Tag: Online Education

Education: IFA’s Quintet of Online Felting Courses – January 2026

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

The International Feltmakers Association (IFA) online courses for wet feltmaking are currently open for enrollment. There are five different courses, and each covers a specific area of interest to felters:

The January-February Coursework access begins on the 2nd of January, 20206 and ends on the 28th of February, 2026. The courses run three times a year with a period of access to the online material. The other two slots are scheduled in May/June and October/November.

The workshops are delivered step-by-step, on-screen, and as downloadable or printable PDFs through the Ruzuku platform. Students work at their own pace and can use the online group forum to ask the course mentor any questions. Students can also share their work through peer feedback and discussions.

Fibre packs can be ordered if needed.

Feltmakers Ireland guild member Hélène Dooley is one of the mentors with the IFA Discovering Feltmaking Courses. She masterfully guided us through the ‘Cracked Earth’ and ‘Geode’ techniques during our April 2023 Sunday Session!

For more information and to register, visit the IFA’s website – https://www.feltmakers.com/discovering-feltmaking-course/

The IFA also has a branch for all of Ireland – Region 14. To join, visit here – https://www.feltmakers.com/join-the-international-feltmakers-association/

These online courses are open to both IFA members and non-members, and would make a perfect gift for oneself!

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: The World Wool Forum Webinar – 19th of October

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Shepard and sheep amongst forest at I Casali Del Pino, Rome, Italy - for the World Wool Forum Webinar

The World Wool Forum will bring together international leaders from the design, fashion, interior, and textile fields, as well as farmers, thinkers, and innovators who are doing inspiring work. This live online session will forecast the future of wool fibres, while preserving sheep husbandry, animal welfare and craft heritage.

When: Sunday, the 19th of October, 14:00 – 19:00 Rome CET (13:00 – 18:00 Irish Time).

The first part of the forum will focus on ‘Identity and Place,’ and the second will explore ‘Farm and Future.’ Friend of Feltmakers Ireland, Blátnaid Gallagher, founder of the Galway Wool Co-op, is scheduled to speak about wool during the latter section.

For more information on the schedule and speakers, and to sign up for this free webinar, visit the Forum’s website – https://www.worldhopeforum.com/world-wool-forum

Their Instagram – @worldhopeforum

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: IFA’s Quintet of Online Felting Courses – Now Open

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

The International Feltmakers Association (IFA) online courses for wet feltmaking are currently open for enrollment. There are five different courses, and each covers a specific area of interest to felters:

The October-November Coursework access begins on the 1st of October and ends on the 30th of November, 2025. The courses run three times a year with a period of access to the online material. The other two slots are scheduled in January/February and May/June.

The workshops are delivered step-by-step, on screen and as a downloadable or printable PDF through the Ruzuku platform. Students work at their own pace and can use the online group forum to ask the course mentor any questions they may have. Students can also share their work through peer feedback and discussions.

Fibre packs can be ordered if needed.

Feltmakers Ireland guild member Hélène Dooley is one of the mentors with the IFA Discovering Feltmaking Courses. She masterfully guided us through the ‘Cracked Earth’ and ‘Geode’ techniques during our April 2023 Sunday Session!

For more information and to register, visit the IFA’s website – https://www.feltmakers.com/discovering-feltmaking-course/

The IFA has a branch for all of Ireland – Region 14. To join, visit here – https://www.feltmakers.com/join-the-international-feltmakers-association/

The online courses are open to IFA members and non-members.

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: “What Colour Does that Plant Make?” – Free Online Natural Dye Chat – Talu Earth

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

On Monday, the 15th of September, Malú Colorín of Talu Earth will share her best tips to identify dye plants in the wild, so that you can gain insights into the colours we see, and learn how to predict the results in the dye pot.

She will discuss the following:

  • Is that a dye plant?
  • What colour does it make?
  • Will this brightly-coloured flower dye my shirt that colour?
  • Why is it so hard to get green?

When: Monday, 15th September at 6:30 PM (Irish time), via a FREE Zoom call.

To receive the Zoom link, visit her website – https://guides.talu.earth/what-colour

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: Two Paper-Related Courses

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

These courses are not feltmaking specifically, but they may be of interest to add to one’s textile-related skills. The Joomchi workshops are in Dublin, and the Paper Casting Workshop is online.

2 in-person Joomchi Workshops in Dublin

Art in Layers - two in person Joomchi Workshops

Art in Layers is offering two in-person workshops in September on how to create Joomchi, which is a traditional Korean paper-crafting technique that involves layering hanji (Korean mulberry paper) by hand.

“In this class, you’ll learn the meditative process of bonding paper fibers without adhesives, creating stunning pieces with depth and dimension. Perfect for all skill levels, joomchi offers a beautiful way to explore texture, color, and form while connecting with a centuries-old craft.” – from the Art in Layers website.

Saturday, the 6th of September at The Hendrick Smithfield, 6-11 Hendrick St, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 A8N1.

Sunday, the 7th of September at The Arthaus Hotel, 3 Mercer Street Lower, Dublin, D02 TW61.

For more information, visit the Art in Layers website – https://artinlayers.ie/joomchi/

Their Instagram – @art.in.layers

Online Paper Casting Workshop

SDA's poster for Sculptural Paper Castsing with Leah Aegerter

The Surface Design Association (SDA) offers an online paper casting course taught by Leah Aegerter.

In this foundational paper-making workshop, students transform pulp into unique cast-paper sculptures. Starting with dry abaca pulp, they will delve into the process of reconstituting, blending, dyeing, and casting sheets using a traditional mould and deckle. Abaca paper is characterised by long fibres with impressive wet strength, making it ideal for manipulation. Students mould wet sheets onto objects at home, around the studio, or in the environment. This method of papermaking and casting exemplifies a DIY approach to adapting the traditional craft for a personal studio setting, as described on the Surface Design Association website.

When: Three live Zoom sessions in October/November, with recordings available for a year.

For more information, visit the SDA’s website – https://www.surfacedesign.org/sda-workshops-2025/sculptural-paper-casting/

Their Instagram: @suface_design @leahaegerter

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.

Of Interest: Free Talk about Wet Cyanotype Printing on Paper by Ashleigh Ellis

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Join tutor and artist Ashleigh Ellis for a free course preview on Wet Cyanotype Printing on Paper.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned creative, this is your chance to meet Ashleigh, see her process, and find out how you can explore the magic of botanicals, sunlight, and natural colour.

When: This Wednesday, the 13th, at 6.30 PM for a live preview talk via Zoom.

Note: The course starts on Thursday, the 28th of August, via the Appleoak Fibreworks online education platform.

For more information and to get the Zoom link for this Wednesday, visit this page – https://mailchi.mp/2064977a88df/explore-natural-colour-this-autumn-courses-now-open

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.

Of Interest: VAI Connected Horizons – Working with Galleries

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

This webinar, ‘Working with Galleries,’ is part of Visual Artists Ireland’s Connected Horizons programme. It explores how artists across the island of Ireland can engage with established galleries and institutions.⁠
⁠
Hear from:⁠
• The MAC (Belfast) @themacbelfast⁠
• The Glucksman (Cork) @theglucksman ⁠
• Gasworks (London) @gasworkslondon⁠
⁠
Each organisation will present their work, outline available opportunities, and share advice on how artists can connect with them. The session will end with a live Q&A.⁠
⁠
Connected Horizons aims to:⁠
• Strengthen cross-border and East-West connections⁠
• Facilitate collaboration between artists and organisations⁠
• Support professional development and long-term networks⁠
• Increase regional visibility for artists⁠


When: Tuesday, the 29th of July⁠
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM⁠
Online via Zoom⁠
⁠
Register now via the VAI website – a discounted rate is available for VAI members.⁠ https://visualartists.ie/professional-development-_/#!event/2025/7/29/connected-horizons-working-with-galleries-museums

Their Instagram – @visualartistsireland

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: Introduction to Prehistoric Textiles – Online Course

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Sally Pointer’s “Introduction to Prehistoric Textiles” online course is now available on the Plants & Colour website.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to prehistoric textile techniques, focusing on evidence from Northern Europe. Participants will learn about the evolution of textile tools and technologies through four pre-recorded video lessons, each approximately one hour long. A live Q&A session on the 21st of October, 5-6 PM will follow the course to address questions.

  • Lesson One: The Palaeolithic – ‘The String Age’
  • Lesson Two: The Mesolithic – Tree bast technologies
  • Lesson Three: The Neolithic – Linen
  • Lesson Four: The Bronze Age – Introduction of wool and changes in textile practices.

For more information, visit the Plants & Colour website – https://plantsandcolour.co.uk/introduction-to-prehistoric-textiles

Instagram @plants_and_colour & @sallypointerheritage


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: European Craft Alliance Online Summer School

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Poster for European Crafts Alliance 0 Coming Soon: ECA Online Summer Scyool '25

The inaugural European Craft Alliance (ECA) Summer School will offer a relaxed, self-paced online programme exploring the intersection of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and creativity in the craft sector.

Curated content clusters, featuring highlights from the ECA and its members, will be published over four themed weeks. Each week will also include ‘Beach Reading Mosaic,’ a curated collection of thought-provoking essays on European crafts.

When: 21st of July to 16th of August 2025.

The programme is free and open to all.

For more information, visit their website – https://europeancraftsalliance.org/coming-soon-eca-online-summer-school-25/

Their Instagram @eca.crafts

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: Hanging Felted Spiral Online Class – Hélène Dooley

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Helene Dooley - Hanging Felted Spiral Online Class

Registration is open for the Felting and Fiber Studio‘s ‘Felted Hanging Spiral Course‘, taught by Feltmakers Ireland member Hélène Dooley. Adding movement to an art piece takes it to a new dimension. The shape becomes fluid, even mesmerising.

Have you been interested in learning more about sculptural felt? This is a great way to learn about laying out fibre for increased elasticity, using a book resist with multiple ‘leaves’, and Hélène’s ideas on how to further develop these concepts into future projects.

This is a four-week course, and it is delivered through the following media:

  • A series of short videos which take students step-by-step through the process. Each video forms a single unit in the process. The result is that students can easily pick up where they left off and do not need to devote huge chunks of time to making their spirals in one or two sessions.
  • A set of PDF files which tie into the videos.
  • Daily access to the classroom chatroom for the duration of the course.

The course starts on Friday, the 2nd of May.

For more information, visit the Felting and Fiber Studio’s website – https://feltingandfiberstudio.com/2025/04/22/registration-opens-for-hanging-felted-spiral-online-class-2/

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.