Tag: Online Education

Of Interest: Free Webinar on Research, Innovation & the Future of Irish Wool – this Friday

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

The Wool Hub for Research & Innovation has an upcoming webinar exploring how research, enterprise and collaboration can unlock new opportunities across the wool value chain.

Hosted by the Circular Bioeconomy Cluster at Munster Technological University, IRELAND, the webinar brings together researchers, businesses and other contributors working to increase the value, visibility and sustainable use of wool.

Through a series of short presentations, participants will hear about developments in nationally funded wool research and innovation; wool-focused research projects and resources; emerging activity within wool-based businesses and regional partnerships; lessons from the European Wool Day 2026 in Tralee; and international experience in developing more sustainable and resilient wool value chains.

The webinar marks the next phase in revitalising the Wool Hub for Research & Innovation, reconnecting people and organisations working across the wool value chain and identifying themes around which the Hub can support future knowledge exchange and collaboration.

The presentations will be followed by a short moderated discussion and audience Q&A, highlighting shared challenges, emerging opportunities and areas for further exploration.

This public event will be relevant to farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, SMEs, designers, processors, policymakers and anyone interested in increasing the value and visibility of Irish-grown wool.

Feltmakers Ireland guild member, Katarina Hruskova of Woolstore Ireland, is one of the presenters.

When: Friday, the 11th of September at 10 AM (Irish time)

Register in advance: https://bit.ly/4yG1djZ

Instagram:  

@mtu_ie @cabr_centre @woolstoreireland @ulsteruni @hollandswolcollectief @ewe_foundation__

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: International Feltmakers Association’s Discovering Feltmaking Courses – Registration Open

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Via Feltmakers Ireland guild member Hélène Dooley, who is part of the Education Team of the International Feltmakers Association (IFA) and helps to administer their ‘Discovering Feltmaking’ courses.

Registration is now open for the International Feltmakers Association‘s five online felting courses. 

Each course commences on 1st October, and they are all fully supported within the virtual classroom by experienced mentors who check in daily to answer questions and provide their support over the two-month duration.  Course material is available indefinitely to students who, in addition to their spot in the virtual classroom, also have access to a private group within Facebook.  

Students can also purchase fibre packs which are relevant to the course they are taking.  

Below is a brief description of each course, with a link to videos and additional information:

  • Discovering Feltmaking 1 | Basics: Students make a series of samples from different breeds that guide them towards a clear understanding of how feltmaking works. Through sampling and slow felting, they learn about the variety of wool breeds and the different results that can be achieved from felting each one.  (link: https://www.feltmakers.com/discovering-feltmaking-1/ )
  • Discovering Feltmaking 2 |Colour: This course gives students the skills to blend their own hues, tints, and shades of wool. It covers essential colour theory, how to card using carding brushes, and students make  felt shade swatches for future reference.  After this, students explore soft and firm prefelt effects by creating inlay and mosaic design samples. (link: https://www.feltmakers.com/discovering-feltmaking-2-2/ )
  • Discovering Feltmaking 3 | Surfaces and Edges: This course focuses on creating surface texture using non-felting fibres and also making decorative edges in the felt.  Students are encouraged throughout to experiment and expand their skills in this important area.(link: https://www.feltmakers.com/discovering-feltmaking-3/ )
  • Discovering Feltmaking 4 | 3D Forms:   Answers the questions about how to make felt in 3 dimensions.  Students learn how to make seamless felt using a resist. It also covers cutting into felt and shaping the hollow form. And finally, how to adapt a resist to make the felt functional.  (link: https://www.feltmakers.com/discovering-feltmaking-4/ )
  • Discovering Feltmaking 5 | Nuno:  There’s lots of practical information on the Nuno course, including how to select suitable Nuno felting fabrics, make an effective soapy solution, calculate shrinkage, ‘repair’ non-felting areas, and work with a prefelt recipe. Students also learn three different nuno felting techniques. (link: https://www.feltmakers.com/df5-nuno/ )

Excellence in Feltmaking Award

Students can choose, if they wish, to work towards the Excellence in Feltmaking Award, and each course supports their submission pieces.  The following link provides further information on the Award.  https://www.feltmakers.com/the-award-excellence-in-feltmaking/

If anyone would like to find out more, they are very welcome to send Hélène an email at dfcoordinator@feltmakers.com

The IFA’s Instagram: @internationalfeltmakers

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: Wet Felting Connections – Cords and Chains with Vanda Sousa – Going the Dodo Way – Online Feltmaking Course

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Vanda F Sousa is a member of Feltmakers Ireland and a talented tutor who offers a range of online wet felting courses.

Her upcoming class is ‘Wet Felting Connections – Cords and Chains’, and it focuses on connecting basic felt forms to create more complex shapes.

In the class, students will explore the following:

  • Rings and chains
  • Two types of horizontal connections
  • Vertical connections


The aim of the class is to help felt makers who are still building their foundations, as well as those who have been felting for a while but feel gaps in their foundational knowledge that they don’t know how to fill.

The class is online, with lifetime access.

Vanda is currently offering an Early Bird price of €49 until August 31st. (The regular price is €59).

For more information, please visit her website: https://www.vandafsousa.com/wet-felting-connections

Her Instagram: @vanda_f_sousa

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: 2 Online Courses via Apple Oak Fibre Works – Finding Joy in Botanical Dyeing and Cyanotype Photography & Natural Dyes

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

There are two upcoming textile courses via the Apple Oak Fibre Works Academy education platform that may be of interest:

  • Finding Joy in Botanical Colours with Malú Colorín
  • Cyanotype Photography & Natural Dyes with Ashleigh Ellis

Both courses are five weeks long, online, and include downloadable PDFs.

For more information, visit the Apple Oak Fibre Works website: https://appleoakfibreworks.com/collections/academy-courses

Their Instagram: @appleoakfibreworks @talu.earth @ashleighellis_natureartist

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: Webinar on Mini Mills – from the US

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

There’s a recorded webinar from the Livestock Conservancy in the USA featuring a panel discussion on how small-scale fibre mills can help save rare sheep breeds and provide fibre for textile artists.

To watch the video, visit this website: https://livestockconservancy.org/resources/mini-micromills-webinar-2/

Their Instagram: @livestockconservancy

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: Wet Cyanotype Printing Online Class – Ashleigh Ellis – Natural Dyers Academy

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
A woman holding printed cyanotype artwork, showcasing blue and white leaf designs, while smiling and gesturing. In the background, there is a sign that reads 'Clothes Swap'.

A four-week course is open to both beginners and experienced creatives who want to explore richly detailed textures and natural colours with Wet Cyanotype Printing on Paper and Textiles.

Guided by Ashleigh Ellis, students will learn to work with botanicals, wet ingredients, and natural dyes to create unique, environmentally conscious works of art.

Start Date: Thursday, the 7th of May 2026
Duration: 4 weeks
Format: Online – Live Zoom teaching, recordings of Lives, and downloadable PDFs

For more information, visit the Natural Dyers’ Academy website – https://appleoakfibreworks.com/collections/academy-short-courses/products/wet-cyanotype-printing-on-paper-7th-of-may-2026

Their Instagram: @naturaldyersacademy @ashleighellis_natureartist

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.

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.