Feltmakers Ireland guild member Jane Fox is participating in Late Night Art Bangor.
She has three pieces on exhibition at Boom Studios and is one of several artists, stallholders, and workshop facilitators showcasing their work as part of Late Night Art Bangor. The launch is today, Thursday, the 30th of July, from 6 – 9 PM.
The Eco Takeover exhibition will launch on Thursday, 30 July, and continues through to Wednesday, the 19th of August.
“The title [of the image of Jane’s artwork] is ‘171 Trillion Pieces’, as this is the estimated amount of plastic that is in the Earth’s seas. I included a Common Gull because, although the name suggests they are found everywhere, they are actually a red-listed species, due to the rapid decline in numbers.” – Jane Fox.
To learn more about Late Night Art Bangor and see the other events happening, visit their website: https://latenightartbangor.com/
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.
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Jane Fox wore her name tag and lots of felted flowers while helping the Guild at Bloom 2025
Feltmakers Ireland’s 2025 Season Opener: Name Tag Wet Felting Workshop
What an incredible start to the 2025 season for Feltmakers Ireland! Our recent wet felting workshop, led by the wonderfully talented Jane Fox, was a resounding success, bringing together over 30 enthusiastic participants for a day of creativity, connection, and craft. On behalf of Feltmakers Ireland, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to Jane for making this event truly unforgettable.
Jane’s worktable with the supplies used to make Name TagsSuch glowing colours of the prefelt from Jane!Prefelt now chopped up to make letters for namesSome sample names on Jane’s worktable
The Name Tag Making Workshop was a perfect blend of skill-building and community spirit, with participants ranging from seasoned felters to those just dipping their toes into the craft. Jane’s expertise, patience, and warm, relatable approach created an inviting atmosphere that resonated with everyone. Her ability to guide each participant, regardless of experience level, ensured that everyone left the session not only with newfound skills but also with a sense of accomplishment and joy.
One of the highlights of the day was the creation of personal name tags, each a unique piece of artwork crafted by the participants themselves.
In the workshop, Jane began by explaining and demonstrating how the name tags would be made using two pieces of prefelt. Each student started with a rectangular piece of white prefelt to act as the base. They then chose from colourful pre-felted wool that Jane had kindly prepared beforehand using her drum carder. On top of this, students could add embellishments such as silk, viscose, or even tiny chopped pieces of prefelt to create a confetti-like effect.
Once the decorative layers were arranged, the pieces were wetted down and lightly felted so the fibres began to intermingle and bond.
Cutting Out Letters
After this stage, the colourful prefelt was gently patted dry, ready for the next step. Students then cut out the letters of their names and arranged them either on the white prefelt or on the coloured felt. These layers were felted together and patted dry once more. Jane brought cut-out paper letters for the students to use, while Elizabeth brought silver-coloured, metal ones from a Meccano set.
The Stained Glass Felting Method
Jane shows the back of an image that has the stained glass felting technique, which outlines the various sections.
To make the letters stand out more clearly, students used the “stained glass felting” technique developed by Niki Collier during COVID-19, which culminated in an international exhibition that was shown at the Pearse Museum in Dublin and Gallery Kabllo, Vienna, in Austria – https://making.ie/stories/felt-stained-glass.
The stained glass method involved needle-felting a narrow black border of Merino roving around each coloured field or letter, which gave the shapes a crisp outline and improved legibility. By the end of the process, each participant had created a unique felted name tag, decorated with colour, texture, and clear lettering.
Jane Shows How to Make Narrow Lines with Wool
Members Using the Stained Glass Technique
These beautiful creations will be used at future Feltmakers Ireland events, serving as both a practical tool and a meaningful memento.
Some of the Almost Done Name Tags
A Couple of Longer Names
Jane had a clever solution to those members who had longer names: On a colourful felted ground, one could ‘write’ one’s name using a needle felting tool and black Merino wool. No cutting out of letters is needed!
A Nifty Needle Felting Kit
A couple of members brought along portable needle felting kits that we admired! A rainbow of wool, tools and even finger guards were included.
Biscuits with History
Each Sunday Session, Lorna creates interesting baked goods that have been eaten in the past. This month, she brought Aberffaw Biscuits. We wonder what she will bake next month?
Biscuits by Lorna – always a tasty and educational feature at our Sunday Sessions. Each session, she makes a different type.
The early feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Jane’s ability to make the workshop both educational and fun. Her passion for wet felting shone through, inspiring everyone to explore their creativity and connect with one another in a warm, supportive environment.
Felting Away
We couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off our Autumn 2025 season!
Our Gratitude
Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped our Sunday Session run so smoothly: Lorna for opening the hall and taking care of all of our caffeine needs, Adrienne for greeting the members, Sam for making sure that the hall was left in excellent condition, and the rest of the committee for ensuring that the day ran so well. Stay tuned for more exciting workshops and events with Feltmakers Ireland, as we continue to celebrate the art of felting and the connections it fosters.
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.
Guild member Jane Fox will lead us in creating our own Name Badges. The photo shows her badge, which she wore to demonstrate at this year’s Bloom. It is both beautiful and sustainable, and combines wet felting with needle felting!
Please bring the following items:
Your usual Wet Felting Kit, which includes a hand towel, soap, a small bowl, and a medium-sized piece of bubble plastic.
Felting needles and a sponge or felting mat. (We will have some extra felting needles and sponges on hand).
Sharp scissors.
Small bamboo mat – if you already have one. We have some extras for members to use during the session.
Optional: Bits and bobs such as beads, sequins, thread, and a needle – if you would like to sew these in.
Optional: Embellishment fibres, if desired.
The Guild and Jane will provide the other materials needed.
Additional Information:
If you can, please bring a home-baked good to share and a travel mug (so we can reduce our use of disposable cups).
And as this is the season of coughs and sneezes, please do not come if you feel that you are ill.
Zoom Access to the Sunday Session:
A Zoom link to members will be emailed at 9 AM on Friday, the 12th of September. Please check your email.
Meetup in Co Galway:
Can’t make it to Dublin AND want to chat with folks in personabout everyone’s favourite thing – feltmaking?
Feltmakers Ireland will have a meeting in Gort, Co Galway THIS Sunday, the 14th at 11 AM.
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 the content, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.
Sunday Sessions will resume, with our next one on the following Sunday, the 14th of September, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
Guild member Jane Fox will lead us in creating our own Name Badges. Above is a photo of her badge, which she wore to demonstrate at this year’s Bloom. It is both beautiful AND sustainable!
Please bring the following items:
Your usual Wet Felting Kit, which includes a hand towel, soap, a small bowl, and a medium-sized piece of bubble plastic.
Felting needles and a sponge or felting mat. (We will have some extra felting needles on hand).
Sharp scissors.
Small bamboo mat – if you already have one. We have some for members to use during the session.
Optional: Bits and bobs such as beads, sequins and thread – if you would like to sew these in.
Optional: Embellishment fibres, if desired.
The Guild and Jane will provide the other materials needed.
Complimentary tea and coffee will be served at our Sunday Session. Home-baked goods to share are always welcome! If you can, please bring a travel mug to replace disposable paper cups.
As this is the season of coughs and sneezes, we prefer you not to share these. Please do not attend if you may be unwell.
On Friday, we will email a Zoom link to all members for those who wish to attend virtually.
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 the content, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.
Twelve talented artisans from three felting organisations—Feltmakers Ireland, Feltmakers North, and the International Feltmakers Association (IFA)—have collaborated on the Flax Flower Project, a unique wet-felted installation set to debut at the Titanic Museum on Tuesday, the 1st of July, 2025. The exhibit, which celebrates Belfast’s rich heritage in flax and linen production, will run through August 2025 and return each summer thereafter.
The Flax Flower Project showcases intricate floral designs crafted from sustainable materials, including Merino wool, bamboo fibres, Margilan silk, silk fibres, and flax strands for hanging. This vibrant display blends traditional craftsmanship with innovative textile art, highlighting the cultural and industrial significance of flax in Belfast’s history.
Behind the Scenes
Shelley Steele and Jane Fox co-coordinated the Flax Flower Project. Shelley expressed her enthusiasm: “It’s been a great pleasure to organise The Flax Flower Project alongside Jane Fox. Bringing together such talented artists to honour Belfast’s legacy has been truly rewarding.”
Loli Cox, a member of Feltmakers Ireland and IFA, added: “I was thrilled to join this project, which celebrates Belfast’s flax and linen heritage while showcasing the sustainable art of feltmaking. This exhibit not only honours our past but also inspires sustainable creativity for the future, aligning perfectly with Feltmakers Ireland’s mission to promote natural fibres like sheep’s wool for wearable and artistic applications.”
The project reflects the felting organisations’ commitment to sustainable textile practices and the revival of traditional crafts. It highlights feltmaking as a sustainable art form, while also celebrating the heritage of linen-making—a craft that was once a cornerstone of Belfast’s economy. Through the tactile and creative process of wet felting, these artisans will educate the public about the historical and cultural significance of flax and wool, promoting eco-conscious artistry.
The contributing artists are Sharon Bell, Loli Cox, Jane Fox, Siobhán Healy Ryan, Marie Hopkins, Viktor Hurtovyi, Elaine McCombe, Laura Moffett, Jacki Sleator, Shelley Steele, and Fiona Whyte.
The Artists
For more information about the Flax Flower Project or to schedule a visit to the Titanic Museum exhibit, please visit the website. – https://www.titanicbelfast.com/
Feltmakers Ireland is dedicated to promoting sustainable textile practices and raising awareness of natural fibres through innovative and traditional feltmaking techniques – https://feltmakersireland.com/
The IFA fosters a global community of feltmakers, encouraging creativity and collaboration in the art of feltmaking – https://www.feltmakers.com/
Feltmakers North supports artisans in Northern Ireland, preserving and advancing the craft of feltmaking through education and exhibitions. https://feltmakersnorth.blogspot.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 questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.
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.
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
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.
Two textile organisations, Textile Journey and Element15 Textile Artists, will exhibit at the Coach House Gallery near the Chester Beatty Museum in Dublin.
Textile Journey is an all-Ireland group that unites practitioners at all stages of their careers and with various access needs. Their exhibition, ‘Beyond Chaos,’ is a collection of works highlighting their members’ collaborative spirit. The show includes contributions from collaborations, including an Australian group, Textile Art Community Art Space, based in Melbourne, which celebrates the artistry and craftsmanship of textile work and strengthens the cultural ties between Ireland and Australia. Jane Fox, a member of the Feltmakers Ireland guild, is also a member of this group.
Element15 is a collective based in Co. Kildare. Individual artists develop their own practice in tandem with each other, distinct but connected. Element15’s exhibition, ‘Roots‘, is inspired by the work of Co Wicklow-based poet Jane Clarke. Elaine Peden, a member of the Feltmakers Ireland guild, is also a member of this group.
When: 26th September 2024 until 19th January 2025.
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.
Many of our Feltmakers Ireland’s members use wool to create beautiful felted creations, while some express their creativity through additional mediums. The talent within our community continues to shine, as evidenced by two of our members who recently authored articles that were successfully published.
Guild member Jane Fox went on a trip of a lifetime – a Felt and Culture Retreat in Kyrgyzstan for thirteen days. Included in her trip were eight feltmaking and textile workshops, along with cultural and natural highlights.
Over the summer, guild member Hélène Dooley had two articles published.
Her first article concerns her thought-provoking experience of using treasured textile materials to create new artworks. If you have a ‘stash’ of fibres and fabrics that you are ‘saving’, this article may inspire you! The article is published on the ‘Felting and Fiber Studio Blog’.– https://feltingandfiberstudio.com/2024/08/17/rethinking-old-sayings/
This photo comes from the Felting and Fiber Studio website.
Hélène’s second article, featured on the Ashford Handicrafts’ blog, is a valuable resource for anyone interested in feltmaking. It’s a detailed, step-by-step tutorial that shares her experiences as a feltmaking tutor and guides readers through the process of creating a wet felted, Frilled Vessel. https://www.ashford.co.nz/felted-frilled-vessel/
Let’s give these two members, Jane and Hélène, a round of applause for learning, creating, and sharing their unique experiences with the world. We couldn’t be prouder of their achievements!
If you, as a member of Feltmakers Ireland, have a textile-related award, exhibition, or experience that you’re proud of and want to share, we encourage you to do so. Your unique experiences and achievements make our community so vibrant and inspiring.
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.
The idea of creating a moth in wool came about after I was thinking about what the opposite of feltmaking is and what do textile artists really dislike or fear.
Many people are only familiar with the clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) or house moth (Endrosis sarcitrella) but don’t realise that there are over 1400 species of moths in Ireland, including the beautiful Garden Tiger (Arctia caja). Only two of these moths will eat your clothes. Many are large and colourful but only come out at night, so they are seldom seen.
Sadly, there is a trend towards the use of plastic grass, non-native plants and paving, which has led to a significant decline in these important pollinators.
Elizabeth Redding
Elizabeth Redding – ‘Day and Night’
I chose the theme of ‘Day and Night’ as opposites, as each attracts their own. The daytime sun attracts butterflies, bees, birds, and flowers. The moon at night attracts many nocturnal animals and birds.
Joanne Foley
Joanne Foley – ‘Pebbles’
In my felt art for this ‘Opposites Attract’ exhibition, l explored the profound bond that l had with my beloved dog Pebbles, who sadly passed away a year ago. Upon her passing, l preserved a portion of her fur with the intention of some day crafting a poignant felted portrait which l would felt her fur into.
The theme of this exhibition resonated deeply with me, providing the perfect impetus to embark on this heartfelt creation.
Unlike the docile nature of sheep, Pebbles was a spirited and independent soul, who possessed an unwavering individuality. She was very much her own ‘dog’ and would make up her mind very determinedly about what other canines she liked and didn’t, much to my great embarrassment.
This piece serves as a testament to her beautiful, unique character and is a tribute to my cherished companion, Pebbles, who touched my life in so many ways and whom I miss dearly.
Sandra Chase
Sandra Chase – ‘Best Friends’
These best friends have very different, even opposite personalities. The dog chases, and the cat runs. On arrival home, the dog shows excitement of your return by jumping, dancing in circles, and paying you lots of attention. The cat will show you that she appreciates your presence but in a quieter, less excited way. In the right environment, they put their differences aside and become Best Friends.
Loli Cox
Loli Cox – ‘Yin Yang Ewe’
‘Yin Yang Ewe’ was inspired by the belief that everything in the universe consists of two forces that are opposing but complementary. One cannot exist without the other, but together, the black and white sheep create an idyllic Irish countryside.
We hope that you enjoyed learning about what inspires these artists. ‘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.
Feltmakers Ireland’s group exhibition, ‘Opposites Attract,’ opens at the Phoenix Park Visitors Centre in three days.
Here is a Sneak Peek of seven pieces that will be displayed. Can you guess what some of these felted artworks might contain?
Eithne O’Dea
Elizabeth Redding
Eva Salamon
Jane Fox
Joanne Foley
Sandra Chase
Loli Cox
We will share glimpses of other members’ artworks tomorrow!
Only TWO more days until Saturday! The opening is at 3 PM.
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.
