Join us for an 8-week journey into the world of willow basketmaking, perfect for absolute beginners eager to explore this beautiful craft. Over eight relaxed and friendly evening sessions, you’ll gradually learn how to create a classic round basket with an overarm handle, with a few fun, smaller projects and exercises along the way to build your skills and confidence. Your experienced tutor, Louise Brown, will be on hand to guide you at every step. Please be aware that a certain amount of manual dexterity is required to manipulate willow.
NB: will be no class on Monday 29th September.
Each week, we’ll dive into a new step of the basketmaking process: starting with the base, then moving on to staking up and weaving the sides, adding a strong, stylish border, and finally finishing with the handle. You’ll be working with a lovely mix of stripped (buff) willow and natural barked (brown) willow, all sustainably grown on the Somerset Levels.
You will cover:
As with all craftwork, basketry skills take some time to acquire and students should not be upset if they do not achieve perfection first time around!
This course is suitable for complete beginners. As mentioned above, a certain amount of manual dexterity is required when working with willow. Throughout the workshop, students may occasionally use specialist basketry tools, most of which are either sharp or pointed, so a sensible and common-sense approach to safety is essential.
All the tools and willow you’ll need are provided; just bring along a pen and notepad or a camera/phone if you’d like to take notes or capture the process, plus an apron to protect your clothing. By the end of our time together, you’ll have a beautiful basket to take home and, hopefully, a newfound love for this wonderful craft!
Please wear practical clothing and bring a work apron – damp willow can be a bit dirty.
On completion, you may wish to attend one of our one-off basket-weaving workshops to expand your skillset and explore new techniques.