GANS (Guilds, Associations, Networks and societies) welcomed four new members to the board. Annika and Deirdre new reps from Feltmakers Ireland.
Brian Mc Gee said they are organising, Showcase for the RDS 27th Feb 2022 for 4 days.
Sarah Daly gave a presentation on” Creative Spark”, Dundalk, Co. Louth. A facility for artists of all skills facilitating 40 businesses. If anyone is interested in a two or three month residency, they have facilities for print, ceramics and glass fusing.
Frances Crowe from Roscommon was explaining about the International Fibre Festival going ahead 28th April – May 2022.
Maeve Murphy was talking about an international project linked with Turkey. euproject@turkiyetasarimvakfi.org Open call for designers of all disciplines 24/01/2022 deadline.
The National Museum was looking for artists of all disciplines to show an interest in an interactive
News of a collar project : Think it sounds really exciting and I LOVE projects that don’t need more space than my kitchen table.
Link to Application Form below where all the details are explained as well as lovely stories about 2 crafters from the past! Just reading it inspired me to root out a collar my grandmother made in 1925 … probably by oil lamp/candleI also like the suggestion that you can collaborate with another crafter!!!!
As part of the Government’s “Keep Well” campaign, DCCI has developed an online exhibition. Switch off Be creative. Design a Collar, Ruff or Cuffs. Collars, ruffs, cuffs, lunula & torcs are universal forms of adornment that have been worn for generations.
Your entry must be wearable, creative, innovative & contemporary in design, it can be made in any material i.e. silk, wool, linen, paper, wire, metal etc. or combined materials and can be created in any discipline utilising any techniques, be handcrafted or created using digital technologies. Collaborations will be accepted i.e. a glass artist working with a lace maker; a basket maker with a milliner; a metalsmith with a feltmaker… the possibilities are endless. All entries will feature in an online exhibition, on DCCI’s social channels and on www.dcci.ie/learners/keep-well. Collars must be photographed on a plain black background and submitted with the completed application form. Apply here https://www.cognitoforms.com/DesignCraftsCouncilOfIreland1/DesignACollarRuffOrCuffs #KeepWell. gov.ie/healthyireland
Breda Fay here reporting on February GANS Meeting ( Wednesday 17th Feb, via Zoom). I’ve decided that I will do a short report rather than linking you to DCCI page. You can always follow DCCI web page for more info.
Meeting started with condolences being offered on death of David Shaw Smith – not sure how many of you are as old as I am … but I remember his series of programmes on Telly about crafts in Ireland and actually bought the book HANDS which was published about the series. His work was certainly a catalyst in protecting as well encouraging the native crafts of Ireland. If any of you have memories of it, Hillary @making.ie would love you to pen a few lines.
Congratulations to all the guilds who are participating in “Getting Creative during Covid” Mental Health projects – Feltmakers Ireland are one of the guilds who have received funding for a project “Keep Well and Felt with Us” being organized by Niki Collier (in conjunction with Caoilfionn Murphy O’Hanlon and Liadain de Buitleir). You’ve probably seen it advertised and interest has been amazing …. So much so that instead of a session with each of the feltmakers … there will now be three with each. Good luck Niki. I got my pack today!
There were a number of presentations which all emphasized that despite all the difficulties of isolation, it is really important for each guild to maintain our presence. Many are doing projects which encourage members to work at home with a particular focus…. maybe putting all the pieces together to form one collaborative piece, some are organizing online exhibitions….. Presentations this morning:
Showcase Ireland’s first virtual event
The Glass Society of Ireland on it newly published book (only 5 left)
The Irish Guild of Embroiderers on their recently published (and still available) book “Twenty Twenty”. The cover design is by Colleen Prenderville (known to many of us)
Borris Lace Group’s partnership with South Armagh Lace Collective in “Laces Across the Borders”
Some things you might be interested in:
The Quilters Guild of Ireland are looking for 10 inch submissions from members/non-members on the theme HOME for quilts (they’re planning 10) which will be sold/auctioned to support women’s shelters (quiltersguildireland.com)
DCCI are going to make a callout for COLLARS for an online exhibition – watch this space!
Society of Cork Potters are calling out for items themed “ON HOME GROUND” for an exhibition which will be run in conjunctions with A Taste of West Cork in September (www.corkpotters.com)
Any members down around the Cork area, watch out for Bench Space, an organisation that is making an equipped workshop available for crafts people. Currently it has mainly woodworking tools but hope soon to have equipment for textile, iron, glass work
SO JUST TO SIGN OFF FOR NOW FOLKS
I think it is really important that there be a FELTMAKING presence in the August Craft Month Project. Let’s use it as a way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of DCCI AND we might be in the park again by then! Think small but maybe collaboratively??? Get back to me with ideas and offers of help!!!
I’m really missing our Sunday Sessions. Have done a few online courses – see previous blog of recommendations by Annika. It was great to see so many participating in Feltmakers Ireland first online course with Gabi McGrath – hugely successful, nationally and internationally. I’m not sure if there are spaces on Niki’s course. You might have some ideas for online activities or courses????? Let us know hellofeltmakersireland@gmail.com
Also keep in mind our draw for paid up members which will take place beginning of March.
Workshops are being offered by 3 experienced Feltmakers- made possible by funding received from DCCI under the keep well initiative.
Classes will be taught by Caoilfionn Murphy O’Hanlon, Niki Collier &Liadain De Buitlear
Have you tried the Stained Glass technique in felting? Join your tutors for three online classes to try felting, spark your passion for fibres and discover a fun technique for making colourful pictures in felt.
All materials included.
This project was made possible with funding from DCCI under the Keep Well initiative. See details here:
28th Feb 11am -12 noon Making a Felt Picture with Caóilfíonn Murphy O’Hanlon
7th Mar 11am – 12 noon Patchwork Felt Niki Collier
14th Mar 11am – 12 noon Making a Stained Glass Finish on a Felt Picture Liadain de Buitlear
After the workshops you will be able to submit your piece for an exhibition called Evie and Us. Deadline for submission 1 st September. Exhibition will launch 1 st October 2021.
Breda Fay here – the money minder – an easy job in the present climate as we have no expenses.
I attended monthly meet of GANS this lunchtime. Usually I just send a link to GANS but decided today to be more personal and share some news that might be of interest to you. Some of it has time constraints so if you’re interested link to relevant sites quickly.
The POSTAGE SCHEME is going very well – €4.95 (inc VAT) for labels from An Post. The first consignment is almost gone so get your orders in quickly – A second consignment planned for before Christmas- this is a scheme for Guilds that can apply for postage rates from anpost.
The Irish Business Design Challenge has been receiving lots of applications (final date 28th October). Many of the 250+ applications are still in draft form so you still have time. It’s aimed at micro, small and medium businesses with a prize fund of €50,000. Check out the website as it might be of interest to many of our members: https://www.dcci.ie/irish-business-design-challenge
Business to Arts Fund is another scheme that might interest some of you. Will bring up an application of behalf of Feltmakers Ireland at next committee meeting. But some members might like to make their own submission for funding. Closing date is November 4th at 5pm and the project must take place between February and December 2021. Consult website for more details: https://www.businesstoarts.ie/artsfund/bank-of-ireland/
Phase 1 of “MADE LOCAL” has been a great success – with very positive reports from artists and makers. Phase 2 is to be launched in early November – the theme “Gifting for Christmas” will be in time for the Christmas market. Brian Magee (DCCI) urges all makers to register. The form is available on DCCI site or you can contact Brian at brian@dcci.ie. This campaign offers great support to makers with a wide range of publicity on radio, Nationwide on TV, social media, etc: https://www.dcci.ie/made-local
For the first time ever (or in a very long time) DCCI are putting out an open call to makers who create pieces of exceptional merit. I went to make coffee while this was being talked about – so will be in touch with Mary Whelan for relevant information!
Many of the Guilds and Societies are in the same boat as ourselves. There was particular concern about the absence of the RDS Christmas Fair. BUT there might be some good news, covid conscious of course –
Report by Breda Fay- GANS rep (edited by Tamzen Lundy)
GANS & CIFD collaboration
Since the beginning of April, some members from Felt makers Ireland have been working with designers from the fashion world on a collaborative project linking craft persons and designers.
Today – August 29th– was the culmination of our work, when our projects were modeled as part of the CIFD Fashion Show/ Media Day. The fashion show itself was amazing and one could only be inspired by the address and commentary of Eddie Shanahan, chair of CIFD, a truly enthusiastic and inspiring speaker.
For the last few months, Carmen Garcia, Niki Collier and Breda Fay have been engaging with our partner designers from the council of Irish fashion design. We had been randomly matched to “accentuate learning and ensure innovative engagement”.
I worked with Michelle Kearns, a milliner from Tuam.
Breda Fay/ Michelle Kearns
Breda Fay/ Michelle Kearns
Breda Fay/ Michelle Kearns
Breda Fay/ Michelle Kearns
Michelle and I shared stories of our likes and dislikes, dreams and history to come up with a theme for the design. We also discussed different textures and shades of felt. Samples and photographs went back and forth until we finally decided on a very fine and feathery black Merino and Silk with embellishments of cerise Tussah silk that Michelle would incorporate into a wire structure. The finished work would illustrate overcoming adversity (thick and gnarled branches) growing into more open structure with birds and blooms of hope and resilience.
In all, 15 pairs brought their projects to completion and the resulting hats, baskets, dresses, scarves, etc were amazing. The crafts of calligraphy, metal smith, lace making, felt making, basket making, crochet, textile art and embroidery were all represented.
GANS & CIFD collaboration
This is the second year of the collaboration and I would urge members to watch the GANS page of the website and read the blog posts for notice of next year’s event, when we will once again advertise this opportunity. For those that managed to get along this year and became involved it was certainly and enriching and lasting experience.
The below was received from the Council of Irish Fashion Designers
Ladies & Gentlemen,
On behalf of all of us in CIFD I wish to express our gratitude to you for the skill, inspiration, dedication and creativity you brought to our collaboration project.
It is not often that one of Ireland’s most eminent journalists declares an event as ‘Triumphant and emotional’ – but those were her first words at the end of our presentation on Thursday.
My colleagues and I have enjoyed the process, our respect and admiration for your skills is difficult to put into words. Design and Craft came together last week in an engaging evocation of Irish culture, proving beyond doubt that our heritage crafts can be extremely engaging in a contemporary context.
I hope you too enjoyed the project and the presentation.
I know Mary has exciting plans to give the work further exposure and I will also be seeking extra opportunities in the coming months.
We can expect some newspaper and magazine publicity in the coming weeks. In the meantime I am sending you a hi res image of your contribution by WeTranfer. I hope to have some video clips of the pieces in the next short while and will also forward those in due course.
I look forward to the possibility of working with you again in the near future.
Feltmakers Ireland is a member of DCCoI. We try to forward on to our members events that may be of interest. See the links below for booking for 11th June AGM and seminar of DCCoI.
Join us on June 11th at the National Museum of Ireland for the ‘Creative Livelihoods’ – The Value of Craft in Communities seminar. We have an exciting line-up of speakers that will highlight the value and
opportunities of living and working in rural regions while connecting to a global marketplace. Highlights include Lorna McAuley from the Harris Tweed Authority who will bring us on a journey that maps the
highs and lows of the Harris Tweed industry and what it means to the Isle of Harris. Colin McCallion of eBay will share insights on the potential for online trade and eBays role in opening
the global market place for craft and Chupi Sweetman will share how she grew her brand to operate in 64 countries around the world.
Further to our (Felt makers Ireland) submission to Heritage Ireland 2030, an Information Session will be held in Dublin Castle Printworks (Lower Yard) on the 28 May.
Given the enormous response to the consultation, with over 2,000 submissions received and the limited number of places available at this time, places are limited to one representative per organisation.
However, I (Breda Fay, Feltmakers Ireland GANS- Guilds, Associations, Networks Support– rep) have registered and been allocated an extra ticket. If you wish to attend the consultation information session please email hello@feltmakersireland.com and depending on interest, the 2 places will be allocated.
For anyone unable to attend but interested in the event, please note the event will also be live-streamed, details of which will be announced in coming days on the Department’s website.
Kind regards
The Feltmakers Ireland Committee- on behalf of The Heritage Ireland 2030 Team
Breda Fay new GANS representative from Felt makers Ireland recently attended on March 7th (10am – 4.30PM) a meeting by DCCoI for GANs
(Membership organisations that are associated with the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) include Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies (GANS)
Here is report of the day including information you may find useful including some items you may want to action.
Submissions are currently being invited to Heritage 2030: guilds or individual craftspeople are encouraged to make a submission. The policy apparently has quite a wide remit and deals quite well with heritage in general – buildings, landscapes, etc but it is worrying that there is little mention of Craft, especially traditional crafts. The closing date has been extended to 31st March hoping that there will be a lot more. The remit is quite wide (environment/ buildings/etc.) but has little mention of Craft especially traditional crafts.
Felt makers Ireland members are asked to submit individually to the above- you can do so at the following link:heritageireland2030
There was Discussion on ways to promote and celebrate excellence in Craft and Design – Awards V Distinction; traditional Skill V Creativity; Submission and Refusal; Adjudication – cost and relevance (peers/ other disciplines/ expert); Value of exhibitions in encouraging new involvement V showcase of own craft (commercial value?) Interdisciplinary practice; Value of Dublin = accessibility V Touring exhibition.
The Eurpean Artistic days are set for 7th-10th April. In association with this Felt makers Ireland will hold its usual Sunday Session on Sunday 14th. Helene Dooley will take us through the making of felt with multiple resists. The theme of this year’s European Artistic days is “to promote know how, inherited from yesterday but reinvented today”. Felting which is one of the oldest crafts in society was used to provide the very basics of clothing and shelter, is now emerging as a luxury craft as well as a medium for visual artists.
Dccoi announced the Opening of Tyrone Guthrie Centre Monaghan for 2 Craft residencies- please contact them if interested.
The Council of Irish Fashion & GANS collaboration project was discussed (Anthologies Magazine – blacksmith and fashion) there will be further discussion at meeting (4th April)
Making.ie a new website, the DCCOi have found their magazine was no longer viable – so without this traditional medium to showcase work, it was decided to adapt to the new media of Web page/ Instagram/ twitter. With an Aim to provide a catalogue of craft ideas and initiatives.
We have added this link to our “Community resources “page and we will keep in touch with them in an effort to liaises and promote Felt maker Ireland events.
Ben Elliot from UCD School of Architecture is investigating societies of the past from their material remains: some interesting public seminars. All are Welcome – April 18th 12.00-1300 Barry Raftery Seminar Room Ardmore Annex UCD “CRAFT: HOW TRADITIONAL CRAFTS ARE ABOUT MORE THAN JUST MAKING” benjamin.elliott@ucd.ie this could really apply to felt making and Ben would be interested in talking to members and makers.
NIVAL (National Irish Visual Arts Library) – Renata Pekowska any archival material – pictures/ catalogues/ advertisement/ photos/ your own items of craft and their stories – new premises in NCAD by summer.
Feltmakers Ireland has been lucky to receive funding from DCCoI. With this funding we were able to host a Masterclass in September 2017 with interior architects and felt designers Claudio Varone and Anneke Copier in Farmleigh, Phoenix Park.
We look forward to continued association with the Design Crafts Council.
Hi All,
Feltmakers Ireland 