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

Published on Nov 24, 2024Dec 11, 2024 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.

Recap: Celebrating Felting at The Knitting and Stitching Show – Belfast

Published on Nov 12, 2024Nov 13, 2024 by Feltmakers Ireland

Photo of the Titanic Exhibition Centre by Cindy Chang – Textile Art Design and Fashion / BSOA-Ulster University

From Thursday, the 7th of November, to Sunday, the 10th, 2024, feltmaking enthusiasts gathered at the Knitting & Stitching Show in Belfast. It was an exciting first for the city, as this beloved event had previously been held at the RDS in Dublin until 2019. This year, three passionate felting guilds—Feltmakers Ireland, Feltmakers North, and the International Feltmakers Association—came together to celebrate and share the magic of feltmaking with the public.

Appreciation to Jane

The event was organised by the wonderful Jane Fox, a dedicated member of all three guilds, who brought together a group of enthusiastic volunteers.

Jane Fox, who patiently organised the three groups of felters.

The Volunteers

Our team of helpers included Sandy, Hélène, Susan, Maighread, Ann, Fiona, Jayne, Beverley, Leah, Deirdre, Sharon, Eva, Sam, Elizabeth, Dympna, Juliane, Lorna, and Lissy. (Our apologies if we missed anyone!).

Some of our Work

Throughout the event, we demonstrated both wet felting and needle felting techniques, enchanting visitors with the transformative process of turning wool into vibrant, textured creations. The colours, textures, and creativity on display captivated the public.

Photos of felted creations taken by Cindy Chang – Textile Art Design and Fashion / BSOA-Ulster University

Members with Booths

Two members of our guilds displayed their work at the Knitting and Stitching Show.

Louisa Kelly, a member of Feltmakers North, exhibited her needle-felted and embroidered creations.

Louisa Kelly – on the far right of the image.

Member of Feltmakers Ireland, Sandra Coote, exhibited with her business Crafts of Ireland. She displayed her needle felting kits, Lumra pillow kits, and pick-and-mixes of her hand-dyed wool. All of Sandra’s fibre comes from her own Irish-raised sheep.

Sandra (on the right) and her two adult children in dark blue, who helped at the event,

Connecting with feltmakers from different organisations was a true joy as we shared tips, stories, and inspiration, while introducing our craft to new audiences.

The Future

Here’s to more gatherings, more creativity, and more opportunities to share the art of feltmaking!

Next year, The Knitting & Stitching Show will be held at the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, from 13th–16th November 2025.

Registration to Early Access Tickets to the Show can be found here – https://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/belfast/2025-sign-up/

Editor’s Note: Except for the TEC building and the close-ups of our felted creations by visitor Cindy Chang, the photographs come from the volunteering guild members. Thank you to all!

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.

News: Feltmakers Ireland – Instagram Over 500 Followers

Published on Nov 11, 2024Nov 11, 2024 by Feltmakers Ireland

Perhaps not the biggest news of the day, but Feltmakers Ireland’s Instagram account, which we ‘renamed’ in January, now has over 500 Followers. This is exciting news!

Our former Instagram was @feltmakersireland, and we had over 1,000 followers. However, due to circumstances beyond our control, we did not have proper access to the backend, so we could not share Members News on our Stories or access any direct messages (DMs) sent to the account.

Consequently, we set up a new account on the 24th of January, 2024. Our ‘new’ account is @feltmakers_ireland ! Please add us to the artists and organisations that you follow. We aim to post daily, from Monday through Friday. {Editor’s Note: Our Facebook account was and still is FeltmakersIreland – https://www.facebook.com/feltmakersireland/

Feltmakers Ireland is a voluntary craft guild with members throughout Ireland and a few in Northern Ireland and beyond!

We try to cater to ALL types of felt-making: wet felters, needle felters, professional feltmakers, hobbyists, and ANYONE with interest in wool, fleece, or felt.

We have our Sunday Sessions on the second Sunday of the month at the CIE Sports Hall in Inchicore. Our upcoming session will be THIS Sunday, the 17th, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the CIE Sports Hall in Inchicore, Dublin 8. We will be wet-felting a Christmas Star with guild member Annika Berglund. There is a blog post about it here – https://feltmakersireland.com/2024/11/04/sunday-session-felting-a-holiday-star-with-annika-berglund/

Feltmakers Ireland is a Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) GANS community member.

If you have news or events that you think would be of interest to our community, please email feltmakersIE@gmail.com

If you are a Guild Member with an Instagram account and we have not followed you, please let us know so we can do so.

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: Felting a Holiday Star with Annika Berglund

Published on Nov 4, 2024Nov 15, 2024 by Feltmakers Ireland1 Comment

Felted Holiday Star

On the 17th of November, our Sunday Session will be a mini-workshop with artist and guild member Annika Berglund.

Time: 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Where: CIE Sports Hall, Inchicore, Dublin 8

We will make a wet-felted Holiday Star for window decoration – perfect for Christmas or year-round!

There will be a choice of three finished models using wool yarn, Merino wool, and, for one version, Wensleydale locks.

What to bring:

One large and one small towel.
Sewing pins
Small sharp scissors
Bubble wrap – approximately sized at 25 by 50cm
Soap and water bowl
Ball brause or sprinkler
A plastic bag

Bio of Annika Berglund

Annika Berglund, a graduate of NCAD, has shown work in solo and group exhibitions nationally and abroad and has won several awards, including the Crafts Council’s price for Best Craft in the Garden 2008 and the NUI Art and Design Prize 2010.

Moving from ceramics, glass, and bronze to felt in 2020, one of her earliest felt pieces depicting the COVID-19 virus was acquired by the National Museum of Ireland. Having had one solo show and many group shows featuring Felt, Annika was a primary contributor to Feltmakers Ireland’s research project around Irish wool and the resulting book, Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking. She is currently Treasurer of Feltmakers Ireland.

Annika’s upcoming solo exhibition, Tapestry, opens on the 17th of November at 15:00 in the Olivier Cornet Gallery (after the Sunday session). She would like to welcome you all to attend if you have the opportunity.

For more information about her exhibition, visit the gallery’s website –https://www.oliviercornetgallery.com/tapestry-annika-berglund

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: Knitting and Stitching Show Opens Next Week – Belfast – Members and Friends Will be There

Published on Nov 1, 2024Nov 4, 2024 by Feltmakers Ireland

Members and friends of Feltmakers Ireland will be exhibiting at The Knitting and Stitching Show in Belfast. This includes Tamzen Lundy, Sandra Coote, and a raft of volunteers from Feltmakers Ireland, Feltmakers North, and the International Feltmakers Association.

When: The 7th through the 10th of November.
Where: The Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast.

Say ‘Hello’

Tamzen Lundy Designs

Guild member Tamzen Lundy‘s felted Brussel sprouts and other Christmas ornaments will be available at the CraftNI Gallery Showcase – Booth E86.

Crafts of Ireland – Sandra Coote

Guild member Sandra Coote’s business, Crafts of Ireland, will display her Irish wool Needlefelting kits, Lumra kits, and other creations at Booth D53.

Three Felting Guilds

Volunteers from Feltmakers North, The International Feltmakers Association, and Feltmakers Ireland will collaborate to demonstrate wet and needlefelting at Booth G30. Editor’s Correction: We will be at G34.

Discount Code

Lastly, the Knitting and Stitching Show has arranged a discount code for us: Use code FELTMAKERSIR to save £2* at checkout!

T&Cs: Save £2.00 on adult and concession tickets. This is for Standard Single-Day Adult tickets. It is not valid on VIP, Two-Day, or group tickets. Codes expire at 11:59 PM, November 3rd, 2024. £3.50 transaction fee applies per e-ticket order.

For more information and to book tickets, visit the Show’s website – https://knittingandstitchingshowbelfast.seetickets.com/content/ticket-options?

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.

Recap: Feltmakers Ireland Open Day in Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath – August Craft Month

Published on Sep 4, 2024Sep 3, 2024 by Feltmakers Ireland2 Comments

Happy feedback and a felted vessel from one of the participants.

Sunday, the 25th of August, saw the second of our open days for August Craft Month/Heritage Week. (Our previous event was in Dublin on the 18th.)

Some photos of hands at work

Behind-the-scenes photos by member Denise Egan.

Volunteers from Feltmakers Ireland started at 11 AM with a large group of participants. Our students showed great interest in the felting process and were delighted to bring home a new felted creation.

Additionally, our visitors were very impressed with our display of felted artworks and our interactive display on the Irish Wool project. In the afternoon, we taught a second group of participants.

The Irish Wool Project

As part of our Open Day, guild member Annika Berglund carded and spun Irish-raised wool fibres. If you want to learn more about felting with wool from local sheep, check out our book, ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’ – https://feltmakersireland.com/exploring-irish-wool-for-feltmaking/

During the event, a photographer from a local newspaper came to take photos, and the Westmeath Heritage Officer also popped in to say hello. An exciting video of Westmeath Heritage events is on the OPW’s Facebook page. Feltmakers Ireland appears at approximately the 8-second mark – https://fb.watch/uloKvaesCY/

More photos of the day

Happy Feedback

We were delighted to receive such warm feedback from our students!

Appreciation

We thank Elizabeth Redding for organising the Kilbeggan Open Day on behalf of the guild. It was vital for us to share feltmaking with an audience beyond Dublin.

Additional thanks to all the members who so kindly donated their Sunday to help share the love of feltmaking: Annika, Deirdre, Denise, Fiona, Loli, Lorna, Maria, and Marie. Their contribution to felting is deeply appreciated! We could not have taught over forty students without their help!

Wearing a red-orange t-shirt, Loli is surrounded by some students.

It was a successful day all around.

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.

Recap: The Tullamore Show – 2024

Published on Aug 16, 2024Aug 15, 2024 by Feltmakers Ireland1 Comment

The Tullamore Show 2024, Butterfield Estate, Blueball, Tullamore, Co Offaly

By Guild Member Margaret Ryan Collins

This summer, Sunday, the 11th of August was the date for The Tullamore Show, Ireland’s largest one-day agricultural event. Over 60,000 people attended this year.

This premier Livestock show, which featured the best cattle, sheep, and equine breeders from all over the country, also had about 700 trade stands from agri sectors, Home Industries, Farm produce, etc., to name a few, along with many interested and interesting visitors of all ages.

Feltmakers Ireland was delighted to be afforded a 12 m (approx) stand in the Craft and Needlework Marquee. Here, we displayed a wide variety of quality felted items, large and small. During the day, we demonstrated how felting is achieved, both wet felting and needle felting; we discussed its history, its wonder and magic, its sustainable elements, our wonderfully informative book ‘Exploring Irish Wool For Feltmaking ‘, the guild itself, and many more topics. Visitors got to touch and feel the wool fibre and the completed felt and asked a wonderful variety of questions.

All in all, an interesting and enjoyable day was had, with felting and Feltmakers Ireland well promoted.

Thanks to Elizabeth Redding for organising and leading the group and to Phill at The Tullamore Show for her assistance.

Some of Elizabeth Redding’s photos –

Note: the orange netting was placed before all the Craft and Needlework tables.

A selection of felted art work – including needle and wet felted.
The netting was to protect the work.
More felted art work – Guild member Evija Mezaka in the background.

Some of Margaret Ryan’s photos –

Samples of felted art works.
Guild Members Hélène Dooley, Caitríona, Nolan, and Margaret Ryan Collins
More felted art work.
Ruffled scarves
Organiser Elizabeth Redding with volunteer Hélène Dooley.
Stained Glass Technique – Feltmaking

Some of Sam Fagan’s Photos

Our book, Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking, some bookmarks, and membership brochures.
The floral banner we made for our 20th Anniversary Celebration
More felted art work.
Blue Faced Leicester Sheep at Tullamore
Valais Blacknose Sheep at Tullamore
More Sheep!
Scotch Blackface Sheep
Visitors at Tullamore
Guild members Evija Mezaka and Hélène Dooley
Another angle…

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 hosting the event.

Help: More Committee Members Needed

Published on May 8, 2024May 7, 2024 by Feltmakers Ireland

Dear Members,

We hope this message finds you well and filled with creative inspiration – especially after visiting our fantastic group exhibition – ‘Opposites Attract’ at the Phoenix Park Visitors’ Centre.

As you know, Feltmakers Ireland’s success and vitality rely on the dedication and enthusiasm of its members. Today, we reach out to you with a call for action and invite you to join our esteemed Committee. Three members will be departing from our team. One member is completing her three-year term, while the other two are stepping down due to other commitments. To function well, the guild needs at least eight Committee members.

Why join the Committee, you may ask? Well, Feltmakers Ireland is not just an organisation; it’s a community-driven initiative that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and passion for the art of felting. By becoming a part of our Committee, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the direction of our guild and contribute directly to its growth and success.

What does being a Committee member entail? It’s about lending your skills, time, and expertise to support our various initiatives, from monthly meetings to Sunday Sessions, workshops, exhibitions, and our participation in events like Bloom, August Craft Month, and the Tullamore Show.

Roles within the Committee include chair, treasurer, membership secretary, meeting secretary, programming director, marketing person, and more, each playing a crucial part in the smooth operation of our volunteer organisation.

But fear not if you’re hesitant about taking on a specific role immediately. We believe in fostering growth and learning within our community. That’s why we offer the opportunity to shadow and gradually ease into responsibilities, ensuring that you feel confident and empowered every step of the way.

Your contribution matters. Whether you’ve been with us for years or recently joined our guild, your unique perspective and energy can make a difference. Together, we can continue to create memorable experiences, foster creativity, and promote the art of felting across Ireland and beyond.

If you feel called to be a part of something greater and believe in the power of collaboration and creativity, then we invite you to take the next step. Reach out to us at committeefeltmakersireland@gmail.com to express your interest or ask any questions you may have. We are flexible if you are unable to start this month.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve and strengthen our vibrant guild. We look forward to welcoming you to the Committee and embarking on this exciting journey together!

Warm regards,

Your Committee

News: Feltmakers Ireland AGM – Next Sunday

Published on May 5, 2024May 13, 2024 by Feltmakers Ireland

Elizabeth Bonnar, founder and President of Feltmakers Ireland

Photos from last year’s AGM

All members of the Feltmakers Ireland Guild are invited to our AGM which is next Sunday on the 12th of May.

VENUE: CIE Sports and Social Club, INCHICORE, Dublin 8, Eircode D08X525
DATE: 12th May 2024
TIME: 10:30 – 12:30

By starting promptly at 10:30 AM, we hope to have the formalities of the meeting completed in good time so we can listen to our Guest Speaker, Malú Colorín, co-founder and co-director of Fibreshed Ireland.

We have decided to continue with our draw for a €250 Bursary to participate in a feltmaking workshop of your choosing. The only caveat is that you write a short report with photos so everyone can enjoy your experience.

We will also have a new activity – a Fibre Swap. If everyone could bring roughly 50g of fibre of any kind in a small opaque bag, we can form a circle and pass your fibre to the right. It will be a little bit of fun with a surprise as well.

Yums

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.

Share One Piece

Lastly, you are welcome to bring along a piece of your own work to display during the AGM. (Please label your piece clearly and securely, and please bring your piece home with you.)

Agenda

Address by Chair, opening of AGM (Deirdre Carroll)
Address by Secretary (Lorna Cady)
Treasurer’s Report (Annika Berglund)
Wool Project Book. (Annika Berglund)
Motions
Vote on adoption of new Code of Conduct and Ethics.
Election of Chairperson and Committee for 2024-25. Election of officers will be held at the June
committee meeting.
Guest Speaker Malú Colorín – co-founder and co-director of Fibreshed Ireland, a
community-supported social enterprise, building networks to craft a regenerative
Irish textile system based on local fibre, local dyes and local labour.
A Bursary Draw for €250 for all paid-up members will take place at the AGM, to be
used to partake on a Felting Course. Afterwards, a short recap article with
photographs would be much appreciated.
Fibre swap of 50 grams in an opaque bag.
Refreshments.

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

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: ‘Opposites Attract’ Update and Countdown with Sneak Peeks

Published on Apr 30, 2024May 7, 2024 by Feltmakers Ireland

Update:

Feltmakers Ireland has recently learned that the Phoenix Park Visitors’ Centre is not open on Mondays or Tuesdays. However, visitors can visit the guild’s exhibition the rest of the week, from Wednesdays through Sundays, from 10 AM until 4 PM.

Our opening ceremony will be at 3 PM on Saturday, the 4th of May. Tom Watts of the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCI) will officially open our exhibition with a brief speech.

Feltmakers Ireland’s annual exhibition, ‘Opposites Attract,’ features 38 pieces from our members. The artworks range from naturalistic landscapes to abstract pieces, from wearables to wall art. Here are seven ‘sneak peeks’ from our members to whet your appetite!