Support local craft makers this summer

Craft NI prepares for ‘most important’ August Craft Month

Craft NI, the sector-lead body for development and promotion of design-led craft in Northern Ireland, have launched their much anticipated updated Craft NI Makers Directory. Live on Craft NI’s new website, the Makers Directory is an online platform that enables makers and their audience to stay connected like never before. The Directory hosts 60 extremely talented Northern Irish designer-makers with more to join over the following months. The Directory members  were selected through a juried process and represent just some of the talented designer-makers in Northern Ireland.

Katherine McDonald, Director at Craft NI, is excited to launch the directory, “It is easier than ever to keep up to date with Northern Ireland’s makers. The Directory has so many new features such as a QR code specific to each maker, image gallery, biography, upcoming events, videos, information on special commissions and stockists. These tools make it so much easier to see, learn about and buy craft from Northern Ireland. In today’s climate when proximity might be challenging to many, being able to connect with makers and view their work online before buying or commissioning is more necessary than ever”

“The Directory will prove an invaluable resource to all who wish to commission a special piece; jewellery or significant gift. Or for those who wish to find a maker near them or attend a class. Or why not arrange a workshop or craft activity – perfect for groups of friends, communities  or team-building”

Some highlights of the 15th August Craft Month include:

• Belfast Potters’ Market: Belfast Potters’ Market at Writer’s Square will be attended each day by 20 talented local potters and ceramicists. The ceramics industry in Northern Ireland is brimming with exciting new ideas and contemporary craft, come down and see it for yourself! 7^th August
• Behind the scenes at some of NI’s master jewellers: The Steensons are delighted to welcome visitors to their workshop and gallery in Glenarm. The goldsmiths can be observed using a variety of techniques to cut, shape and manipulate the metals, before detailing with textured finishes and stones. Browsing the jewellery collections, you may just find the perfect gift or memento of your causeway coast adventure. Thomas Goldsmiths in Derry/Londonderry will also be opening their doors to visitors for sneak previews. Booking essential.
• Make it at Home: Craft Kits are an innovative way to get hands on with the guidance of an expert. Andrea McCullough-Alderdice has over 25 years’ experience in ceramics and will guide you through the process of making an impressive and embellished ceramic wall planter with her step-by-step recorded workshop with all the materials you’ll need in your Clay Crate which you can collect. Top Floor Art in Saintfield are also running a Great Kit Challenge where 17 NI makers created craft kits based on their work.   The Great Kit Challenge Exhibition allows you to see the artists finished kits and find out about their work and inspiration. You can meet the artists on our Meet the Maker Demo Days, ask questions, buy a kit and get hints and tips direct from the makers!

August Craft Month also provides a network for makers and the public to meet, share and collaborate. Each event showcases the excellence and diversity of craft in Northern Ireland. The programme provides a fantastic opportunity for everyone to make, see, learn about and buy craft.

With a focus on direct sales from the makers this year, organisers are hopeful that August Craft Month will help inspire more people to visit makers’ and craft retailers’ websites.

To find out more, head over to https://craftni.org/directory/ to view the Craft NI Makers Directory – featuring various craft disciplines including jewellery, textiles, glass, ceramic, metal, wood and mixed media or follow Craft NI on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can share your own craft stories with #augcraft #Isupportnicraft.