Sunday Sessions – Page 2 – Feltmakers Ireland

Sunday Session Recap: Mind Mapping ‘Water and Flow’ – Deirdre Crofts

Published on January 14, 2026January 14, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland1 Comment

On Sunday, the 11th of January, guild member Deirdre Crofts led us in Mind Mapping on the subject of ‘Water and Flow’, the theme of our upcoming annual exhibition in April. (For information on submitting your piece, visit HERE – https://feltmakersireland.com/exhibition-application-2026-water-and-flow/ )

During the talk, Dee mentioned photographer Tina Claffey’s work on close-ups of bog environments – https://www.tinaclaffey.com/

Video Recording of her talk

During this session, we had over 25 members at the CIE Sports Hall, with an additional 16 guild members joining us via Zoom. The video below is from the Zoom recording. Apologies for the blurry camera work.

Always finding areas of improvement in technology and all aspects of life!

Close Ups of the Mind Mapping

Samples of imagery Dee found on Pinterest

You can search Pinterest here – https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=WATER&rs=typed

Some of the Artwork Dee shared

Dee sharing her piece from the ‘Endangered’ exhibition in 2020

In a few days, we will share the recording of committee member Karen Bowden presenting on photographing artwork with a phone.

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Sunday Session: Preparing for the ‘Water and Flow’ Exhibition – This Sunday

Published on January 9, 2026January 5, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

This Sunday, the 11th of January, we will host our first Feltmakers Ireland Sunday Session of 2026.

This month’s session is designed to inspire members as they begin creating felted artwork for our upcoming Annual Exhibition. The 2026 exhibition theme is “Water & Flow”, and the month-long show will take place in April at the Phoenix Park Visitors Centre.

More information about the exhibition, including how to apply, can be found HERE on our website – https://feltmakersireland.com/exhibition-application-2026-water-and-flow/

The session will be divided into two parts:

Mind Mapping for Creative Inspiration

Guild member Deirdre Crofts will guide participants through a mind-mapping exercise to help generate ideas and develop concepts related to the exhibition theme.

Photographing Felted Art with Your Phone

Member and photographer Ramona Farrelly will share practical tips for photographing felted artwork effectively with a mobile phone.

The Details:

When: Sunday, the 11th of January, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

Where: CIE Sports Hall, Library Square, Inchicore, Kilmainham, Dublin, D8

Additional Information:

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, although it is not quite as lovely as being with us in person.

We look forward to welcoming members for a creative and inspiring start to the year.

If you want to join or renew your membership, please do so via our Membership Page – https://feltmakersireland.com/membership-application/

Zoom Access to the Sunday Session:

We will email a Zoom link to all members who wish to attend virtually. Please check your email on Friday afternoon.

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Sunday Session: Preparing for the ‘Water and Flow’ Exhibition with Mind Mapping & Photographing Artwork with your Phone

Published on January 5, 2026January 5, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

On Sunday, the 11th of January, we will host our first Feltmakers Ireland Sunday Session of 2026.

More information about the exhibition, including how to apply, can be found HERE on our website – https://feltmakersireland.com/exhibition-application-2026-water-and-flow/

The session will be divided into two parts:

Mind Mapping for Creative Inspiration

Guild member Deirdre Crofts will guide participants through a mind-mapping exercise to help generate ideas and develop concepts related to the exhibition theme.

Photographing Felted Art with Your Phone

Member and photographer Ramona Farrelly will share practical tips for photographing felted artwork effectively with a mobile phone.

The Details:

When: Sunday, the 11th of January, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

Where: CIE Sports Hall, Library Square, Inchicore, Kilmainham, Dublin, D8

Additional Information:

If you can, please bring a home-baked good to share and a travel mug (so we can reduce our use of disposable cups).

We look forward to welcoming members for a creative and inspiring start to the year.

If you want to join or renew your membership, please do so via our Membership Page – https://feltmakersireland.com/membership-application/

Zoom Access to the Sunday Session:

We will email a Zoom link to all members who wish to attend virtually. Please check your email on Friday afternoon.

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Sunday Session Recap: Crafting Together, De-stash Sale & Mince Pies

Published on December 9, 2025December 9, 2025 by Feltmakers Ireland

Treasurer, Sam Fagan, on the far left, ringing up sales.

On Sunday, the 7th of December, an excited group of felters gathered at our Sunday Session in the CIE Hall to purchase felting fibres and materials from our founder, Elizabeth Bonnar, and former guild secretary, Clare Brophy.

Elizabeth Bonnar, in blue sweater, chatting with Anne-Marie about Nunofelting

Although many of our members were unable to attend because they were vending at craft fairs or participating in other events, we still had an excellent turnout, as evidenced by the long line of shoppers. Elizabeth and Clare had hardly anything to bring home! HUGE thanks to our new treasurer, Sam Fagan, for taking the credit card payments.

Sam Fagan, on the far right, helping members

Happy Shoppers

Clodagh, wearing amazing felted accessories, and carrying her purchases

Members stocked up on fibres, novelty yarns, and fabrics to use in future projects!

Crafting Together

In addition to purchasing gorgeous wool and silks, members gathered to work on their unfinished projects. One member stitched pockets onto the purse she created in our Basic and Beyond Bagmaking Workshop. Another continued working on her Christmas Angel, the subject of our November Sunday Session. One member sewed the tiniest beads onto her needle-felted name tag, which was the theme of our September Sunday Session. Others simply enjoyed the warm atmosphere of being amongst feltmaking friends!

Dessert of the Session

Lorna’s ‘Pan Thirties’, a twist on the traditional Italian Panforte.

Our secretary, Lorna Cady, always makes the time to bring a vegan baked good. For this session, she made a version of panforte.

Appreciation

Thank you, Elizabeth and Clare, for sharing the treasures from your textile stashes—your contributions were truly appreciated by all our members. A big thank-you as well to our treasurer, Sam, for efficiently managing all the credit card payments. Lastly, thanks to all the feltmakers who attended the session and contributed to the warm, creative atmosphere. The event offered so many delights that we will certainly host another de-stashing sale in the future!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Christmas holiday.

See you in the new year—on Sunday, the 11th of January. We will be mind-mapping on the theme for our 2026 Exhibition.

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Sunday Session: Crafting Together, De-Stash Sale & Mince Pies – THIS Sunday

Published on December 5, 2025 by Feltmakers Ireland

Crafting Together

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 felted objects) the attention they deserve.

De-Stash Sale

This session comes with an added treat: our founder, Elizabeth Bonnar, and Clare Brophy, former guild secretary, will be hosting a very special de-stash sale. They are parting with some of their felting supplies —an inspiring assortment for makers, fibre artists, and curious crafters alike.

There will be bagged Merino fibre, Assorted other breeds of wool, ArtYarns, Curly locks, Tussah silk fibre, Silk fabrics, and more available for purchase.

All proceeds will be donated to the Guild toward a future educational project. We’ll be accepting both cash and credit cards for convenience.

Throughout the Session, Elizabeth will demonstrate feltmaking using the various fibres and fabrics available. Come and see!

The sale is open to ALL. One does not need to be a member of the guild.

Please spread the word amongst your textile-loving friends!

When: 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Where: CIE Sports Hall, Library Square, Inchicore, Kilmainham, Dublin, D08 PA07

Directions

If coming by car, turn off Grattan Crescent onto South Terrace, then right onto West Terrace, and arrive at the Square outside the Hall. It is the large building facing Library Square.

If taking public transit from the centre of Dublin, the G1, G2 and number 60 buses stop on Sarsfield Road. The stop on the route from town is 2643. Facing the stone wall, turn left and walk back approximately 16 strides from the bus stop to go through a ‘hole’ in the stone wall. Walk along Inchicore Terrace North past the houses, and you will see the CIE Hall as you come around the corner.(Do not walk forward from the bus stop towards the train underpass).

Additional Information:

To add to the festive spirit, please bring mince pies or other festive desserts to share. Also, please bring a travel mug so we can reduce the 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. We will email a Zoom link to members on Friday afternoon.

Questions or concerns about our Sunday Session? Please email feltmakersIE@gmail.com

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Sunday Session: Crafting Together – Special De-Stash Sale by Elizabeth Bonnar (+ Mince Pies)

Published on December 1, 2025 by Feltmakers Ireland1 Comment

Apologies for the scary-looking sheep made of Merino and silk fibres!

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.

Where: CIE Sports Hall, Library Square, Inchicore, Kilmainham, Dublin, D8

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

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.

Recap: Felted Bell Workshop – Feltmakers Ireland West – Co Galway

Published on November 27, 2025November 27, 2025 by Feltmakers Ireland

Feltmakers Ireland West – November Session

On Sunday, the 23rd of November, the recently launched Feltmakers Ireland WEST came together in Gort, County Galway, to create Wet-felted Bells. Led by member Sandra Marschall, we had a great time.

Currently, we have 17 members who live in County Galway! If you are interested in joining (or renewing) before the end of the year, Feltmakers Ireland will happily roll over your membership to 2026.

Note: Feltmakers Ireland WEST will not meet up in December, as many of us are busy with Christmas craft fairs. However, we plan to create felted flowers at our January Session. Date to be announced.

For more information, see our website, where we have set up a Members Gallery – https://feltmakersireland-west.com/members-gallery/

Gallery – November Sunday Session

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Sunday Session Recap: Magical Fairies and Angels Take Flight at Feltmakers Ireland Workshop with Belinda Reid

Published on November 10, 2025 by Feltmakers Ireland1 Comment

By Loli Cox

Belinda demonstrates how to place the shawl.

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!

To learn more about Belinda, who offers workshops, felting supplies, and felted art, visit her website – https://www.chasingdreamsfeltart.com/

Her Instagram: @chasing_dreams_feltart_

More Photos

Baked Goods with History

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

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.

Sunday Session: THIS Sunday – Needle Felted Angel with Belinda Reid

Published on November 7, 2025October 31, 2025 by Feltmakers Ireland

This Sunday at Feltmakers Ireland, we will be making a Needle Felted Angel, led by committee member Belinda Reid of Chasing Dreams Felt Art. Her Instagram: @chasing_dreams_feltart_

She lives in County Galway and has generously offered to come to Inchicore, Dublin, to teach us!

Supplies

Please bring the following in Merino Roving:

10 grams of wool per fairy in assorted colours: Dress colour x 2, Hair colour, Wing colour and Skin tone colour*.
Felting Needles and Pad/Sponge.

*Belinda will bring extra skin tone coloured roving.

The Guild will provide pipecleaners.

The Details:

When: Sunday, the 9th of November, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

Where: CIE Sports Hall, Library Square, Inchicore, Kilmainham, Dublin, D8

Additional Information:

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

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.

Sunday Session: 9th of November – Needle Felted Angel

Published on October 30, 2025October 30, 2025 by Feltmakers Ireland

For our November Sunday Session, we will be making a Needle Felted Angel with committee member Belinda Reid of Chasing Dreams Felt Art.

She lives in County Galway, and has kindly offered to come to Inchicore, Dublin, to teach us!

Supplies

Please bring the following in Merino Roving:

10 grams of wool per fairy in assorted colours: Dress colour x 2, Hair colour, Wing colour and Skin tone colour*.
Felting Needles and Pad/Sponge.

*Belinda will bring extra skin tone coloured roving.

The Guild will provide pipecleaners.

The Details:

When: Sunday, the 9th of November, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

Where: CIE Sports Hall, Library Square Inchicore, Kilmainham, Dublin, D8

Additional Information:

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 do not come if you feel unwell.

Zoom Access to the Sunday Session:

On Friday, the 7th of November, we will email a Zoom link to all members for those who wish to attend virtually. Please check your email that afternoon.

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

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.