teaches Felting workshops throughout Europe, America, Australia, and Japan, and has exhibited her work in many countries.

Leiko will also have her dyed wool roving for sale at the AGM. She will bring Merino, Corriedale and a Silk/Merino mix of roving, which is ideal for the craft of felting.

8.    A Bursary Draw for €250 is open to all paid-up members and will take place at the AGM. The winner can participate in a Felting course and then provide a short recap article with photographs. (In 2024, guild member Adrienne Dempsey won the award. You can read about her experience in this blog post.)

9. Sellers’ Area: Members can sell their work, fibres or supplies at the AGM. Methods of receiving payment, whether by cash, credit card, Revolut, or PayPal transactions, are the seller’s responsibility. The guild will provide tables, but NOT coverings or other displays. Please RSVP to participate in the Sellers’ Area. feltmakersIE@gmail.com

10.  Display Area: Members can also take the opportunity to display and discuss a small selection of their work with other members. Members will need to bring props to display their items. Make sure that your name is on your piece. The guild will provide two table coverings. There is no need to RSVP for the Display Area.

11.  Refreshments and chat. Refreshments will follow. If you could bring a little something, home-baked or not, we’d be delighted. We always appreciate goodies with our cuppa. If you have a travel cup, please bring it so we can reduce the waste of single-use paper cups. As always, we will provide the coffee and tea!

*We kindly ask non-members to become members in order to attend the AGM.

Zoom Access

Members who cannot attend in person can use the Zoom link, which will be emailed to members today. This session will not be recorded.

Leiko’s Instagram: @leikofelt


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 the content, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Events: Feltmakers Ireland AGM 2025 – 11th of May

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

AGM

All members of the Feltmakers Ireland Guild are invited to our AGM on Sunday, the 11th of May.

By starting promptly at 10:30 AM, we aim to complete the meeting’s formalities in a timely manner, allowing us to listen to our Guest Speaker, Leiko Uchiyama, an artist, educator, and master dyer, who lives in Co Carlow.

Additionally, this year we will feature a Sellers’ Area and a Display Area. See below for more information.

Agenda

1.     Address by the Chair, opening the AGM (Suzanne Phelan will act on behalf of chairperson Deirdre Carroll, who is away)

2.     Address by Secretary (Lorna Cady)

3.    Treasurer’s Report (Annika Berglund)

4.    Wool Project Wool Report  (Annika Berglund)

5.    Motions for AGM

6.    Election of Chair and Committee 2025/26. Election of other Officers will be held at the June Committee Meeting. We always welcome new faces on the Committee—if you’re interested in helping to keep our Guild active and thriving, your support would be greatly appreciated!

7.    Guest Speaker is Leiko Uchiyama, a feltmaking artist originally from Japan and now living in Borris, Co Carlow. Her journey has taken her from Japan to New Zealand, Indonesia, and France, where she developed her feltmaking techniques. Leiko creates wearable pieces made of wool and silks, which she dyes using her own colour recipes. She also makes functional pieces for the home. She teaches Felting workshops throughout Europe, America, Australia, and Japan, and has exhibited her work in many countries.

Leiko will also have her dyed wool roving for sale at the AGM. She will bring Merino, Corriedale and a Silk/Merino mix of roving, which is ideal for the craft of felting.

8.    A Bursary Draw for €250 is open to all paid-up members and will take place at the AGM. The winner can participate in a Felting course and then provide a short recap article with photographs. (In 2024, guild member Adrienne Dempsey won the award. You can read about her experience in this blog post.)

9. Sellers’ Area: Members will have the opportunity to sell their work, fibres or supplies at the AGM. Methods of receiving payment, whether by cash, credit card, Revolut, or PayPal transactions, are the seller’s responsibility. The guild will provide tables, but NOT coverings or other displays. Please RSVP if you wish to participate in the Sellers’ Area, as space is limited. feltmakersIE@gmail.com

10.  Display Area: Members can also take the opportunity to display and discuss a small selection of their work with other members. Members will need to bring props to display their items. Make sure that your name is on your piece. The guild will provide two table coverings.

11.  Refreshments and chat. Refreshments will follow. If you could bring a little something, home-baked or not, we’d be delighted. We always appreciate goodies with our cuppa. If you have a travel cup, please bring it so we can reduce the waste of single-use paper cups.

Zoom Access

Members who cannot attend in person can use the Zoom link, which will be emailed beforehand on Friday. This session will not be recorded.

Leiko’s Instagram: @leikofelt

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 the content, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.