Tag: Phoenix Park

Of Interest: Feltmakers Ireland will be at Bord Bia Bloom 2026 – DCCI’s Irish Craft Village

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Map of Bloom 2026 event layout, showing various areas including the Conservation Area and entrances, with marked locations for facilities like restaurants and picnic areas.
Bloom 2026 Map

On Friday, the 30th and Saturday, the 31st of May, volunteers from Feltmakers Ireland will demonstrate wet and needlefelting at the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland‘s Irish Craft Village, at Bord Bia Bloom in Phoenix Park. We will be in Demo Area 3, near the Conservation Area. Our book, ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’, will also be for sale, along with some of our members’ works. Come by and say, ‘Hello’!

Here is a link that shows the schedule of all the guilds that are demonstrating –https://www.dcci.ie/whats-on/bord-bia-bloom/bloom-2026-demonstrations/

Member News

Group of people gathered for the announcement of Meath Made's participation in Bord Bia Bloom 2026, with promotional materials and artwork on display.
MeathMade Members, including Lucia Errity.

Feltmakers Ireland guild member Lucia Errity will display her felted work at the MeathMade booth.

More Information

This June bank holiday weekend (Thursday, May 28th– Monday, June 1st, 2026), Bord Bia Bloom, Ireland’s most unique gardening, food, and sustainable living festival, returns for its 20th year.

Filled with colour and creativity, the event heralds the start of summer with a dazzling display of glorious gardens, fabulous food, and enthralling entertainment to entice visitors of all ages.

Spanning a 70-acre site in Dublin’s leafy Phoenix Park, Bord Bia Bloom is one of the country’s largest outdoor experiences, attracting over 100,000 visitors annually. This year, visitors can soak up the sights, sounds, and tastes of summer over five buzzing days packed with live entertainment, talks, interactive workshops, dining, shopping, and so much more.

Bord Bia Bloom offers abundant opportunities to grow, taste, and learn. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster, and two children can go free with each adult ticket purchased. Concession tickets are available for senior citizens (66+) and students with a valid ID.

For more information, visit their website – https://www.bordbiabloom.com/

Their Instagram: @bordbiabloom @dccireland @luciaerrityart @meathmade

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: Opening of ‘Water and Flow’ Exhibition – Phoenix Park Visitor Centre

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland1 Comment
A man with glasses and a mustache presenting at a wooden podium in front of blue artworks on a stone wall.
Conor O’Brien launched our exhibition

Feltmakers Ireland’s ‘Water and Flow’ exhibition was officially launched on Saturday, 4th April at 3 PM in the beautiful gallery of the OPW’s Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. The event was opened by knitwear designer Conor O’Brien, who shared insights into his creative journey, from studying at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) to discovering Aran knitting through a college assignment, with guidance from his grandmother. He also spoke about his strong support for using Irish-raised wool in his work, highlighting the importance of local materials and heritage in contemporary design. Learn more about Conor from his website- https://conorobrienstudio.com/

The exhibition features 67 striking pieces of felted artwork, showcasing the breadth and creativity of contemporary feltmaking. The opening was very well attended, with approximately 140 people present to celebrate the occasion. Since the launch, several works have been purchased by visitors.

‘Water and Flow‘ will continue to run until Sunday, 26th April, offering further opportunities to experience this vibrant and engaging exhibition.

Some Photos of the Launch

Photos courtesy of Tom Macagno, Loli Cox, and members’ contributions.

A group of ten people posing together in front of artwork in a gallery, with a mix of smiling expressions and vibrant clothing.
Conor O’Brien and some of the committee saying, ‘Wool’
An art gallery setting with two individuals; a woman speaking at a podium with a floral accessory, and a man casually dressed, standing nearby. Various artworks are displayed on the stone walls.
Loli Cox introducing Conor O’Brien
A man and a woman pose together in an art gallery, smiling. The man has short, curly hair and a moustache, wearing a black shirt. The woman has long, brown hair and is dressed in a patterned top featuring blue flowers. The background displays several pieces of art on stone walls.
Conor and Loli Cox
Two women standing in front of framed textile art pieces in a gallery setting. The woman on the left is wearing a knitted shawl and smiling, while the woman on the right is dressed in a coat and hat, with a neutral expression. Various artworks, including a floral piece and a vibrant sunset, are displayed on the wall behind them.
Founder Elizabeth Bonnar and Juliane Gorman
Two women smiling at a table filled with various pastries, biscuits, and cheeses in an art gallery setting, with artworks displayed on the walls.
Siobhán Healy Ryan and Elizabeth Redding setting up the refreshments
A man and a woman standing in an art gallery, smiling at the camera. The man wears an orange fleece top and jeans, while the woman has short, grey hair and is dressed in a colourful, felt vest with a decorative bag. Various artworks are displayed on the stone wall behind them.
Claire Merry and her husband Phil
A crowded gallery space filled with people attending an art exhibition. Artwork is displayed on the stone walls, and a table with refreshments is in the foreground.
The gallery was full of visitors
An art exhibition featuring a speaker in front of a gathered audience, with artworks displayed on the stone wall behind.
Conor O’Brien speaking
A crowded art gallery event with attendees socialising and viewing artwork on display. The venue features stone walls and various paintings hanging. Some people are holding drinks and engaged in conversation.
People chatting
A crowd of people viewed an art exhibition, standing in a gallery with stone walls. Various artworks are displayed on the walls and the audience appears engaged.
Visitors listening
A group of visitors exploring an art gallery featuring various artworks on display. The gallery has a stone wall and wooden flooring, with attendees engaged in conversation and admiring the art.
More people at the launch
A group of people chatting at an art exhibition, surrounded by colourful artworks on the walls and in a gallery with stone and brick architecture.
The only photo of Sam Fagan, our Treasurer, wearing her Foxford Blanket Jacket

The Gallery

A collection of various artworks displayed on a stone wall, featuring a sheep portrait, abstract and landscape pieces, and a felt art piece depicting a glass of water with animals, accompanied by information plaques.
A felted sculpture depicting a small house with the word 'Café' on it, surrounded by stones. In the foreground, a miniature figure is pulling a yellow inflatable raft with a small dog inside. In the background, there are artworks displayed on stone walls, including a black cat sculpture.
A felted portrait of a woman with long hair, exhibiting expressive features and a contemplative gaze. The artwork is framed and displayed on a brick wall, accompanied by a label detailing the artist.
Art exhibition featuring three framed artworks displayed on a brick wall. The top piece depicts a bird in flight against a cloudy sky, the left artwork features a vibrant landscape with trees, and the right piece presents a textured design with seashells and flowing blue colours. Accompanying labels provide information about the artists.
An art gallery display featuring three framed artworks hanging on a textured stone wall. The left artwork depicts a vibrant landscape with a river, the centre artwork shows a waterfall, and the right piece features abstract stone formations. Accompanied by descriptions on the wall.
An art installation featuring three pieces of felt artwork against a stone wall. The top left piece displays a white water lily on a dark background, the middle piece is a blue abstract design, and the right piece depicts vibrant elephants against a sunset scene. Artist information is displayed below each artwork.
Two decorative table lamps with unique felt shades displayed on a clear surface. The lamp on the left features a white shade with blue wave patterns, while the lamp on the right has a beige shade with blue fish designs.
A textured artwork framed in white, depicting a vertical arrangement of stones and organic shapes, set against a backdrop resembling earthy waves, displayed on a stone wall.
An art display featuring four framed artworks on a stone wall. The pieces include an abstract blue swirl, a stylized portrait with blonde hair, and a vibrant blue piece with black elements, alongside a textured blue fabric artwork. Each artwork has a descriptive plaque beneath it.
A gallery wall featuring various artworks framed and hung against a stone background. The pieces include abstract paintings in shades of blue, a portrait, and a textured textile art piece, each accompanied by informational plaques.
A gallery display featuring three artworks on a stone wall. On the left, a framed blue textile piece with abstract designs. The centre piece depicts a white bird surrounded by colourful foliage. On the right, a vibrant textile artwork showing a boat with characters sailing on a blue sea under a rainbow.
A hand-felted vase in shades of blue and teal on the left, alongside a felted landscape sculpture featuring a waterfall and greenery on the right. Both pieces are displayed in an art gallery setting with stone walls.
A wooden display stand holding a textured blue wool sculpture resembling waves, with a information card beside it.
A felted vest displayed on a mannequin, featuring a wave-inspired design in shades of blue and white, set against a stone wall in an art exhibition.
A gallery wall featuring various artworks, including a vibrant felted creature on the left, a textile piece depicting a surfer on a wave, a hanging fabric artwork with blue motifs, and a framed piece resembling a swirling vortex.
A handmade felt figurine with a serene expression, featuring brightly coloured hair and clothing, adorned with jewellery and holding a feather.
A handcrafted black cat figure made of felt, featuring bright yellow eyes and a pink nose, posed on a wooden base next to two small felt fish.
A gallery wall displaying various pieces of artwork, including felt creations and paintings, accompanied by artist descriptions. The artworks feature diverse themes such as nature, underwater scenes, and abstract designs against a stone wall backdrop.
An art display featuring various framed paintings and textile artworks on a stone wall, showcasing oceanic themes and landscapes.
An art exhibition featuring four framed artworks displayed on a stone wall, with information plaques below each piece.
A collection of four artworks displayed on a stone wall, featuring a felted piece with a swimmer, a textured vertical artwork, a circular stone sculpture, and a framed painting.
Three blue felted vases displayed on a white surface, featuring a whimsical figure dressed in blue sitting atop the largest vase. The background shows an art gallery with artworks on stone walls.
A handcrafted felt mermaid figure sitting on a display, wearing a pink hat with flowers and a textured tail.
A blue artistic shawl displayed on a stand, featuring textured floral designs and fringes, situated in an exhibition space with a stone wall background.
An art display featuring three pieces on a white wall. On the left, a floral textured painting in vibrant colours. In the centre, a blue crafted wall piece with rounded shapes. To the right, a hanging textile artwork depicting flowers and foliage, with a blue fabric flowing downwards.
An art exhibition featuring four textile artworks. On the left, a colourful tapestry of a waterfall and trees; next to it, a felted piece depicting flowing water; above, a textured artwork with leaves; and below, two smaller felted pieces in shades of blue and grey, all displayed on a white wall with accompanying artist information.

Artists with their Artwork

Last year, in the blog post about our ‘Common Threads’ exhibition at the National Design and Craft Gallery in Kilkenny, we included a section featuring members alongside their pieces. As this is an engaging feature, we hope to get a photo of each member in the show.

If we overlooked you at the opening, or you have yet to visit, can you please take a photo of yourself next to your piece and email it to the following address: feltmakerIE@gmail.com

A woman with long blonde hair wearing glasses and a red scarf, standing in front of vivid artwork in an art gallery. The artworks include a framed piece depicting a bird flying in a blue sky and another abstract piece with soft blue and white colours.
Adrienne Dempsey
A smiling woman with long blonde hair stands beside a handcrafted puppet on a table, set against a backdrop of colourful artwork displayed on a stone wall.
Alison Duffy
A woman with grey hair wearing a black top and a green scarf stands next to a framed textile artwork of a figure surrounded by blue and green colours, displayed on a stone wall.
Anne Heavey
A woman with short purple hair stands in front of an abstract blue painting with yellow accents, hanging on a stone wall. She wears a patterned top and a green scarf, and a decorative necklace.
Annika Berglund
A woman in a light pink blazer stands smiling in front of a wall displaying vibrant felt art, including a white lily and a colourful abstract piece.
Audrey Murray
A smiling woman with long brown hair, wearing a blue top and a yellow scarf, stands in front of an artwork display featuring a sculpted face on a blue textile background. The walls are made of stone and there are more artworks visible nearby.
Belinda Reid
A woman with curly hair stands in front of a framed artistic portrait of a woman with blonde hair and red lips, displayed on a stone wall. She is wearing a floral patterned top and an olive green coat.
Caitríona Nolan
A person smiling in a blue coat stands next to a framed artwork featuring a serene landscape. The artwork is displayed on a stone wall, with an information plaque beneath it.
Cara Shank
An elderly woman stands smiling beside two vibrant textile artworks depicting a waterfall and nature scenes, in an art gallery setting.
Claire Merry
A woman stands smiling in front of a stone wall, displaying a felt art piece featuring a glass of water, animals, and raindrops, alongside several artworks and descriptions.
Corina Hogan
A woman with shoulder-length hair wearing a teal jacket stands smiling in front of a framed artwork depicting a portrait of a girl with long hair and a pensive expression. The background features exposed brick and a visitor information board.
Deirdre Crofts
A woman smiling and gesturing towards a framed artwork featuring a jellyfish and various sea elements, displayed on a stone wall.
Eglė Silenaite-Enyed
A woman smiling beside a vibrant textile artwork featuring a boat, sun, rainbow, and various playful animals.
Eithne O’Dea
A woman with curly hair smiles while standing next to a colourful abstract artwork in an art gallery, with exposed stone walls in the background.
Elaine Peden
A smiling woman with long hair, wearing a black jacket and a red top, stands in front of art displayed on a stone wall. The artwork includes a colourful textile piece with the word 'PHOENIX' and another depicting a figure fishing by a river.
Elizabeth Redding
A smiling woman wearing a grey beret and round glasses holds a needle-felted black cat sculpture on a wooden base, surrounded by artwork displayed on a stone wall.
Eva Salamon
A smiling woman standing beside a blue felt artwork with circular shapes on display in an art gallery.
Fiona Leech
A woman smiling in front of a framed artwork depicting an underwater scene, surrounded by colourful felted pieces on a stone wall in an exhibition.
Hedi Gotthalmseder
A woman with glasses smiles confidently while standing beside a framed artwork of leaves with water droplets. The background features various textile art pieces.
Hélène Dooley
A smiling woman stands beside blue felted art pieces, including bowls and a figurine, in an art exhibition with framed artworks displayed in the background.
Hilary Delaney
A woman smiling in front of a handcrafted textile hanging against a stone wall, featuring blue designs on a white background, showcasing her artwork.
Jacqueline Atkinson
A woman and a young girl, both smiling, pose together in front of framed artworks in a gallery. The woman wears a dark coat and a beige beanie, while the girl is in a patterned coat and a multicoloured hat holding a cup of strawberries.
Joanne Foley
A smiling woman with long hair, wearing a floral dress and a white vest, stands in front of various textile artworks displayed on a stone wall.
Joanne Turner
A woman with grey hair wearing a light blue and black garment stands alongside textile artworks in a gallery. She is smiling and appears to be engaged with the exhibit, which includes felted pieces and a vibrant landscape scene.
Juliane Gorman
A woman wearing a straw hat and a white blazer holds a framed textile artwork featuring a blue circular design with a bridge, trees, and stars, displayed against a stone wall.
Karen McSweeney
A woman stands beside an artistic display in a gallery, showcasing blue-textured textile art on a mannequin and a wooden crate. She wears a dark coat, blue scarf, and holds a matching bag.
Katarina Hruskova
A woman in a patterned yellow dress stands in front of a stone wall displaying colourful felt artwork, which includes depictions of a building and a landscape with a waterfall.
Linda Costello
A woman standing next to a piece of textile art in an exhibition, wearing a patterned sleeveless top with a blue flower brooch and black trousers.
Loli Cox
A smiling woman with glasses and long, blonde hair stands in front of an art exhibition, wearing a black coat and blue beaded necklaces. Behind her are colourful textile artworks displayed on a stone wall.
Lorna Cady
A woman stands beside a framed piece of textured artwork depicting a landscape with a river, featuring various colours and materials. The artwork is displayed in an art gallery with brick and stone walls.
Lucia Errity
A woman standing in an art gallery, smiling and wearing a black cardigan. Behind her is a colourful abstract artwork made of various materials, displayed on a stone wall.
Margaret Corroon
A woman smiling in front of a piece of artwork featuring blue and black elements, displayed in a gallery with a stone wall background.
Maggie McCartney
A woman stands beside a colourful abstract artwork featuring jellyfish-like forms, set against a textured background of blues and greens, in an art gallery.
Marie Dunne
A woman stands next to a sculpture of a cottage made from felt, featuring a scene with figures in a kayak. The background displays various artworks on a stone wall.
Marie Hopkins
A woman with glasses stands beside three pieces of felted artwork displayed on a gallery wall. Two artworks are hung above her, featuring natural elements, with vibrant colours and textures.
Marika Miklosi-Manning
A woman with wavy blonde hair and glasses stands beside a framed piece of artwork featuring a textured design of pebbles and earthy tones, with a stone wall and a window in the background.
Neasa Ryan
A woman stands beside a decorative artwork depicting a waterfall and lush greenery, crafted from wool and displayed in a wooden bowl. The setting includes brick walls and framed art in the background.
Patricia Englishby O’Connor
A woman stands in front of a wall displaying various artworks, including a circular blue piece. She is wearing a patterned blue and white blouse and blue jeans, smiling at the camera.
Patricia Conroy
A woman with long, silver hair and glasses stands smiling in front of framed artwork on a stone wall. The artwork includes a colourful landscape and other pieces, while she wears a denim jacket.
Sandra Chase
A smiling woman stands beside a framed artwork featuring a blue spiral design on a textured background, displayed on a stone wall.
Siobhán Healy Ryan

Online Catalogue

Here’s a link to Feltmakers Ireland’s online catalogue of ‘Water and Flow’

There is also a PDF version of the catalogue.

Two women smiling in an art gallery featuring various artworks on the walls, standing close together.
Annika and Fiona after all of their hard work

Appreciation

Thank you to everyone who helped make this exhibition such a success.

Many thanks to Conor O’Brien for launching the exhibition with his interesting talk, to our members for contributing their fantastic artwork, and to Annika Berglund and Fiona Leech for displaying everything so beautifully. Additionally, we would like to thank Loli Cox for introducing our guest speaker. We’re also very grateful to the committee members for organising and setting up the lovely refreshments. Finally, we want to thank the OPW Phoenix Park Visitor Centre for again inviting us to use their stunning gallery for our 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 the content, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Exhibition: Feltmakers Ireland Presents ‘Water and Flow’ Exhibition – Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Gallery – Dublin

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
'Water and Flow' Feltmakers Ireland Group Exhibition poster, featuring felt artwork by Joanne Turner. Details about the exhibition location at Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, dates from 2nd to 26th April, and opening hours. Announcement of a launch event with knitwear designer Conor O'Brien on the 4th.

Feltmakers Ireland is delighted to present ‘Water and Flow’, a vibrant group exhibition featuring the contemporary artwork of 68 members. This showcase explores the many interpretations of water through the rich and versatile medium of felt.

From gentle streams to powerful oceans, ‘Water and Flow‘ explores the many moods of water: its energy and stillness, its capacity for renewal, and its connection to human emotion, from sorrow to joy.

Using fibres ranging from imported Merino wool to locally sourced Irish fleece, members have created a diverse body of work that highlights both traditional and contemporary felting practices. Featuring an array of textile techniques, including wet felting and needle felting, guild members have created three-dimensional sculptures, wall art, and wearable pieces, each offering a unique perspective on the theme, reflecting the creativity and individuality of the artists involved.

The Opening

The exhibition will be officially launched by knitwear designer Conor O’Brien on Saturday, 4 April at 3 PM.

Where and When

The exhibition is at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Gallery and runs from Thursday, the 2nd of April, to Sunday, the 26th of April. The hours are 9:30 AM to 5 PM, daily, with the exhibition closing on its final day at 3 PM.

The gallery is conveniently accessible by Dublin Bus number 99 and is located within the historic Phoenix Park. There is ample parking near the Centre.

For further details, including maps and directions to the park, visit https://www.phoenixpark.ie/directions.

The artwork featured on the exhibition poster is ‘Waterfall’ by Joanne Turner.

Her Instagram @olannoriginals

We warmly invite you to join us for the opening or visit throughout the month to experience this dynamic and engaging exhibition celebrating feltmaking in Ireland.

Online Catalogue

A link to Feltmakers Ireland’s online catalogue of ‘Water and Flow’

There is also a PDF version of the catalogue (if the above link is not working for you).

News: Feltmakers Ireland will be at Bord Bia Bloom – DCCI’s Irish Craft Village – Area 26

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

On Sunday, the 1st of June and Monday, the 2nd of June, volunteers from Feltmakers Ireland will demonstrate wet and needlefelting at the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland‘s Irish Craft Village, at Bord Bia Bloom in Phoenix Park. We will be in the central pavilion within Area 26, near the Conservation Area. Our book, ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’, will also be for sale, along with some of our members’ works. Come by and say, ‘Hello’!

Here is a link that shows the schedule of all the guilds that are demonstrating – https://www.dcci.ie/events/dcci-irish-craft-village-demonstrations

Feltmakers Ireland guild member Caoimhe Tuthill (Boann Irish Felt) will display her felted work at the MeathMade booth, Grand Pavilion stand G117.

This June bank holiday weekend (Thursday, May 29th– Monday, June 2nd, 2025), Bord Bia Bloom, Ireland’s most unique gardening, food, and sustainable living festival,
returns for its 19th year.

Filled with colour and creativity, the event heralds the start of summer with a dazzling display of glorious gardens, fabulous food, and enthralling entertainment to entice visitors of all ages.

Spanning a 70-acre site in Dublin’s leafy Phoenix Park, Bord Bia Bloom is one of the country’s largest outdoor experiences, attracting over 100,000 visitors annually. This year, visitors can soak up the sights, sounds, and tastes of summer over five buzzing days packed with live entertainment, talks, interactive workshops, dining, shopping, and so much more.

Bord Bia Bloom offers abundant opportunities to grow, taste, and learn. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster, and two children can go free with each adult ticket purchased.

For more information, visit their website – https://www.bordbiabloom.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.

News: Final Chance to See ‘Symbols of Ireland’ – Feltmakers Ireland Exhibition

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Poster for Symbols of Ireland - group exhibition. Illustrated with a green coloured felted Brigid's Cross created by Jane Fox.

Have you had the chance to visit ‘Symbols of Ireland’, the stunning exhibition by Feltmakers Ireland? If not, now is your last opportunity! The exhibition, showcasing the incredible talent of 47 members, is in its final week at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.

Featuring a diverse range of textile artistry, ‘Symbols of Ireland’ includes intricate needle and wet felting techniques displayed through wall art, sculptures, and wearable creations. Each piece tells a story, representing elements of Ireland’s rich culture and heritage through the unique medium of felt.

The exhibition is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, with a slightly earlier closing time of 3 PM on Sunday, its final day.

Whether you’re an admirer of textile art, a craft enthusiast, or simply looking for an inspiring outing, don’t miss this chance to experience the beauty and creativity of Irish feltmaking.

Visit before it’s gone – and immerse yourself in the textures, colours, and symbolism that define this remarkable exhibition.

If you are unable to visit Dublin, you can view the online catalogue and read about our exciting launch with First Lady Sabina Higgins here – https://feltmakersireland.com/2025/03/04/exhibition-recap-first-lady-sabina-higgins-opens-symbols-of-ireland-art-exhibition-phoenix-park-visitor-centre/

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: Online Catalogue for ‘Symbols of Ireland’

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Image of green Brigid's Cross with Catalogue for Feltmakers Ireland's exhibition, 'Symbols of Ireland'. MARCH 2025
Catalogue for Feltmakers Ireland’s exhibition, ‘Symbols of Ireland’.

On Sunday, the 2nd of March, First Lady Sabina Higgins launched Feltmakers Ireland’s exhibition, ‘Symbols of Ireland’. To accompany the show, we created an online catalogue to share with the Office of the President, the 47 artists involved, our members, and the public.

If you reshare any images, please credit the artist who created the artwork.

We would also appreciate it if, when sharing on Social Media, you could please tag the Guild:

The link to the catalogue – Catalogue- Symbols of Ireland

If you cannot view the above version, there is a PDF version of the catalogue.


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: ‘Symbols of Ireland’ – Annual Feltmakers Ireland Show – Phoenix Park Visitor Centre

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Poster for Feltmakers Ireland's annual exhibition - 2025 - 'Symbols of Ireland' at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. Sabina Higgins will launch show on the 2nd of March at 3 PM. The SHow runs Wednesdays through Sundays, from the 5th to the 30th of March.
The Poster for Feltmakers Ireland’s group exhibition in March.

Feltmakers Ireland is delighted to present ‘Symbols of Ireland’, a group exhibition celebrating the country’s rich cultural heritage through the art of felt. Sabina Higgins will officially launch* the exhibition on Sunday, the 2nd of March, at 3 PM.

This showcase explores Ireland’s iconic imagery and deep-rooted traditions through the versatile medium of wool—ranging from imported Merino fibre to locally raised Irish wool. Featuring an array of techniques, including wet felting and needle felting, members of Feltmakers Ireland have created striking three-dimensional sculptures, wall art, and wearable pieces, each offering a unique interpretation of Irish symbolism.

The exhibition runs from Wednesday, the 5th of March, to Sunday, the 30th of March 30th, 2025, at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Gallery. Please note: the Centre is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. (This may change if there is an increase in staffing. We will know more by the middle of the month).

The gallery is conveniently accessible by Dublin Bus number 99 and is located within the historic Phoenix Park. For further details, including maps and directions to the park, visit https://www.phoenixpark.ie/directions.

The artwork featured on the exhibition poster is ‘Brigid’s Legacy’ by Jane Fox.

*Provisional upon her schedule.

Feltmakers Ireland is a guild member of the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCI).

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: Feltmakers Ireland at Bloom 2024

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

By Bloom co-coordinator, Maria Mc Garry

Over the June Bank holiday, volunteers from Feltmakers Ireland spent two days at the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland’s Irish Craft Village within Bord Bia’s Bloom 2024 in Phonix Park. Our volunteers shared the wonders of transforming fluff into felt.

Irish Craft Village Sign – Photo by Sam Fagan

Most of all, Feltmakers Ireland wants to thank the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCI) for giving us such an excellent marquee and display opportunity in the Craft’s Demonstration Booth at Bloom. We especially want to thank Geraldine Gray (of the DCCI ) and her sister Catherine for their support, helpfulness, and friendship on-site over the two days.

The Design and Crafts Council of Ireland’s Irish Craft Village – Photo by Sam Fagan

Our Booth

The public enjoyed watching volunteers show how to wet felt and needle-felt.

The photo on the left is early in the day – Photo by Loli Cox. The one on the right shows how popular our booth was – Photo by Sam Fagan.

Day 1

Annika Berglund showcased her project on the felting properties of wool from the various breeds of sheep in Ireland as part of Feltmakers Ireland’s book ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking‘. You can purchase this book via our website – https://feltmakersireland.com/exploring-irish-wool-for-feltmaking/

  • Annika with samples of Irish Wool Breeds – Photo by Maria Mc Garry
  • Irish Wool Breed Felted Samples – Photo by Sam Fagan

Annika’s 3D fish and butterflies attracted much interest, as did other artworks on display.

  • Fishes and Butterfhly – Photo by Maria Mc Garry
  • 3D Butterflies by Annika Berglund – Photo by Sam Fagan
  • Hélène Dooley’s spiral in the foregraound.
  • A busy booth – Photo by Hélène Dooley

Tamzen Lundy demonstrated wet feltmaking by creating a Mr Fantastic Fox. Her cute, wee-felted animals on display are terrific. You can find her work at Tamzen Lundy Designs.

Tamzen promoting wet feltmaking. (See below)

  • Tamzen demonstrating
  • Tamzen chatting with the public – Photo by Maria Mc Garry

Marian Fagan demonstrated needle felting and how she makes puppets of the various characters in children’s books for her granddaughter as they share the joy of reading. (See photo below).

Marian demonstrating feltmaking – Photo by Maria Mc Garry

Loli Cox, Marian, and Annika were busy demonstrating.

Loli, Marian, and Annika talking with the public – Photo by Maria Mc Garry

In the afternoon, Joanne Foley (in the yellow dress) demonstrated the process of creating her animal portraits. (See photograph below).

More sharing of feltmaking at Bloom – Joanne Foley, Lorna Cady, Margaret Ryan Collings, and Annika Berglund – Photo by Maria Mc Garry

Guild member Caoimhe Tuthill of Boann Irish Felt exhibited her beautiful work in the main pavilion with MeathMade. (See below).

Caoimhe Tuthill at the MeathMade Booth – Photo by Maria Mc Garry

Day 2

Saturday was busy, and Hélène Dooley started us off by demonstrating wet felting flowers and displaying her felted vessels. The red-coloured, hanging felted spiral is from an online class she teaches at the Felting and Fiber Studio. (See photo below).

Helene demonstrating – Photo by Maria Mc Garry

Hélène demonstrated and answered curious questions.

Hélène, Lory Cotti Cottini, and Annika demonstrating, below. Annika promoted Feltmakers Ireland and encouraged the interested public to become members of the guild.

Helene, Lory, and Annika sharing the wonders of feltmaking – Photo by Maria Mc Garry

Siobhan Ryan, Sam Fagan, Elaine Peden, and Annika at Bloom.

Siobhan, Sam, Elaine, and Annika demonstrating – Photo by Maria Mc Garry

Elaine Peden demonstrating felted flowers. (Below)

Elain Peden demonstrating – Photo by Maria Mc Garry

Elaine and Annika share feltmaking with the public. (Below).

Elaine and Annika – Photo by Maria Mc Garry

Siobhan demonstrates her unique artwork.

Siobhan demonstrating – Photo by Maria Mc Garry

Valerie Nowak O’Ceallaigh shared her needle-felted horse portrait.

Photo by Valerie

Conclusion

Many thanks to Maria Mc Garry and Annika Berglund for coordinating this year’s Feltmakers Ireland booth at Bloom! Also, thanks to all the members, who also volunteered their time during the busy bank holiday weekend.

Elaine, Annika, and Maria pictured – Photo by Sam Fagan


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.

Event: Feltmakers Ireland will be at Bloom 2024

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Volunteers from Feltmakers Ireland will be demonstrating wet and needlefelting at Bloom 2024. Stop by and say ‘hello’, see the magic of feltmaking, learn about our Wool Project, and purchase our book, ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’.

Where: We will be in the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland’s ‘Irish Craft Village’ in the YELLOW section, area 26, in the GANS Crafts Demonstration booth.

When: The Guild will be in the booth on Friday, the 31st of May, and Saturday, the 1st of June, from 11 AM to 5 PM. (Bloom runs from the 30th of May to the 3rd of June).

Note: we will be closer to the Red Car Park.

There will be free shuttle buses from Heuston Station.

For more information, visit Bloom’s website – https://www.bordbiabloom.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.

Exhibition: Opposites Attract – Inspiration

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland7 Comments

This is the final instalment of Feltmakers Ireland artists’ inspiration towards the ‘Opposites Attract’ theme.

The Series

The complete series of posts on our Members’ Inspiration can be found here:

  1. Includes: Sandra Reynolds, Sandra Coote, Patricia Conroy, Hélène Dooley, Maria Mc Garry, and Audry Murray.
  2. Includes: Astrid Tomrop-Hofmann, Breda Fay, Lory Cotti Cottini, Neasa Ryan, Ramona Farrelly, and Ursula Heiting-Wiese.
  3. Includes: Heather Byrne, Tamzen Lundy, Bernie Hennessy, Adrienne Dempsey, and Joanne Turner.
  4. Includes: Claire Merry, Caitríona Nolan, Margaret Ryan Collins, Caoimhe Tuthill, and Fiona Leech.
  5. Includes: Jane Fox, Elizabeth Redding, Joanne Foley, Sandra Chase, and Loli Cox.
  6. Includes: Valerie Nowak-O’Ceallaigh, Helena Mc Guinness, Eithne O’Dea, Eva Salamon, and Juliane Gorman.
  7. Includes: Irina Lampadova, Karena Ryan, Annika Berglund, Marie Dunne, Elaine Peden, and Marika Miklosi Manning.

Irina Lampadova

Irina Lampadova – ‘Super soft neck poncho’

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.