Autumn Foraging Frame Basket workshop, ideal for basket making beginners

Red Lodge Millennium Centre Saturday 31st October 10am-1pm

We will make a small frame basket using willow and other materials.

In late autumn we are still working with dry soaked willow, but it is also a good time to forage for other plant material to include in your basket. I encourage everyone to forage for other materials such as dogwood and climber stems to add colour to their baskets.

These baskets were traditionally made by country people who were not trained basket makers. They are simple to design and make, and an ideal introduction to more advanced basketry. They are great for foraging and garden produce gathering.

Your basket can be completely made of willow, but it is also possible to incorporate other fresh materials to add colour and variety. The handles will be made for you beforehand and left to dry, ready for assembling and weaving with willow and any other materials you would like to bring.

Suggested materials for foraging:

Ivy, contorted willow, dogwood, lime runners, hazel, eucalyptus, bramble (thornless or strip the thorns with gloves!) various climbers, vines.

 There is no age limit but children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent. 

Willow is a lovely medium to work with and most people find weaving relaxing and therapeutic. However, it can be quite hard on the fingers. We can find ways to alleviate this for most people, but if you have arthritis or other mobility issues you might want to discuss this with Toni first to see what help we can offer.

Tools will be provided, but if you have them please bring:

Sharp secateurs or garden scissors (many people prefer using ones they are used to)

A pruning knife if you have one

Coffee/tea and biscuits throughout the workshop are included.

The centre address is Red Lodge Millennium Centre, Lavender Close, Red Lodge, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 8TT