A piece by guild member @tamzenlundydesigns can be spotted in the section intro:
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Poster from the exhibitionKarena with some of her work
Feltmakers Ireland guild member Karena Ryan has a solo exhibition, ‘Inherited Threads’, at The Leitrim Design House.
Karena’s collection of textile work interlaces together ancestry, memory, and the quiet connections that bind us to the land and to one another. Rooted in stories passed down through generations, her pieces reimagine fragments of the past through fibre, stitch, and texture, serving as acts of remembrance held within cloth.
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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The Leitrim Design House Creative Conference: A day of inspiration, industry insights, and creative connection.
This event, chaired by Eddie Shanahan, promises a full day of engaging activities, including motivational presentations, breakout workshops led by industry experts, and thought-provoking discussions with guest panellists:
Karena Ryan – Textile Artist & Member of Feltmakers Ireland 🎉
Richard West – Woodturner & Sculptor
Aileen Stein – Trainer in Mindful Self-Awareness
Plus, the launch of this year’s The Leitrim Design House National Awards.
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 member Karena Ryan‘s piece, ‘Redemption in Red,’ has been selected for the ‘Bloodroot’ group exhibition. Over 100 female Irish artists explore themes of human relationships and belonging through their work. The Hamilton Gallery and the Embassy of Ireland, Netherlands, present the exhibition. It opens at the Pulchri Studio, in their Klinkenberg Galleries in The Hague (Netherlands), on the 22nd of January and runs until February 5th. It celebrates women, creativity, and Lá Fhéile Bríde (Bridgid’s Day).
The exhibition is inspired by the poetry of Annemarie Ní Churreáin, who selected four powerful poems from her debut collection ‘Bloodroot’.
Six Ways to Wash Your Hands (Ayliffe, 1978) for the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation Bog Medicine Sisters Market Prayer
‘Redemption in Red’, symbolises a deeply personal act of redemption and remembrance. The hand-embroidered portrait of Karena Ryan’s daughter celebrates her innocence, hope, and the freedom to begin life with love and dignity—something denied to the children in the nearby Tuam Mother and Baby Home. As a mother, she seeks to give comfort and solace to the mothers of the institutions who mourn, honouring their pain and loss.
“The act of hand stitching is meditative and embodies care and compassion, a contrast to the neglect the children and mothers endured. The red thread is a symbol of connection, love, and remembrance. It represents the bond between mother and child and the shared humanity that connects us to those who suffered in the Mother and Baby Homes.” – Karena Ryan, artist.
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.
Due to the extremely tight number of votes between several of the category finalists, Irish Country Magazine has extended the deadline for voting in the Irish Made Awards to 11 AM on Tuesday, the 17th of September.
Two members of Feltmakers Ireland, Karena Ryan and Sandra Coote, have been shortlisted.
Karena Ryan is in the Textiles Category, which is sponsored by Foxford.
Sandra Coote’s business, Crafts of Ireland, is in the Sustainability Category, which is sponsored by Seabody.
Please help raise the profile of feltmaking and also help our guild members by voting.
Karena is pictured on the left, and Sandra is on the right.
Karena Ryan
Sandra Coote – Crafts of Ireland
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.
On Saturday, the 20th of July, 2024, the exhibition “Land to the Hand” celebrated the rich heritage of native Irish Galway Wool at the annual Meitheal in the Athenry Co-operative Livestock Market. It was the fourth yearly Meitheal organised by the Galway Wool Co-op, a voluntary group of people raising the native breed of Galway Sheep. Blátnaid Gallagher is the group’s secretary and excellent ambassador.
Blátnaid Gallagher opening the Meitheal at the Athenry Co-operative Livestock Mart.
The Exhibition
At last year’s Meitheal, artist and curator Michelle Hickey Legge brought together the works of sixteen artists. This year, Michelle had twice as many artists involved: 32 participants contributed pieces that showcased outstanding handwoven textiles, intricate knitwear, creative crochet, impressive feltmaking, and contemporary wool art – all made from Irish-raised Galway Wool. The event highlighted the craftsmanship of some of Ireland’s top makers, educators, and innovators.
The Wool
While the exhibition was going on, the cooperative’s farmers brought their yields of Galway wool into the Meitheal. According to the Tuam Herald, 5,000 kg of wool were delivered, and farmers were guaranteed €2.50 per kg for their wool.
The Clip
Galway Wool Sheep
More Delights
Additionally, the Meitheal had a traditional Irish music session and a sheep shearing demonstration in the background, along with coffee, tea, and biscuits.
Visitors admired the skilful blending of ancient techniques with modern designs, which reflected Ireland’s cultural tapestry. The interactive workshop on wool spinning with Sandra King of Irish Fibre Crafters, drew enthusiastic participation, fostering a deeper appreciation for sustainable practices.
Sandra King of Irish Fibre Crafters – seated by her spinning wheel.
Congratulations to all the artists who exhibited their outstanding works. Special congratulations to Lorna McCormack from Wool in School for being the Overall Winner of the Show for her educational concept; this award was sponsored by Donegal Yarns.
Woolin School product
Claire McGovern from Rhyme Studio was awarded for her contemporary rugs; this award was sponsored by Aviation Graphix. For her contemporary works, Karena Ryan was awarded by the Galway Wool Co-op. Karena is a member of Feltmakers Ireland! Additionally, Jean Long was awarded for her Geansaí Chléire, also sponsored by the Galway Wool Co-op. Lastly, Evin Higgins of Caoirigh Farms was given the Industry Award for Innovation, sponsored by Vincent Hughes from the Aran Woollen Mills.
Caoirigh Farm’s entry
Thanks
Thank you to all of the farmers, artists, and supporters. Lastly, the warmest thanks go to Michelle Hickey Legge for her tireless efforts in curating and organising the exhibition.
Michell Hickey Legge – and camera men
Michelle Hickey Legge’s piece for the exhibition
Feltmakers Ireland Members
Several members from Feltmakers Ireland were in attendance and/or had pieces at the exhibition: Astrid Tomrop-Hofmann, Juliane Gorman, Karena Ryan, Margaret Collins Ryan, and Tamzen Lundy.
Astrid Tomrop-Hofmann – @bombyxmoriwearableart
Juliane Gorman – @felthappiness
Karena Ryan – @karenaryantextiles
Margaret Ryan Collins
Tamzen Lundy’s piece – @tamzenlundydesigns
More Artwork from the Meitheal
This is only a sampling of the work at the show, which ranged from the functional to the artistic. We are sorry that we may have omitted some of the artists’ contributions to the Meitheal.
Collaboration between dyer Malu Colorin and weaver Aideen Macken – @malu_colorin and @aideen.macken
Fiona McDonagh – @Lamhclinicgalway
Olga Profutkina – @olgakina_dolls
Rhyme Studio rugs – @rhymestudioart
Sarah Kineen’s piece – @lifeinajamjar
Ellen Keohane’s Leaving Certificate course artwork
Catherine O’Connor – @bofinweaves
Annie O’Toole – @knitaran13
Christine McNamara – @christines_craft
Annie Gambril – @killala.woolcraft
Students’ work
Ryan Koenig – @ryankoenigstudio
Niamh O’Connell – winner of last year’s Meitheal and exhibitor and judge at this year’s.
Coming Up
A television program on the Galway Wool Coop will be on Nationwide sometime this autumn!
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.
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Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.
On the 18th of August from 11 AM to 3 PM at the CIE Hall/Inchicore Sports and Social Club Library Square, Inchicore, Co. Dublin, D08 PA07
On the 25th of August from 11 AM to 3 PM at St James Hall, Dublin Road, Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath, N91 XA32
Time: Both events run from 11 AM to 3 PM.
This year, we will be teaching how to felt a small round vessel out of wool roving using soapy water and your hands!
Curious about sheep and Irish wool varieties? Explore the unique reactions of different Irish wool types that have been needle and wet felted. There will be an opportunity to browse and purchase our book, ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’, a rich resource on forty breeds of Irish-raised sheep.
There will be a display of felted artworks and wearables crafted by our talented members, showcasing the beauty and versatility of feltmaking.
If you are a member of Feltmakers Ireland and you are having a felt-related event as part of August Craft Month, please contact us so we can include you in our August Craft Month posts – feltmakersIE@gmail.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.
Success and Failure are the products of the same process.
I enjoy the magical process of felting. Experimenting with different colours, mixing and blending of natural little fibres that are joined together into an inseparable fabric gives a feeling of mindfulness and satisfaction.
Karena Ryan
Karena Ryan – ‘Eclipsed’
‘Eclipsed’ represents a time to bask in the glow – be luminous.
Over 5000 years ago our ancient Irish astronomers were predicting solar eclipses and welcomed this festival of light with the world’s oldest known solar eclipse carved on stone megaliths at Loughcrew Cairn, County Meath. What may have been important has been overshadowed by what actually matters and what now radiates are new opportunities and fresh beginnings.
Annika Berglund
Annika Berglund – ‘Getting to know the other’
In life, between birth and death, we experience many ups and downs; we feel joy and despair.
However much we would like to only have the good times, they would not be the same if things were never bad. Achievement is not as satisfying without the risk of failure.
Focussing on the positive but accepting the balance of opposing forces in our lives might be a path to harmony and growth.
Marie Dunne
Marie Dunne – ‘Lava flow’
The volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula in Iceland in March 2024 was the inspiration for my piece ‘Lava Flow’. Hot and Cold. Fire and Ice.
Elaine Peden
Elaine Peden – ‘Formations in Colour’
“A life lived in colour where there is “”no opposite””. I am currently investigating the abstraction of the idea of ‘Opposite’, looking at the absence of colour.
How colour can create an emotional response and when colour is blended.
‘Opposite’ becomes ‘One'”
Marika Miklosi Manning
Marika Miklosi Manning – ‘Felted study, untitled’
The challenge here was to combine felt work with another material of opposing characteristics and create a harmonious piece of work. I chose nylon string 0.50mm thick/ 12kg, usually used for suspending objects or fishing, etc. I see this piece as a study to see how the two materials can be combined to complement each other. The soft felt as a background to the qualities of the unyielding nylon string, which, through that combination, creates patterns of transparent 3D circles.
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 to 4 PM daily. On Sunday, the 26th the show closes at 2 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.
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.
Leiko Uchiyama in her studio.Tamzen Lundy with one of her foxes.Karena Ryan seated amongst her art.
The Design and Craft Council of Ireland (DCCI) has an ongoing series called‘Meet the Maker’, which interviews members and asks exciting questions such as, “What do you like most about your work?”. In addition, the DCCI has another feature called ‘Sunday Spotlight’, which shares information about a member via DCCI’s social media.
Three of Feltmakers Ireland’s guild members were recently featured by the DCCI.
If you are a member of the DCCI, you can arrange for yourself to be featured in a ‘Meet the Maker’ and/or a ‘Sunday Spotlight’! Contact the DCCI for further information – communications@dcci.com
Membership at DCCI allows designers and makers to:
Benefit from all DCCI services, projects and programmes
Get their regular e-newsletter, Connect
Participate in their health, personal accident and public liability insurance schemes
Fully professional members can boost their profile by listing on their Public Directory of Craftspeople. {Editor’s note: makers who work the material of felt are often found under the ‘Textile Making’ discipline on the directory.}
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 