Tag: Leiko Uchiyama

Of Interest: More Members will take part in Culture Night 2025

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Good Bog, Bad Bog – Collaborative Felting Project – Enniskerry, Co Wicklow

‘Good Bog Bad Bog’ sees wool-based landscape representations of a functioning bog and an eroded one, highlighting the ecological importance of Wicklow’s peatlands, sparking conversation around biodiversity loss, climate resilience and water quality.

This exhibition features felted pieces by Sharon Wells, along with a collaborative community project guided by Sharon. Amongst the artists are guild members Loli Cox and Margaret Ryan Collins.

Using Irish wool sourced from Farmachla in Co Donegal, and donated by @woolstoreireland (another guild member) and @irishfibrecrafters

When: Friday, the 19th of September at 7:30 PM.

Where: Schoolhouse for Art, R760, The Square, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, A98 RH33


For more information, visit their page on the Culture Night website – https://culturenight.ie/event/good-bog-bad-bog/

Gort Arts Second Annual Members’ Exhibition – Co Galway

Guild member Joanne Foley is exhibiting work as part of the Gort Arts second annual members’ exhibition, which opens on Culture Night at 7 PM, with live music and refreshments.

When: The show runs from Friday, the 19th to the 28th of September, 2025

Where: Michael Kennedy Pottery Studio, Boland’s Lane, Ballyhugh, Gort, Co Galway, H91

For more information, visit their page on the Culture Night website – https://culturenight.ie/event/gorgeous-gort/

FORMDesignMade Exhibition – Tullow Library – Co Carlow

FORM Designmade has a retrospective exhibition showcasing the exceptional talent of 10 craft practitioners from County Carlow. Guild member Leiko Uchiyama is among the artists.

When: Friday, the 19th of September, 4 PM – 8 PM

Where: Tullow Library, Inner Relief Road, Tullow, Co Carlow, R93 XD93

Here is their Instagram – @formdesigncarlow

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 AGM: Looking Back & Looking Forward on the Past Year – Plus Guest Speaker Leiko Uchiyama

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

On Sunday, the 11th of May, Feltmakers Ireland marked a significant milestone, celebrating its 22nd year as an organisation. Twenty-nine members attended this AGM in person, and six joined via Zoom link. Our founder, President Elizabeth Bonnar, was also in attendance.

Address by Acting Chair

First, committee member Suzanne Phelan, acting on behalf of our Chairperson Deirdre Carroll, went over the Guild’s many accomplishments for the past year, which included the following activities and events:

  • Sharing our love of feltmaking at public events such as Bloom, the Tullamore Show and Dublin Fibre Festival.
  • Hosting Open Days in Dublin and Killbeggan, Co Westmeath as part of August Craft Month/Heritage Week Ireland.
  • First Lady Sabina Higgins opened our month-long exhibition of ‘Symbols of Ireland’ at the Phoenix Park Visitors’ Centre Gallery in March. 400 people attended the opening, and over a thousand people viewed the show.
  • Several hands-on events were held, including a revisit of the Fine Felt Workshop with Annika Berglund, the Pine Needle technique with Leiko Uchiyama, Needle-Felted Mushrooms with Nara Fritch, and Felt Christmas Stars with Annika Berglund.
  • In the past year, our Sunday Sessions also included learning about the creative journeys of members Maria McGarry, Deirdre Crofts, and Clodagh Mac Donagh.
  • Our hybrid Zoom class in October with Hungarian tutor Judith Pocs, where we made felted eyeglass cases.
  • Volunteers travelled to Belfast in November to demonstrate felting at the Knitting and Stitching Show, sharing a booth with the International Feltmakers Association and Feltmakers North.

Address by the Secretary

For the next part of the AGM, our secretary, Lorna Cady, discussed our upcoming activities for the coming year. Amongst the exciting events mentioned were the following –

  • Two international workshops: One in May with Marjolein Dallinga and one in July with Pam de Groot.
  • The Basic and Beyond Bag Making Workshop with Annika Berglund in June.
  • In August, the guild will again demonstrate felting at the Tullamore Show,and participate in August Craft Month / Heritage Week at the CIE Sports Hall in Inchicore, and Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath.
  • In October, we will demonstrate at the Dublin Fibre Festival
  • In November, we will hopefully again participate in the Knitting and Stitching Show, in Lisburn, with the IFA and Feltmakers North.

The Treasurer’s Report and Wool Project

Treasurer, Annika Berglund, reported on our finances, which were approved by the auditor, and the Wool Project, our book, ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’, which is also doing well and has been purchased by wool enthusiasts in Ireland and beyond, including the USA and Europe. She also introduced our new treasurer, Samantha Fagan, to the group.

The Bursary Draw

This year, Hilary Delaney was the fortunate member to win the 250 euro Bursary, which will be used for a felting workshop of her choice. We look forward to seeing what she learns through her short recap and photographs.

Committee News

The membership voted to approve Belinda Reid’s official joining of the committee. Two guild members, Irina Lampadova and Helena Mc Guinness, have offered to help 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

Our guest speaker, Leiko Uchiyama, shared her life and travels and how they influenced her sculptural artworks and functional felted objects, which range from playful to elegant. She spoke of the inherent Diversity of Feltmaking and how she enjoyed the play of textures and colour. It was a fascinating talk, and so interesting to learn more about her.

Leiko also filled the stage with her gloriously beautiful wool from her fibre dyeing business LeikoFelt, which proved very popular with the members!

Thank you, Leiko, for being part of our 2025 AGM!

Spoiled for choices of Merino, Corriedale and Silk/Merino roving from LeikoFelt.

Felt Displayed

In addition to the Committee proceedings and Leiko’s Textile Journey, several of our members displayed their artwork, and a few had pieces for sale. These members included Loli Cox, Irina Lampadova, Fiona Leech, and Evija Mezaka. Apologies if we have missed anyone.

Video of the Day

A medley of our day at AGM 2025.

Many thanks to all those who attended Feltmakers Ireland’s 2025 AGM, whether in person or via Zoom! And we understand if you could not make it – the weather was so lovely outside!

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.

News: Feltmakers Ireland AGM 2025 – this Sunday

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Poster for Feltmakers Ireland's AGM 2025 - This Sunday with guest speaker Lieko Uchiyama - picture of Leiko and some of her hand-dyed wool fibres.
Leiko Uchiyama with a selection of her hand-dyed fibres

All members* of the Feltmakers Ireland Guild are invited to our AGM on Sunday, the 11th of May.

By starting promptly at 10:30 AM, we aim to complete the meeting’s formalities promptly, allowing us to listen to the Textile Journey of our Guest Speaker, Leiko Uchiyama, an artist, educator, and master dyer, who lives in Co Carlow.

Additionally, we will feature a Sellers’ Area and a Display Area this year.

Image of wool and wool & silk fibre that LeikoFelt sells and will provide at the AGM for members to purchase.


Leiko brought a selection of her gorgeous hand-dyed fibres during the Pine Needle Felting Workshop in January. She will have similar supplies available to purchase this Sunday. Other guild members will be bringing felted artwork and supplies too. IF you want to be included in this Vending Opportunity, please RESERVE a spot by emailing feltmakersIE@gmail.com

There is no cost for members to sell at the AGM.

Agenda

1.     Address by the Chair, opening the AGM (Suzanne Phelan will act on behalf of chairperson Deirdre Carroll, who is away)

2.     Address by Secretary (Lorna Cady)

3.    Treasurer’s Report (Annika Berglund)

4.    Wool Project Wool Report  (Annika Berglund)

5.    Motions for AGM

6.    Election of Chair and Committee 2025/26. Election of other Officers will be held at the June Committee Meeting. We always welcome new faces on the Committee—if you’re interested in helping to keep our Guild active and thriving, your support would be greatly appreciated!

7.    Guest Speaker is Leiko Uchiyama, a feltmaking artist originally from Japan and now living in Borris, Co Carlow. Her journey has taken her from Japan to New Zealand, Indonesia, and France, where she developed her feltmaking techniques. Leiko creates wearable pieces made of wool and silks, which she dyes using her own colour recipes. She also makes functional pieces for the home. She teaches Felting workshops throughout Europe, America, Australia, and Japan, and has exhibited her work in many countries.

Leiko will also have her dyed wool roving for sale at the AGM. She will bring Merino, Corriedale and a Silk/Merino mix of roving, which is ideal for the craft of felting.

8.    A Bursary Draw for €250 is open to all paid-up members and will take place at the AGM. The winner can participate in a Felting course and then provide a short recap article with photographs. (In 2024, guild member Adrienne Dempsey won the award. You can read about her experience in this blog post.)

9. Sellers’ Area: Members can sell their work, fibres or supplies at the AGM. Methods of receiving payment, whether by cash, credit card, Revolut, or PayPal transactions, are the seller’s responsibility. The guild will provide tables, but NOT coverings or other displays. Please RSVP to participate in the Sellers’ Area. feltmakersIE@gmail.com

10.  Display Area: Members can also take the opportunity to display and discuss a small selection of their work with other members. Members will need to bring props to display their items. Make sure that your name is on your piece. The guild will provide two table coverings. There is no need to RSVP for the Display Area.

11.  Refreshments and chat. 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. If you have a travel cup, please bring it so we can reduce the waste of single-use paper cups. As always, we will provide the coffee and tea!

*We kindly ask non-members to become members in order to attend the AGM.

Zoom Access

Members who cannot attend in person can use the Zoom link, which will be emailed to members today. This session will not be recorded.

Leiko’s Instagram: @leikofelt


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.

Exhibition: FORM Designmade in Carlow – 10th Year Anniversary Show

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Green and white poster for FORM Co Carlow 10th anniversary exhibition on the 18th of March, 12-5, at the Granary, Borris House, Co Carlow, R95Y2T1


The 10th Anniversary exhibition of FORM Designmade Carlow will be on the 18th of May, at The Granary, Borris House.

FORM is a group of designers, makers, and craftspeople living and working in the Carlow region of Ireland. Feltmakers Ireland member Leiko Uchiyama is a member of FORM.

When: Saturday, the 18th of May, from 12-5 PM.

Where: The Granary, Borris House, Borris, Co. Carlow, R95 W983

The FORM Anniversary exhibition is supported by Design & Crafts Council Ireland.

The group’s Instagram – @formdesigncarlow

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.

Events: Feltmakers Ireland AGM 2025 – 11th of May

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

AGM

All members of the Feltmakers Ireland Guild are invited to our AGM on Sunday, the 11th of May.

By starting promptly at 10:30 AM, we aim to complete the meeting’s formalities in a timely manner, allowing us to listen to our Guest Speaker, Leiko Uchiyama, an artist, educator, and master dyer, who lives in Co Carlow.

Additionally, this year we will feature a Sellers’ Area and a Display Area. See below for more information.

Agenda

1.     Address by the Chair, opening the AGM (Suzanne Phelan will act on behalf of chairperson Deirdre Carroll, who is away)

2.     Address by Secretary (Lorna Cady)

3.    Treasurer’s Report (Annika Berglund)

4.    Wool Project Wool Report  (Annika Berglund)

5.    Motions for AGM

6.    Election of Chair and Committee 2025/26. Election of other Officers will be held at the June Committee Meeting. We always welcome new faces on the Committee—if you’re interested in helping to keep our Guild active and thriving, your support would be greatly appreciated!

7.    Guest Speaker is Leiko Uchiyama, a feltmaking artist originally from Japan and now living in Borris, Co Carlow. Her journey has taken her from Japan to New Zealand, Indonesia, and France, where she developed her feltmaking techniques. Leiko creates wearable pieces made of wool and silks, which she dyes using her own colour recipes. She also makes functional pieces for the home. She teaches Felting workshops throughout Europe, America, Australia, and Japan, and has exhibited her work in many countries.

Leiko will also have her dyed wool roving for sale at the AGM. She will bring Merino, Corriedale and a Silk/Merino mix of roving, which is ideal for the craft of felting.

8.    A Bursary Draw for €250 is open to all paid-up members and will take place at the AGM. The winner can participate in a Felting course and then provide a short recap article with photographs. (In 2024, guild member Adrienne Dempsey won the award. You can read about her experience in this blog post.)

9. Sellers’ Area: Members will have the opportunity to sell their work, fibres or supplies at the AGM. Methods of receiving payment, whether by cash, credit card, Revolut, or PayPal transactions, are the seller’s responsibility. The guild will provide tables, but NOT coverings or other displays. Please RSVP if you wish to participate in the Sellers’ Area, as space is limited. feltmakersIE@gmail.com

10.  Display Area: Members can also take the opportunity to display and discuss a small selection of their work with other members. Members will need to bring props to display their items. Make sure that your name is on your piece. The guild will provide two table coverings.

11.  Refreshments and chat. 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. If you have a travel cup, please bring it so we can reduce the waste of single-use paper cups.

Zoom Access

Members who cannot attend in person can use the Zoom link, which will be emailed beforehand on Friday. This session will not be recorded.

Leiko’s Instagram: @leikofelt

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.

Recap - Sunday Session

Recap: Pine Needle Felting Technique with Leiko Uchiyama

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland1 Comment
Leiko Uchiyama modeling one of her felted Pine Needle Technique shawls.

For Feltmakers Ireland’s Sunday Session in January, we enjoyed learning how to create the Pine Needle Felting Technique with guild member and artist Leiko Uchiyama. Our session was only two hours long, so each student concentrated on making a sample square.

A Full House

It was a popular session, as seen in the photos. Leiko, who teaches all over the world, is based in Carlow, Ireland, and we are incredibly fortunate that she was willing to share her expertise with us.

Beautiful Fibre

Leiko brought a gorgeous array of fibres for us to purchase – so many colours! The 50% Silk/Wool bundles glittered and drew us in.

At the end of the class, students lined up to purchase wool bundles from Leiko. She also sells online; here is a link to her shop – https://www.leikofelt.com/shop/

Leiko’s Art Work

Leiko brought samples and garments created with her iconic Pine Needle Felting Technique. As she makes both wearable and fine art felt using wool, she also brought thicker, sculptural felted works for members to see all the possibilities of wet feltmaking.

Hands-On Learning

An experienced tutor, Leiko, chose to demonstrate to small groups of students so members could more easily see what she was doing. She explained all the steps so clearly.

Members Working Away

While we concentrated and worked hard, we also had fun! It was good to catch up after the holidays!

More Photos

Finished Samples

All of the students completed their Pine Needle Sample within the allotted time. Displayed above is a selection of the samples created—some vibrant and multi-coloured, others quietly monochromatic. Judging by the smiles, it’s clear we had a fantastic time!

One of the students, Deirdre Crofts, went home and started making a series of table mats – only seven more to go!

Conclusion

This Sunday Session was a fantastic way to kick off our felting year. A heartfelt thank you to Leiko Uchiyama for sharing her inspiring craft with us.

The CIE Sports Hall buzzed with activity as we welcomed 27 hands-on students and more than a dozen observers. Some of our members travelled significant distances to join us, and it was nice to finally meet them in person.

Special thanks also go to the members who generously shared their delicious home bakes with the group. The Pavlova was a standout hit, and the cleverly renamed “Brexit Biscuits” (formerly known as ‘Empire Biscuits’) brought plenty of smiles. Apologies for not having a photo of the refreshment table.

A warm and sincere thank you to everyone who contributed to making the day successful.

Here’s to a creative and fulfilling year ahead!

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.

Sunday Session

Sunday Session: Observers’ Spots for Leiko’s Pine Needle Technique – This Sunday

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

For our upcoming Sunday Session on the 12th of January, there are a few spaces for observers of Leiko Uchiyama‘s Pine Needle Technique. The hands-on workshop is fully booked up.

Update the 9th of January: We are now fully booked up.

Class Description

We will make a small sample of the ‘Pine Needle Technique’, Leiko’s iconic wet felting technique used to create lacy felt.

Leiko will bring her beautiful hand-dyed mix of 50% 17.5 micron Merino and 50% silk, which she usually uses for this technique. It is €7/25g, and two to three people can share one bundle. This could be a good opportunity to try this material. Normal merino can also be used.

She will also bring some other types of hand-dyed fibre (21, 18, and 16 micron of Merino and Corriedale) for those interested in purchasing.

About Leiko

Leiko Uchiyama pictured with some of her hand-dyed wool roving.
Leiko Uchiyama pictured with some of her hand-dyed roving.

Leiko Uchiyama is a felt-making artist based in the rural county of Carlow, Ireland. She has lived and worked in France, New Zealand, and Indonesia, as well as her native Hokkaido, the north island of Japan. She has exhibited and given workshops in many different countries.

Leiko initially studied Animal Science and developed an interest in sheep before studying textiles.

Her work ranges from functional pieces, such as tableware and rugs, to wearable items like tunics, scarves and wraps, to more esoteric felt work that inhabits the growing space between craft and fine art. She believes the origin of craft lies in creating something for someone special, not only to serve a function but to make our lives more colourful and rich.

To learn more about her work or purchase her hand-dyed wool roving, visit her website – https://www.leikofelt.com/

To Reserve an Observer Spot

Please email feltmakersIE@gmail.com to reserve your place as an observer at this Sunday’s Session. This Sunday Session is a members-only event. Feltmakers Ireland’s Membership Renewal / Joining Page can be found here – https://feltmakersireland.com/membership-application/

Additional Details

Complimentary tea and coffee will be served at this Sunday Session. Home bakes to share are always welcome! As a member perk for 2025, we will no longer charge 5 euros per session.

When: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Where: CIE Sports Hall and Social Club, Inchicore.

As this is the season of coughs and sneezes, we would prefer if you do not share these. Please do not attend if you may be unwell.

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.

Sunday Session

Sunday Session: Pine Needle Sampler with Leiko Uchiyama – the 12th of January, 2025

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Our first Sunday Session of the year will be exciting and only open to Feltmakers Ireland members. It is a hands-on sampler workshop where 27 members can make a sample using Leiko Uchiyama’s ‘Pine Needle Technique’.

Only 27 members can participate in this Sunday’s hands-on session. If we receive more than 27 requests, participants will be selected through a random draw from a ‘virtual hat.’ Additionally, 10 to 15 more members are welcome to attend as observers. These will also be selected randomly.

Important: To participate, attendees must renew their Feltmakers Ireland Membership for 2025. To renew, visit our Membership Page, where debit and credit card payments are now accepted. After renewing, email us directly to be entered into the ‘virtual hat.’

Photograph of the artist Leiko Uchiyama.

Class description from Leiko:

We will make a small sample of the ‘Pine Needle Technique’, one of my iconic works. This is a wet felting technique used to create lacy felt.

I will bring my hand-dyed mix of 50% 17.5 micron Merino and 50% silk, which I usually use for this technique. It is €7/25g, and two to three people can share one bundle. This could be a good opportunity to try this material. Normal merino can also be used.

I will also bring some of my other types of wool (21, 18 and 16 micron Merino and Corriedale) for sale.

If you need any particular colours, please let Leiko know beforehand by emailing feltmakersIE@gmail.com

What to bring:

  • Fine Merino wool top (10g), or you can purchase Leiko’s 50/50 silk mixed wool.
  • Small sharp scissors
  • Small bowl for cereal, soup… or Tupperware, etc, to dip the wool.
  • Bubble wrap 35-40cm square (1)
  • Liquid or grated soap
  • Rolling pin (about 3cm diameter x about 30cm long) (1)
  • Small towel or cloth for rolling (2)
  • A small towel to dry your hands
  • A plastic bag

Biographical Information on Leiko Uchiyama
Feltmaker

Leiko Uchiyama is a felt-making artist based in the rural county of Carlow, Ireland. She
has lived and worked in France, New Zealand, and Indonesia, as well as her native
Hokkaido, the north island of Japan. She has exhibited and given workshops in
many different countries.

Leiko initially studied Animal Science, and she developed an interest in sheep,
before going on to study textiles.

Her work ranges from functional pieces, such as tableware and rugs, to
wearable items like tunics, scarves and wraps, to more esoteric felt work that
inhabit the growing space between craft and fine art.
She believes the origin of craft lies in creating something for someone special,
not only to serve a function, but to make our lives more colourful and rich.

www.leikofelt.com

The Details

When: Sunday, the 12th of January, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Where:

CIE Hall/Inchicore Sports and Social Club,
Library Square
Inchicore
Dublin 8, D08 PA07

Additional Information

This first session of the year will require lots of tea, coffee, cake, and chat, so there will be an abundance of these. Of course, home bakes are always welcome! 

We will NOT have a Zoom link for this Sunday Session.

To have the opportunity to attend this event, please renew your annual Membership and then directly email us with an expression of interest. If you are not a member, we welcome you to join us at Feltmakers 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.

Exhibition: Final Week of the RHA Annual Show

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland1 Comment

Now in its 194th year, the Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts (RHA) Annual Exhibition is Ireland’s largest and longest-running open submission exhibition.

Excitingly, one of Feltmakers Ireland’s members, Leiko Uchiyama, has a piece in the exhibition!

  • Leiko Uchiyama – ‘Memories 64.20’

A video installation by Asha Murray has tufting in it! According to Tufting Shop: “Tufting is a modern technique in textile art that involves using a specialized tool called a tufting gun. This tool helps to weave yarn into a base fabric, creating intricate and textured designs.”

Asha Murray – ‘Are You Domestic Enough?”

Anna Macleod‘s sculpture, ‘Behold the Wind’ won the ESB Moran Award and Silver Medal for an outstanding sculpture. Her piece is made from Poplar wood, Harris tweed thread, and Lead.

Lastly, Abigail O’Brien‘s ‘Mentation I + II’ is a photographic print of two pieces of cross-stitch needlework: The photos show the stitching of the front and back of a colourful brain.

Abigail O’Brien – ‘Mentation I + II’

Overall, not many pieces in this year’s RHA Annual exhibition would be considered ‘textile art’.

However, for next year, members of Feltmakers Ireland and other fibre artists can hopefully increase the number of textile-related pieces by submitting our work under the ‘Mixed Media’ category. (The Open Call for this exhibition stated the following: “Submissions of work are invited from visual artists working in paint, photography, sculpture, architecture, print, drawing and mixed media. Works outside these categories are not accepted.“

Several high-profile, textile-related art exhibitions have recently taken place in the US, UK, and Europe, so there may be more opportunities for fibre-related work in future RHA shows.

The show ends this Sunday, 4th of August. 

Visit the RHA website for more information on the exhibition – https://rhagallery.viewingrooms.com/viewing-room/2-194th-rha-annual-exhibition/

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.

Education: Leiko Uchiyama Workshop – Bagenalstown In Bloom

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Bagenalstown in Bloom, now in its third year, features flower-arranging workshops and displays, helpful tips to make the perfect hanging basket, and garden tours of the wonderful Barrow Experience Gardens in the BEAM Centre on Sunday. The festival programme also includes demonstrations of woodturning, Borris Lace, and live music. In addition, several workshops are offered: Feltmakers Ireland guild member Leiko Uchiyama is teaching TWO wet felting workshops as part of the event. In both classes, students will experience the unique way of making three-dimensional objects seamlessly and colour mixing with wool fibre.

The morning class is on Saturday, the 15th of June 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. (2 hours).

The afternoon class is on the same day from 1:00 – 4:00 PM. (3 hours).

For more information on her morning class, visit here on Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/workshop-wet-felting-a-leiko-uchiyama-tickets-884369181027

For more information on her afternoon class, visit here on Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/workshop-wet-felting-b-leiko-uchiyama-tickets-884370825947

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.