Early Autumn Foraging Frame Basket workshop, ideal for basket making beginners
Saturday 19th September 10am-1pm
Oak Lodge, High Lodge Visitor Centre, Brandon IP27 0AF
In this workshop we will make a small frame basket using willow and other materials.
In autumn we will be 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.
There is a charge for parking at High Lodge and we will provide a QR code to reduce this to £5. If you are being dropped off and collected there are slightly different arrangements, please let us know and we will organise this for you.
