Tag: Feltmakers Ireland

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

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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

Elizabeth with students.
Deirdre with students.
Annika demonstrating Irish wool.
Maria teaching students.

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

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: The Tullamore Show – 2024

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Photograph by Elizabeth Redding

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

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 hosting the event.

Help: More Committee Members Needed

Published on 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 by Feltmakers Ireland
Elizabeth Bonnar, founder and President of Feltmakers Ireland
Members near and online at AGM 2023.
Examples of Elizabeth’s work.

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

  1. Address by Chair, opening of AGM (Deirdre Carroll)
  2. Address by Secretary (Lorna Cady)
  3. Treasurer’s Report (Annika Berglund)
  4. Wool Project Book. (Annika Berglund)
  5. Motions
  6. Vote on adoption of new Code of Conduct and Ethics.
  7. Election of Chairperson and Committee for 2024-25. Election of officers will be held at the June
    committee meeting.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Fibre swap of 50 grams in an opaque bag.
  11. 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

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: ‘Opposites Attract’ Update and Countdown with Sneak Peeks

Published on 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!

Sneak Peeks:

  • Irina Lampadova
  • Ursula Heiting-Wiese
  • Neasa Ryan
  • Breda Fay
  • Bernie Hennessy
  • Audrey Murray
  • Astrid Tomrop-Hofmann

We will share glimpses of other members’ artworks tomorrow! Only four more days until Saturday!

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: New Instagram Name for Feltmakers Ireland

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Feltmakers Ireland has a new name on Instagram – @feltmakers_ireland

Long story short, from now on, please follow us under our new account. Tell your friends and family!

The content will be the same felt and textile related events that we share on our blog and Facebook account.

With this NEW account, we will now be able to read and respond to direct messages. Additionally, when there is time, we will be able to re-share guild members’ posts.

Find us at – https://www.instagram.com/feltmakers_ireland

Needed: Members with Craft Fairs, Exhibitions, Teaching, and Other News

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Feltmakers Ireland is interested in sharing members’ news, whether this is about upcoming craft fairs, exhibitions, teaching, grants, awards, or other fibre-related information of interest to our community. We are also interested in hearing about felt and textile-related travels!

We will continue to share items of interest by organisations and individuals outside our Guild.

If you are not a member of Feltmakers Ireland, please consider joining –https://feltmakersireland.com/membership-application/

Please include the Who, What, and Where of your event, your contact details, and your location in Ireland. Instagram has a 2,200-character limit, so please also keep this in mind. If there is a website, include the link. Lastly, a square-shaped image would be most welcome!

Email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com

With appreciation,

The Editors

News: Feltmakers Ireland Celebrates 20th Anniversary, Honouring the Art of Felting

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

[Dublin, IRELAND, 5th of September, 2023]

Feltmakers Ireland, an organisation dedicated to promoting and fostering the art of felting, proudly announces its 20th anniversary. Founded by President Elizabeth Bonnar in response to the growing interest in felting wool fibre in Ireland, the organisation has become a vibrant community that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and skill levels.

Since its inception, Feltmakers Ireland has played a pivotal role in bringing together wet felters, needle felters, professional feltmakers, hobbyists, and anyone interested in wool, fleece, or felt. The organisation serves as a hub for education, collaboration, and the celebration of this ancient craft.

Elizabeth Bonnar, the visionary behind Feltmakers Ireland, recognised the need to establish a platform for Irish felting enthusiasts inspired by similar organisations in countries like the UK. With a deep appreciation for the rich tradition of felting, she created a space where individuals could unite, share their knowledge, and preserve this remarkable heritage.

Over the past two decades, Feltmakers Ireland has grown into a thriving community of passionate enthusiasts, artisans, and artists. The organisation offers workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions, and social events that foster creativity, skill development, and meaningful connections among members. Through its diverse range of activities, Feltmakers Ireland encourages the exploration of various felting techniques and pushes the boundaries of this versatile art form.

To mark this significant milestone, Feltmakers Ireland has planned an exciting calendar of events throughout the year. At the beginning of the year, we had our annual ‘Basics & Beyond Class’ for members to learn a new felting technique. Recently, we published a book project spearheaded by member Annika Berglund. Titled ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’, the book sheds light on the underutilised resource of Irish wool, and how one can create with it. On the 10th of September, members will join our monthly Sunday Session to create flowers for a Collaborative Floral Tapestry. This hanging will form a centrepiece for our celebratory 20th anniversary exhibition in October 2023. Here, members and the public alike can look forward to an engaging exhibition, ‘Bountiful’ in the Phoenix Park Visitor’s Centre, showcasing the remarkable talent within the felting community. For many years we have offered workshops and masterclasses led by renowned artists to provide valuable learning opportunities, inspiring beginners and experienced feltmakers to expand their skills and knowledge.

Feltmakers Ireland invites everyone interested in felting to join in celebrating its 20th anniversary. Whether you are a seasoned feltmaker or someone new to the craft, the organisation welcomes you to explore the world of felting and discover the joys of working with wool, fleece, and felt.

Please visit our website for more information about Feltmakers Ireland and its 20th-anniversary events. https://feltmakersireland.com

About Feltmakers Ireland: Feltmakers Ireland is a vibrant organisation dedicated to promoting the art of felting in Ireland. Established in 2003 by Elizabeth Bonnar, the organisation brings together wet felters, needle felters, professional feltmakers, hobbyists, and anyone interested in wool, fleece, or felt. Feltmakers Ireland fosters creativity, education, and community among its members through workshops, exhibitions, and social events.

News: Feltmakers Ireland at Tullamore Show

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland2 Comments

Volunteers from Feltmakers Ireland will be at the Craft Tent of the Tullamore Show on Sunday, the 13th of August, between 12 to 6 PM.

We will demonstrate the magic of feltmaking and have a display of our felted creations. Come by and say, ‘Hello’!

For more information about the show, visit the website – https://www.tullamoreshow.com/