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.
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.
Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.
Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.
Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.
We’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.
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.
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.
Helena Mc Guinness helping a studentHelena 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.
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.
Students at the Session
Completed Hearts
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 photo of some of the students – taken at the very end of the session. Sorry if we missed everyone.
Biscuits with History
‘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.
Note: Feltmakers Ireland-West meets on the THIRD Sunday of the month.
To learn more about Feltmakers Ireland-West and our members who are part of it, please visit the Feltmakers Ireland-West 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 questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.
THIS Sunday, the 8th of February, we will have our second Sunday Session of 2026.
Committee member Helena Mc Guinness will lead us in creating small hearts, using both wet and needle felting techniques. The Theme is ‘Heart on Your Sleeve’.
Please bring your wet and needle felting kits. The committee will have extra felting needles for those who do not have them, along with ball brauses (sprinklers).
We will also provide Merino wool. But if you have specific colours you prefer to use, it would be helpful to bring them along.
Your Wet Felting Kit should include:
an old towel to catch water, plus a smaller one to dry your hands
bubble wrap
bowl for water
felting soap of your choice
sprinkler or ball brause
Your Needle Felting Kit should include:
felting needles
sponge or brush or needle felting pad to felt into
The Details:
When: Sunday, the 8th of February, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
If you can, please bring a home-baked treat 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, although it is not quite as lovely as being with us in person.
Zoom Access to the Sunday Session:
We will email the Zoom link to all members on this afternoon
Membership Renewal:
If you have already renewed your annual membership, we thank you for your support!
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 Sunday, the 8th of February, we will have our second Sunday Session of 2026.
Committee member Helena Mc Guinness will lead us in creating small hearts, using both wet and needle felting techniques. The Theme is ‘Heart on Your Sleeve’.
Please bring your wet and needle felting kits. The committee will have extra felting needles for those who do not have them, along with ball brauses (sprinklers).
We will also provide Merino wool. But if you have specific colours you prefer to use, it would be helpful to bring them along.
Your Wet Felting Kit should include:
an old towel to catch water, plus a smaller one to dry your hands
bubble wrap
bowl for water
felting soap of your choice
sprinkler or ball brause
Your Needle Felting Kit should include:
felting needles
sponge or brush of needle felting pad to felt into
The Details:
When: Sunday, the 8th of February, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
If you can, please bring a home-baked treat 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, although it is not quite as lovely as being with us in person.
Zoom Access to the Sunday Session:
We will email the Zoom link to all members on the afternoon of Friday, the 6th of February.
Membership Renewal:
If you have already renewed your annual membership, we thank you for your support!
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.
Apologies for the scary-looking sheep made of Merino and silk fibres!
Looking for the perfect opportunity to finish those incomplete or long-forgotten projects? Our upcoming Sunday Session is designed just for that! Bring along any works-in-progress (and the supplies you need) and enjoy a relaxed, supportive space to finally give your WIPs/UFOs (aka: works in progress/unfinished objects) the attention they deserve.
This session comes with an added treat: our founder, Elizabeth Bonnar, will be hosting a very special de-stash sale. Elizabeth is parting with her beautiful collection of felting fibres and materials—an inspiring assortment for makers, fibre artists, and curious crafters alike. Throughout the Session, Elizabeth will demonstrate feltmaking using the various fibres and fabrics available. Long-time member Clare Brophy will assist with the sales.
All proceeds will be donated to the Guild toward a future special project. We’ll be accepting both cash and credit cards for convenience.
To add to the festive spirit, please bring mince pies or another dessert to share. Also, please bring a travel mug so we can reduce the use of disposable cups.
When: Sunday, the 7th of December, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
Note: This Sunday Session is open to non-members. Naturally, visitors are welcome to join us for the coming year! Joining or renewing your Membership can be done online – https://feltmakersireland.com/membership-application/
Additional Information:
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.
Questions or concerns about our Sunday Session? Please email feltmakersIE@gmail.com
We can’t wait to craft, chat, and celebrate together!
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.
Belinda demonstrates how to place the shawl.In addition to approximately 30 students at the CIE Sports Hall, we had 5 members join us via Zoom.
On a crisp November morning, thirty enthusiastic members of Feltmakers Ireland gathered at the CIE Sports Hall in Inchicore for a truly enchanting workshop led by the talented Belinda Reid of Chasing Dreams Felt Art. Held on Sunday, the 9th of November, the session focused on crafting whimsical three-dimensional fairies and angels using the delightful art of needle felting—a meditative, sculptural technique that transforms loose wool fibres into firm, detailed shapes with the repeated poking of a barbed needle.
Belinda, a passionate felt artist and Feltmakers Ireland committee member, guided the group with warmth and expertise. Known for her intricate felted creations and patient teaching style, she ensured every participant felt supported, offering one-on-one advice tailored to individual projects.
The process began with the basics: shaping a solid head from soft carded Irish wool. Arms came next—pipe cleaners wrapped first in skin-toned, Merino Roving in ‘Dune’ from Belinda’s Shop, for structure, then layered with colourful wool to form the gowns. Bodies and dresses bloomed in a rainbow of hues, from soft pastels to vibrant jewel tones. Hairstyles added personality: flowing blonde or brunette locks, elegant buns, or playful curls. Finally, delicate wings completed each figure, turning simple materials into magical beings.
A sampling of some of the students’ Angels.
Optional embroidery thread allowed for extra sparkle: tiny stitched details on dresses, belts, or even miniature flowers. The room buzzed with quiet concentration and bursts of delight as fairies, angels, one witch and a Granuaile O’Malley Pirate Queen emerged, each one utterly unique.
Some of the students sharing their creations.
Participants left beaming, many already planning their next creations. “I can’t wait to make a whole flock for Christmas gifts!” one member shared. Others envisioned their new treasures perched on mantels or twinkling among fairy lights as part of seasonal décor.
A huge thank you to Belinda Reid for sharing her skill and infectious creativity, and to the dedicated volunteers who made the day run smoothly. Workshops like these remind us why we love felting: a few handfuls of wool, a little patience, and suddenly—magic!
Guild member Lorna Cady brings a historic-themed baked good to share for our Sunday Sessions. Her contribution for November is Parkin.
Tip: Below are the pipe cleaners we used, available on Amazon. The company is called ‘Golden Beads’.
Pipe cleaners that worked well.
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.
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 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 in the 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.
