Welcome to Rathlin Arts and Crafts, a celebration of the artists, makers, and craftspeople who find inspiration in the rugged beauty, rich heritage, and wild spirit of Rathlin Island.
The arts and crafts on Rathlin have long formed part of our traditional island culture. Building upon the necessity of self-sufficiency it makes the connection with our native flora and fauna found across the rugged landscape.
From windswept shorelines to quiet bogs, ancient stories to natural textures – here creativity flows from the landscape, shaping one-of-a-kind works in textiles, wood, ceramics, sea glass, wool, stone, and more.
Each piece tells a story. Every maker, a voice of the island.
Crafting Beautiful, Handmade Goods
We’re proud to showcase the work of local artisans who not only craft beautiful, handmade goods, but also support the island’s economy, culture, and sustainability. Whether rooted in tradition or pushing the boundaries of modern design, these creators reflect the soul of Rathlin in every stitch, carving, or brushstroke.
The Artists and Crafters on island, use a mixture of traditional and modern processes, honing their skills to produce truly unique pieces of art, perfect as a gift for a loved one or simply a treat for yourself.
Explore Our Artists
Get to know the people behind the work. Visit our artist profile pages to learn about their creative journeys, see what inspires them, and discover the unique ways they’re using Rathlin’s natural resources and history to shape their art. Whether you’re a visitor, a collector, or simply curious, we invite you to connect with the creative heart of Rathlin.
Donna Bielawa
Donna Bielawa comes from a long line of accomplished needle women from Rathlin. She spends her time doing any kind of needle work she can get her hands on. She enjoys quilting the most.
George Withers
George Withers has been resident on Rathlin for almost 25 years and began painting in 2024. He completed his Lighthouse Collection in 2025 consisting of 25 paintings of Rathlin’s three lighthouses in acrylics on canvas and board. He now features other familiar scenes around the island.
James White
Now living on Rathlin Island my stained glass work is inspired by life on the Island – cute puffins, colourful yachts, imposing lighthouses & wild hares. Using the Tiffany Style method each piece is carefully handcrafted using quality stained glass which means the vibrant colours will never fade.
Joan White
I retired to beautiful Rathlin Island 4 yrs ago with my husband. The Island offered the beauty of nature & much longed for tranquility after 30 yrs in busy retail. I would now describe myself a s a self-taught hobby artist painting with acrylics. I paint a variety of Rathlin & Causeway Coast scenes also hares & birds. I love to paint & enjoy nothing more than sitting down to a fresh canvas, the window open to the sounds of the boats tinkling &the gulls calling thinking what I’m going to paint next. More often than not it will be everyone’s favourite Rathlin birds- the Puffins of course!
Johnny Mitchell
Johnny is a passionate wildlife photographer with a special love for capturing the raw beauty of nature on Rathlin Island. With an eye for detail and a deep respect for the animals he photographs, Johnny spends countless hours in the wild, waiting for the perfect moment. From soaring seabirds to elusive seals, his images reflect both the rugged charm of Rathlin and the vibrant life it shelters. For Johnny, photography isn’t just about taking pictures, it’s about telling the untamed stories of the island he loves.
Find more info on Facebook – Picture Perfect Rathlin
Keavy McFaul
Keavy is 9 years old and a pupil at St Mary’s Primary School on Rathlin Island. Keavy’s interests include baking, swimming, cycling, painting and making beautiful bracelets and necklaces. Keavy enjoys making bracelets which say Rathlin the most as she thinks they are a great way for people to remember visiting the island.
Oscar Ryan
Oscar makes magnets with beach pottery and sea glass found on Rathlin Island. He is 11 years old and has lived on Rathlin his whole life. He goes to St Mary’s Primary School on the island. His hobbies are drawing, writing, swimming, and arts and crafts. Oscar enjoys island life very much.
Patsy Harbinson
Hooked on Rathlin is Patsy, originally from Belfast I’ve been living on Rathlin Island for the last 13 years. In my spare time I make a variety of woollen items inspired by getting outdoors on an often wild and windy island day. I mainly make hats, ear warmers and scarfs either by crocheting or on my knitting machine. I also enjoy making decorative items and love a bit of yarn bombing in my spare time.
@hooked_on_rathlin
Teresa Mc Faul
My name is Teresa Mc Faul, I have lived on Rathlin Island for 45 years and my craft is hand knit toys. The first I made was a puffin which was and is very popular. I now craft a variety of knitted toys, and I also make personal hand knit blankets for babies which include the babies’ name.
Yvonne Braithwaite
Yvonne has been living on Rathlin Island and running her art studio for many years. She fell in love with Rathlin’s rugged landscape, and her love of the sea has been the inspiration for many of her paintings. In 2013 Yvonne opened her studio, an art space to work and display her art and designs inspired by Rathlin. She has been painting for over 35years and prefers to paint in acrylic.