Tag: Guild

Reminder: Last Day to Apply to ‘Water and Flow’ – Before Midnight

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Promotional poster for Feltmakers Ireland's exhibition submission, featuring details about the event at Phoenix Park Visitors Centre in April 2026. The theme is 'Water & Flow' with a submission deadline tonight at midnight.

Today is the last day to apply to Feltmakers Ireland’s upcoming group exhibition, ‘Water and Flow’.

It might be a slightly cloudy or rainy day in Ireland – no surprise, there! However, if you have been waiting for ‘The Best Day’ to photograph your piece, do not worry: We do not need perfect photographs. Instead, we need your submissions. So, please, please apply.

If, in the event, the online form gives you trouble uploading your images (as it may get ‘overstuffed’), please email photos to committeefeltmakersireland@gmail.com

The deadline is Friday, the 20th of March, at midnight – today!

Here’s the link to where and how to apply: https://feltmakersireland.com/exhibition-application-2026-water-and-flow/

Naturally, we thank all of the members who have already applied! It’s going to be a fantastic show!

Our opening is Saturday, the 4th of April at 3 PM. Hope to see you there.


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.

Of Interest: Feltmakers Ireland West Meetup– Co Galway – THIS Sunday

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Colourful felted Easter eggs with a blue egg open to reveal a yellow chick inside. Text promotes a needle felting event.

Feltmakers Ireland West‘s next Sunday Session is THIS SUNDAY, on the 22nd March 2026.

Come along, and Needle Felt a Chick and Egg with Belinda from www.chasingdreamsfeltart.com

Please bring your needle felting kit.

Time: 11 AM

Where: Gort Town Hall, Ballyhugh, Co. Galway, H91 E0C8

For more information about Feltmakers Ireland West, a vibrant addition to our Guild, visit the website – https://feltmakersireland-west.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 content-related questions, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Recap - Sunday Session

Recap: Upcycling with Needle Felt – March Sunday Session – with Loli Cox

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
A woman stands in a well-lit room, engaged in conversation while wearing a cream-coloured sweater with floral designs at the hem. Various craft materials are laid out on tables nearby, including felt and sponges, and a gas canister is visible in the background.
Loli describes the many ways one can needle felt on garments.

On Sunday, the 8th of March, a small but committed group of Feltmakers Ireland members gathered together to upcycle with needle felt. Some brought hats, others brought berets, and others brought old jumpers. Committee member Loli Cox led us in this session.

Anything can be needle-felted

The members created a lovely range of needle-felted decorations, including flowers, sheep, and shamrocks. Adrienne had kindly brought along a selection of water-soluble templates that members could use on their pieces, if they so desired.

Some examples of the work created

An older woman with glasses holds a beige sweater featuring a purple trim and a decorative motif on the front.
Sandra holds up her jumper on which she has needle felted stripes and a circle.
A person is working on a felted wool project, sewing a green leaf design onto a dark wool garment. Various coloured wool fibres are scattered on the table.
Siobhan made a shamrock using multicoloured green roving.
A green fabric with a felted leaf patch being sewn onto it using a needle.
Mairead used a water-soluble template that Adrienne had brought to the session.
A black beanie hat with felted flowers in orange, yellow, and red, placed on a table with colourful wool fibres, a blue foam block, a coffee cup, and a smartphone.
Marie made a bouquet of flowers on her hat.
A close-up of a person holding a bright green felt hat with floral embroidery, sitting at a table with crafting materials nearby.
Helena needlefelted several berets. This one has blossoms.
A green woollen garment with a felted sheep motif on it, placed atop a grey foam block, set against a wooden floor with a chair in the background.
Margaret adorned a jumper with a classic sheep. The water soluble template was provided by Adrienne.

In preparation for the Session, Loli created a lovely floral garden (with a bee!) on her jumper. She can be seen standing in front of the CIE Social Club in Inchicore, where we meet.

Woman standing outdoors wearing a cream sweater with colourful floral embroidery, partially opened jacket with a shiny gold interior.

Many thanks to Loli for leading us in this session, and to Sam Fagan, who helped in preparing so many needle-felted samples to inspire us for this Sunday’s session.

Our next Sunday Session, on the 12th of April, will focus on using printed transfers for needle felting. Committee member Adrienne Dempsey will lead us.

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.

Sunday Session

This Sunday: Upcycle an Old Wool Garment, an Accessory or Jeans with Needlefelt

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
A workshop advertisement for 'Upcycling + Needlefelt' featuring a grey garment with flower and carrot felt designs, cookie cutters displayed on a wooden surface, and event details for Feltmakers Ireland, scheduled for 8th March.

For March’s Sunday Session, Loli Cox and Sam Fagan will lead us in Upcycling old garments with Needle-Felted decorations.

Please bring an old wool jumper, scarf, hat or pair of jeans that you can ‘renovate’ with needle felt. If you have a set of metal cookie cutters, please bring them along!

You will also need to bring your Needle Felting Kit, although we will try to have some extra felting needles on hand. We will also have our first aid kit on hand – just in case!

In addition to decorating, we will demonstrate how to mend holes using needle felting = Practical Crafting Fun!

A light grey sweater adorned with various felted designs, including a carrot, flowers, and animal shapes, alongside metal cookie cutters in the shapes of clothes and a bicycle.
A close-up view of a person's sweater featuring three colourful felt flowers and a small embroidered bee, with the person standing sideways and their hand resting on their hip.
Close-up of a pair of denim jeans with a star and heart made from felt attached to the back pocket.
A metal teddy bear cookie cutter resting on a textured grey fabric.
Close-up of a yellow felt teddy bear patch on a grey knitted fabric.
A close-up of a grey fabric showing felted shapes including a black shoe, a yellow bear, and a metal cookie cutter in the shape of a shoe.

Samples from Loli and Sam

The Details:

When: Sunday, the 8th of March, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

Where: CIE Sports Hall, Library Square, Inchicore, Kilmainham, Dublin, D8

Additional Information:

If you can, please bring a home-baked good to share and a travel mug (to reduce our use of disposable cups).

And, as this is the season of coughs and sneezes, please refrain from coming if you feel unwell. We do have the benefit of technology – there will be access via Zoom. See below.

Zoom Access to the Sunday Session:

We will email a Zoom link to all members for those who wish to attend virtually. Please check your email on Friday afternoon.


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.

Open Call: Reminder to Submit to ‘Water and Flow’ – Feltmakers Ireland Exhibition

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Promotional poster for Feltmakers Ireland's exhibition submission, featuring details about the event at Phoenix Park Visitors Centre in April 2026. The theme is 'Water & Flow', inviting personal interpretations.

We wanted to remind you that Feltmakers Ireland members’ exhibition, ‘Water and Flow’, has a submission deadline of Friday, the 13th of March at MIDNIGHT.

Our annual exhibition will be displayed at the beautiful Phoenix Park Visitors Centre gallery from Friday, the 3rd, through Sunday, the 26th of April. The show launches on Saturday, the 4th, at 3 PM.

To learn more and to submit your application, visit our Exhibition page – https://feltmakersireland.com/exhibition-application-2026-water-and-flow/

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.

Sunday Session

Sunday Session: Upcycle an Old Wool Garment or Accessory with Needlefelting

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
A grey clothing item featuring needlefelted designs: a bunch of orange flowers, a blue flower with a cream centre, and a carrot. Above the images, the text reads 'Upcycling + Needlefelt'. Below, it mentions 'Sunday Session 8th of March' and includes the logo for Feltmakers Ireland.

For this month’s Feltmakers Ireland activity, we will be Upcycling old garments with Needle Felted decorations.

Please bring an old wool jumper, scarf or hat that you can ‘renovate’ with needle felt. In addition to decorating, we will demonstrate how to mend holes using needle felting.

You will also need to bring your Needle Felting Kit, although we will try to have some extra felting needles on hand. We will also have our first aid kit on hand – just in case!

The Details:

When: Sunday, the 8th of March, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

Where: CIE Sports Hall, Library Square, Inchicore, Kilmainham, Dublin, D8

Additional Information:

If you can, please bring a home-baked good to share and a travel mug (to reduce our use of disposable cups).

And, as this is the season of coughs and sneezes, please refrain from coming if you feel unwell. We do have the benefit of technology – there will be access via Zoom. See below.

Zoom Access to the Sunday Session:

We will email a Zoom link to all members for those who wish to attend virtually. Please check your email on Friday afternoon.


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.

Recap: Feltmakers Ireland-West – Needle Felted Hearts Session

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
A hand holding a vibrant pink circular felted piece adorned with colourful pom-poms, showcasing a unique craft project.

On Sunday, the 15th of February, Feltmakers Ireland-West met up for a fun Needle Felted Hearts Session led by Katarina Hruskova of WoolStore Ireland.

Read about the session and see additional photos on the Feltmakers Ireland-West blog – https://feltmakersireland-west.com/blog/

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.

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.

Of Interest: Interactive Wool Crafts – European Wool Day in Tralee

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Promotional poster for 'Interactive Wool Crafts' event, featuring various wool crafts including felting, spinning, weaving, knitting, crochet, and Lumra rug making. Details include the date, time, location at Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee, and an invitation for individuals, families, and groups to attend.

On Saturday, the 28th of March, European Wool Day will take place at the Meadowlands Hotel in Tralee, Co Kerry. In conjunction with the Conference Talks, there is a full day of free interactive demos of woolcrafts from experts all over the country.

Volunteers from Feltmakers Ireland will be part of the Interactive Wool Crafts Room. We will demonstrate needlefelting and host hands-on felting circles for the public. The wool that we will use is Irish-raised and was purchased from Ériu and WoolstoreIE. We are grateful to have received some funding from the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland.

In addition to Feltmakers Ireland, other individuals and groups will be part of the Interactive Wool Crafts room. The list includes several members of Feltmakers Ireland: Karen Bowden (Fabulous Fibres), Lucia Errity, and Emily Thompson.

The lineup, with links to their Instagram:

There will also be a free-to-attend exhibition of artwork from Feltmakers Ireland and two other sister textile organisations:

When: Saturday, the 28th of March, from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Where: Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee, Co Kerry, V92DC83

For more information about European Wool Day, visit their website – https://ewe.network/ewd2026/

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 - Sunday Session

Recap: ‘Heart on Your Sleeve’ – Helena Mc Guinness – February Sunday Session

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
A group of people engaged in a crafting session, with a woman demonstrating a technique at the forefront, surrounded by participants seated at tables with various materials.
Helena Mc Guinness helping a student
A woman in a white sweater working at a table covered with crafting materials, including a brown bowl and pieces of fabric.
Helena demonstrating

On Sunday, the 8th of February, members of Feltmakers Ireland were delighted to have the multitalented artist, storyteller and committee member Helena Mc Guinness show us how to create felted hearts using a combination of wet and needle felting.

A variety of handmade felt decorative items, including colourful stones, a starfish, and a polka-dotted red piece, arranged on a grey table surface. Some items are wrapped in bubble wrap.
Helena’s samples that use the combined technique

Helena shared many interesting tidbits about how one can approach felting. Here are some of our favourites:

  • Thanking the Sheep for their wool
  • Allowing oneself not to think one needs a huge towel or a big setup
  • Using small sponges to wet the felt instead of more expensive tools, such as ball brausers
  • Adding the olive oil soap after wetting allows more control
  • Rubbing more reduces the need to roll
  • Adding a small metal ring by using needle felting instead of stitching

Scroll to the bottom to watch the video of our session.

A plastic container filled with yellow and green sponges, with some sponges stacked and others lying flat.

Students at the Session

A group of women engaged in a crafting workshop, seated around several tables covered with various materials and tools for creating felted items.
A group of people engaged in a craft workshop, focusing on felting techniques. One woman in the foreground gently works with materials on a pink towel, while others are seen in the background, participating actively.
A group of people engaged in a craft workshop, working on felt-making at a long table. Various tools and materials are spread out, including sponges, felting needles, and bowls with mixed media. Participants are focused on their projects, showcasing a collaborative and creative environment.

Completed Hearts

A heart-shaped keyring made from felt, featuring colourful flower designs in purple, pink, and green.
A handmade felt heart in shades of green, featuring a small red heart on one side.
A colourful felted wool heart shape placed on a grey foam pad, with a felting needle beside it.
A decorative felt heart shape embellished with red gemstones along the bottom edge.
A heart-shaped object made of felt, featuring green and orange patterns.
A smiling elderly woman with glasses holding a handmade felt heart with a face, sitting at a crafting table.
A handmade felted heart with an eye design, featuring the text 'I got 4'. The heart is predominantly white with red and black details, displayed on a textured background.
A handmade felt heart keychain with a cream background, featuring red and teal floral patterns.
A felted heart-shaped decoration featuring a colourful abstract design in shades of green, blue, and red.

Heart Photos kindly taken by Adrienne Dempsey

If your heart was not included, or you were working alongside at home via Zoom, please email us a photo of your completed heart. feltmakersIE@gmail.com

A Group Photo

A diverse group of twelve people, mostly women, smiling and posing together in a community centre, each holding colourful handmade crafts, with a banner visible in the background.
A photo of some of the students – taken at the very end of the session. Sorry if we missed everyone.

Biscuits with History

A tin filled with heart-shaped iced shortbread biscuits, accompanied by a handwritten sign explaining their significance linked to St. Valentine.

‘Biscuits with History’ is an ongoing series of baked goods created by committee member Lorna Cady. They are always so fun!

Appreciation

Many thanks to Helena Mc Guinness for leading us in an educational and enjoyable Sunday Session. Thank you to the members who helped set up the room and who assisted in guiding some of our newer felters.

Video

Sunday Session Video

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.