Feltmakers Ireland – As Seen in Irish Country Magazine

Screenshot of Irish Country Magazine's feature on Felting which is part of an article titled. "5 crafts to try your hand at this spring".
As Seen in Irish Country Magazine – Culture Section

Learn More About Felting

The craft of feltmaking was featured in Irish Country Magazine as one of the “five crafts to try your hand at this spring.” Feltmakers Ireland is delighted to receive this honour!

In addition to monthly sessions on the second Sunday of each month, we will also have a group exhibition at the stunning Phoenix Park Visitor Centre in 2026.

Two Exhibitions in 1 Year

Poster for Common Threads

In 20205, the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland displayed a joint exhibition of work by artists from Feltmakers Ireland and The Quilters’ Guild of Ireland.

The exhibition was at the National Design and Craft Gallery (NDCG) in Kilkenny from the 7th of August through the 1st of November. One can find a photo-filled recap on our blog.

Earlier in the year, we had a month-long exhibition at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre centred on the theme of ‘Symbols of Ireland’. One can find a photo-filled recap on our blog.

About our Organisation

Example of stitched felt.
Sample of stitched felt.

Welcome to Feltmakers Ireland, the National Guild of Feltmakers. We are a voluntary craft Guild with members throughout Ireland. Feltmakers Ireland was founded in 2003 by Elizabeth Bonnar in response to the growing interest in feltmaking at that time.

We try to cater to ALL types of feltmaking:  wet felters, needle felters, professional feltmakers, hobbyists, ANYONE with an interest in wool, fleece or felt.

We are especially committed to promoting the use of Irish wool for felting. To support this, we have researched the wet and needle felting properties of nearly 40 sheep breeds found in Ireland, and published our findings in ‘Exploring Irish Wool for Feltmaking’.

Feltmakers Ireland is a member of the Design & Crafts Council Ireland.

Guild members watching former International Feltmakers Association president Mandy Nash teach us how to create wet felted bags.
Members watching former International Feltmakers Association president Mandy Nash teach us how to create wet felted bags.

Our organisation’s AGM is held every year in May.

We aim to hold at least one exhibition a year, and two or more hands-on felting workshops (one of which will be taught by an internationally renowned feltmaker).

New to 2025, we now have a branch of Feltmakers Ireland West, which meets up in County Galway.

Our Aims:

  • To promote and encourage the craft of feltmaking.
  • To share knowledge, skills and support among members.
  • To offer members and the wider public access to high-standard educational opportunities through workshops, demonstrations and discussion groups.
  • To provide information on materials used and equipment.
  • To have a presence at local, national and international craft events.
  • To encourage the use of locally grown Irish wool.

We fulfil these aims by:

  • Organising demonstrations & workshops
  • Taking part in and organising exhibitions
  • Meeting at regular sessions
  • Producing content, linking to useful networks, and collating helpful information published through our Blog and Social Media pages.

We welcome everyone with an interest in feltmaking and encourage you to join our guild and become involved. Subscribe to the blog for regularly featured news, and find us on Facebook and Instagram @feltmakers_ireland 

finger puppet monsters 2
Felt can be playful; felt can be serious. These are a series of finger puppets.