Doris graciously permitted us to randomly select another individual to receive this additional benefit of guild membership. Adrienne Dempsey is the lucky winner!
Cannot wait to see what class Adrienne takes with her award!
Fibre Swap
All members were asked to bring a 50-gram, opaque bag of fibre/fabric/embellishments, which would then be ‘swapped’ by passing to the person to the right.
Member Sam Fagan received a cool mix of Bershaf batts and woven ribbons.
The result of Sam’s Fibre Swap
Member Exhibition
Each member was asked to bring a piece of felted artwork to display as part of the AGM. This informal exhibition filled a table and beyond!
Pardon if the photos are slightly ‘off-colour’; the combination of natural light from the windows and indoor electric lights makes everything look ‘buttery’.
Group sharing – Bowl by Suzanne Phelan, Booties by Irina Lampova, Tall Vessel by Deirdre Carroll.
Bowl in foreground by Suzanne Phelan, Booties by Irina Lampadova, Tall Vessel by Deirdre Carroll…
Eva Salamon @feltedvision
Fiona Leech – @feltathome
Tamzen Lundy @tamzenlundydesigns
Tamzen Lundy @ @tamzenlundydesigns
Elizabeth Redding
Marie Dunne
Lorna Cady
Adrienne Dempsey
Loli Cox
Loli Cox – Full Irish Breakfast
Loli Cox
Helena McGuinness
Patricia Conroy
Unknown artist – if you know, please contact us.
Conclusion
A huge thank you to all the members who contributed to the success of Feltmakers Ireland’s 2024 AGM! Your active involvement and support were instrumental in making it a great event.
Here’s to another year of collaboration and creativity!
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.
Chairperson Deirdre Carroll speaking about the Guild’s achievements.
As so MUCH happened at our recent AGM, this will be a two-part blog post! Here is the first one.
On Sunday, the 12th of May, Feltmakers Ireland marked a significant milestone, celebrating its 21st year as an organisation. Twenty-seven members attended this AGM in person, with an additional five joining via Zoom link. Our founder, President Elizabeth Bonnar, was also in attendance.
First, Deirdre Carroll, our Chairperson, went over the Guild’s many accomplishments for the past year, which included the following activities and events:
Our AGM celebrating our 20th Anniversary of founding by our president, Elizabeth Bonnar,
Creating a Floral Banner to celebrate our 20th.
Publishing our long-researched book, ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’,
Sharing our love of feltmaking at public events such as Bloom, the Tullamore Show and Dublin Maker,
Hosting an Open Day as part of August Craft Month/Heritage Week Ireland.
Our month-long exhibition in October 20203 of ‘Bountiful’ at the Phoenix Park Visitors’ Centre gallery, which was opened by Minister Pippa Hackett.
Several hands-on events, including Sharon Well’s needle felting a winter scene, Deirdre Crofts’ felting elf booties, Annika Berglund’s Fine Felt, and Juliane Gorman’s Nunofelted cowl.
In the past year, our Sunday Sessions also included learning about the feltmaking journeys of members Elaine Peden and Claire Merry.
Next, Lorna Cady, our Secretary, went over the Guild’s upcoming events, which include the following:
Our exhibition at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Galery, which runs until the 26th of May,
Demonstrating feltmaking on the 31st of May and the 1st of June at Bloom,
Guild member Maria McGarry sharing her feltmaking journey at our June Sunday Session,
A booth at the Tullamore Show on the 11th of August,
Our Open Day as part of August Craft Month/Heritage Ireland,
Our workshop in October with international tutor Judit Pocs.
Annika Berglund, our Treasurer, presented a comprehensive report on the guild’s finances, reassuring us that all is well in that department. This is a testament to our members’ continued support and our prudent financial management.
Then, Annika detailed the finances related to our book, Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking, which we published last year. We continue receiving orders for the book and will soon cover our publishing expenses.
Chair Deirdre Carroll spoke about the new Code of Conduct and Ethics, which the members voted to approve.
Appreciations
Then, Annika recognised the much-appreciated work of the three committee members who are stepping down:
Membership secretary Fiona Leech for serving us so well AND keeping us in cuppas and cakes,
Marian Fagan for bringing her knowledge and resources,
and lastly, Valerie Nowak o’ceallaigh, who had only recently stepped in, for her enthusiasm.
Three guild members, Suzanne Phelan, Sam Fagan, and Loli Cox, have offered to serve on the committee. We are so very appreciative of these members for putting themselves forward. We will have confirmations at the next committee session in June.
Guest Speaker
One of the highlights of our AGM was our guest speaker, Malú Colorín, co-founder of Fibreshed Ireland and owner of Talu Earth. She shared her journey working with textiles and colour and the projects that she has been involved in.
Malú Colorín with a slide showing her contribution to the Galway Wool Co-op’s Meitheal. Photo by Sam Fagan
Fibershed Ireland
Just as a watershed collects its water locally, the Fibershed Movement takes its inspiration from wearing clothing made with locally grown natural fibres, dyed locally and made with local labour. Founded in 2009 in California by Rebecca Burgess, there are now over 65 regional organisations worldwide. Fibreshed Ireland seeks to create collaborations and links between farmers and designers throughout Ireland. Their website has an interactive map showing the farmers, processors, designers, and makers who are part of Ireland’s fibre network. You can find the map HERE – https://fibreshedireland.ie/projects/fibre-networks-map/
Map showing locations of designers, makers, farmers, and processors throughout all of Ireland.
Malú spoke about Fibreshed Ireland’s achievements and goals; one of the latter is that the organisation wants to have a verification system for farms that use environmentally regenerative methods in the next five years.
Additionally, she shared her warm humour and practical wisdom that making needs to be an iterative process and that “Perfect is the Enemy of Good”.
The above slide struck a chord with several members who have also faced the challenges of creating a business with feltmaking, which, like most textile-making, is not a speedy technique. We tend to feel like we need to work faster or more efficiently, but as she says, “We Need to Change the Model”.
Malú also shared information about her business, Talú Earth, which has a lovely motto – ‘From Seed to Second Skin’. Via Talú Earth, she offers a natural dyeing service, sells naturally dyed wearables, and teaches workshops in person. An upcoming one is ‘Flavours, Stories and Colour’, which is happening soon – on the 23rd of May. Click here for more information – https://www.fonditamestiza.com/dyeworkshop
Additionally, she is organising the ‘Archipelago Festival of Colour’ in Antrim, on the 27th and 28th of July. It will be “An immersive weekend celebration of all things natural colour! This intimate festival is the first of its kind in Ireland and the UK, dedicated entirely to natural dyes, pigments, and inks, honouring the Land that provides them.”
Samples of her Work
Samples from her Dye Notebooks
Cochineal Samples
Naturally Dyed Yarns
Large Naturally Dyed Sample Cards
As you can see from the photographs above, a wide range of colours are available via natural dyeing.
A warm thank you to Malú Colorín for being such an inspiring guest speaker at our AGM 2024. Also, a special thank you to the committee for all of its work in setting up the AGM.
Part two of this two-part recap will be tomorrow.
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.
Feltmakers Ireland’s art exhibition at the Phoenix Park Visitors’ Centre is curated around the ‘Opposites Attract’ theme this year. In the gallery, you can read about each piece’s inspiration. For those who cannot make it to the show, here are the inspiration and photographs of some more of our members’ artwork.
Astrid Tomrop-Hofmann
Astrid Tomrop-Hofmann – ‘Roulette’
The inspiration for the vessel ‘Roulette’ comes from the overthrow of nature with its diversity.
Light, Movement, Smells and Sounds play a major role in the development and implementation of my ideas!
There is so much to see and explore; you just have to look out for it. Enjoy discovering my vessels!
Breda Fay
Breda Fay – ‘Attraction isn’t always black and white’
I liked the balance of black and white. The magnetism was added after playing a game with my grandson. Does it attract/repel?
Lory Cotti Cottini
Lory Cotti Cottini – ‘Shades of Light Dark’
Separation/Union, Fragments/Whole form, in between Emotions and Shades, create my artistic works.
Neasa Ryan
Neasa Ryan -‘Moondance’
For ‘Moondance’, dark alien-like figures/faces sprung to mind, however as the piece evolved, with the addition of curved stems slightly revealing the dark colour underneath, I felt it provided a slightly softer feel to the piece, and it reminded me of gaunt alien type flowers or emaciated alien forms. Either way, with the cloudy white background, the Van Morrison song ‘Moondance’ sprung to mind, and I felt it was an apt name for the piece. In such an inhospitable environment, devoid of life as we know it, what could be more opposite (yet attractive) than flowers on the moon or flowers /alien forms dancing harmoniously on the moonscape for that matter?
Ramona Farrelly
Ramona Farrelly – ‘Ebb and flow’
‘Ebb and flow’ is a childhood memory of climbing in and around the rock pools at various beaches I spent my summers with my cousins on the east coast shores of Dublin and Wicklow. The creatures living on these rocks and in these pools fascinated me. Half in water, half out, the water changes their environment and how they look. The limpets clinging tightly to the rocks, as well as the sea urchins, took up lots of my childhood curiosity.
Ursula Heiting-Wiese
Ursula Heiting-Wiese – ‘Salt and Pepper Scarf’
The combination of soft silk and (considerably) rough wool that transforms into something completely new with Nuno felting is the perfect interpretation of the theme for me. To emphasise the opposites further, I chose black and white and open and closed parts with a ‘holey’ scarf.
We hope that you enjoyed learning about what inspires these artists. This series on the exhibition will continue over the coming weeks. ‘Opposites Attract’ is at the Phoenix Park Visitors Centre until the 26th of May.
The gallery is open from 10 AM until 4 PM daily.
Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog
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.
This Fibre Swap example was created by Jane Fox for a Dublin-based International Feltmakers Association meeting in March.
AGM
All members of the Feltmakers Ireland Guild are invited to our AGM this Sunday, 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, embellishments, fabric, etcetera, 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. Member Jane Fox made the lovely example in today’s post for a Fibre Swap, which was part of an International Feltmakers Association (IFA) meeting in Dublin in March.
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 a piece of your 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 in 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
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.
Feltmakers Ireland chooses a theme for each of our annual exhibitions. Last year’s theme was ‘Bountiful’, and the year before, it was ‘Building Bridges’. This year’s theme is ‘Opposites Attract’.
Having a theme can be both inspiring or constraining, depending upon the individual artist. Sometimes, both emotions are experienced within a member as she works through the feltmaking process!
In today’s blog post, we share six of our members’ pieces and how they interpreted ‘Opposites Attract’.
Sandra Reynolds
Sandra Reynolds – ‘Midnight Mood’
My piece is inspired by the forces of the moon and its effects on nature. The opposites of light and dark, the power of electricity, and the magnetic forces surrounding us.
Sandra Coote
Sandra Coote – ‘Nature’s Duet’
2024, the year it rained continuously, but on occasion, the sun peeped through to produce the most magnificent of rainbows. ‘Nature’s Duet’ brightly represents this occurrence when the opposites of our weather come together harmoniously to create a spectacular spectrum of colour.
Patricia Conroy
Patricia Conroy – ‘Doolin sunset’
This piece is inspired by a sunset in Doolin in April 2024. It depicts the beauty that dark and bright can create. The hills are black, but as a result the beauty of nature’s contrasts can be experienced.
Nature provides us with opposites that attract and that go together to create the beauty we see every day.
Hélène Dooley
Hélène Dooley – ‘Hiking in the foothills of Mount Cook, NZ’
Nature is truly magnificent and packed with contradictions!
While hiking in the foothills of Mount Cook, NZ, the clouds disappeared, and we were treated to the most stunning and, according to locals, a rare view of the mountain. There were so many opposing elements: the light and dark of the mountain range, our presence in a lush and colourful terrain against a stark mountain backdrop, the permanence of this young mountain range compared to the transience of the flora surrounding us, the differing temperatures which were governed by height. Fragility surrounded us, yet there was a certain reassurance that the mountain would prevail in spite of humanity’s destructive decisions.
Maria McGarry
Maria McGarry – ‘Winter Solstice, Newgrange’
On the 21st of December 2023, as the dawn broke in Newgrange, we witnessed dazzling rainbow clouds, and I could see a dove form through the clouds. Spiritually, it reflected our silent collective prayer for peace in the world. (ethereal opposite to earthly).
Audrey Murray
Audrey Murray – ‘Tree of Life’
‘The Tree of Life’ symbolises the connection between heaven and earth, body and mind, and the physical and spiritual. The angel represents a messenger between heaven and earth and the addition of the cherry blossom flowers continues the theme of connecting birth, death and rebirth.
We hope that you enjoyed learning about what inspires these artists. This series will continue over the coming weeks. ‘Opposites Attract’ is at the Phoenix Park Visitors Centre. The gallery is open from 10 AM until 4 PM daily.
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.
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!
On Saturday, the 4th of May, Feltmakers Ireland opened their group art exhibition, ‘Opposites Attract,’ at the Phonix Park Visitors’ Centre. Friends, family, and other supporters kindly came to cheer us on!
A Few Photos from the Gallery
Above photos by Fiona Leech
Tom Watts from the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland (the DCCI) inaugurated our opening by speaking about the importance of wool as a sustainable material and how craft and design are interwoven. He added that he was impressed with the qualities, techniques, and ideas of the exhibited pieces.
Tom Watts spoke at the opening.
Interestingly, he wore a pair of vintage Nike Air Footscape Woven Trainers that contained felt!
Members Alongside Their Work
Our trusty photographer was busy chatting with other members, so she only managed to snap some of our members alongside their work.
The Phoenix Park Visitors’ Centre Gallery is open seven days a week, from 10 AM to 4 PM. If you stop by, be sure to chat with and see what one of our members is working on.
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.
Elizabeth Bonnar, founder and President of Feltmakers IrelandMembers 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
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
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.
Feltmakers Ireland’s group exhibition, ‘Opposites Attract,’ opens today at 3 PM. Tom Watts of the Design and Craft Council of Ireland (DCCI) will inaugurate our exhibition.
Here are the last of the sneak peeks: Sandra Reynolds, Helena Mc Guinness, Sandra Coote, Valerie Nowak-oceallaigh, Patricia Conroy, Hélène Dooley, and Juliane Gorman.
Sandra Reynolds
Helena Mc Guinness
Sandra Coote
Valerie Nowak-oceallaigh
Patricia Conroy
Hélène Dooley
Juliane Gorman
Thank you for accompanying us on this Sneak Peek Journey. Learning about our members and their inspirations has been a fascinating part of organising this exhibition! We cannot wait to share more artwork during the show’s run from May 5th to 26th.
Remember: The Phoenix Park Visitors’ Centre is shut on Mondays and Tuesdays. However, the lovely cafe across the way is open.
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.
Are you getting excited? Only TWO more days until Saturday – the day Feltmakers Ireland’s group exhibition, ‘Opposites Attract’ opens!
Here are sneak peeks of the following members’ artwork: Ramona Farrelly, Margaret Ryan Collins, Lory Cotti Cottini, Fiona Leech, Karena Ryan, Claire Merry, Caoimhe Tuthill, and Catríona Nolan.
Ramona Farrelly
Margaret Ryan Collins
Lory Cotti Cottini
Fiona Leech
Karena Ryan
Claire Merry
Caoimhe Tuthill
Caitriona Nolan
More images to share tomorrow!
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.
Feltmakers Ireland 