September 10

Schedule

Date:
Time:

Course fee: £140.00 Tutor: Rachel Hutton

This one day course is the perfect development from a beginner’s course,  and  you will go home with a stunning kindling basket made from beautiful willow  and  incorporating a variety of modern  and  traditional weaving techniques. A busy hardworking day not for the faint-hearted.

Working from a pre drilled wooden bottom the difficult job of ‘upsetting’ (putting in the upright stakes evenly spaced) the basket is already done for you. You don’t see the base  and  those of you keen to develop your sills may wish to add a foot border later in the day. It also means that you have a strong  and  stable basket which will last for years. You will spend the day learning weaves  and  finish off with a chunky border  and  finger handles.

You will learn practical tips and techniques on:

  • selection of different types  and  lengths of willow
  • preparation of willow
  • creating handles within weaves
  • creating traditional  and  modern weaves
  • controlling shapes  and  pattern
  • use of basic basketry tools  and  techniques
  • PPE (personal protective equipment) selection  and  use
  • health and safety related to willow work

At Ecclesall Woods we pride ourselves on the high quality teaching from our tutors  and  our low class numbers (max 5 for most classes)  and  a number of our courses also have an assistant.

We have found that smaller class sizes are more productive, un-rushed  and  allow students to learn more

You will need to wear suitable clothing  and  footwear for working outdoors in this season. Steel toe cap boots would be advantageous if you have them, but are not essential. Please note this course will require a good level of manual dexterity on your fingers.