Foraging Frame Basket workshops ideal for basket making beginners
Choose your date from the drop down menu. 10am-1pm in our Brandon Workshop
In this workshop we will make a small frame basket using willow and other materials.
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.
The willow we use for these workshops varies with the seasons. In winter we use freshly cut willow, by summer we have moved on to using willow which is dried and soaked to make it pliable. The willow is grown in Somerset and Suffolk and we try to have a variety of colours and types for the basket workshops, to add character to your basket.
In winter and autumn we can add other materials too and you are welcome to bring along anything you can forage!
Suggested materials:
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.
Workshops are held in our Brandon workshop in Suffolk.
