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Learn the ancient craft of willow basket making
Facilitator: Tess Wakeling
Spend a day learning willow basket making with different varieties of willow sustainably grown in Somerset. In this one-day course, Tess will introduce you to the ancient craft of basketry and guide you through the steps needed to complete a basket that will be functional as well as beautiful.
Event time: Sun 12th Mar 2023 at 9:30am - Sun 12th Mar 2023 at 4:00pm
- Weaving with natural and sustainable materials
- Learn a therapeutic, tactile craft
- Take home a useful basket suitable for foraging or fruit
Participants Will Gain
- An understanding of the basics of basketry
- Skills to build on and explore different shapes and sizes in the future
- A connection to one of the most ancient crafts in human history
A day exploring weaving with willow and experiencing this tactile, strong but flexible natural material. You will have an introduction to the tools and techniques that we will use throughout the day. We will start by weaving a round base with a pairing weave. Following the “stake and strand” method, we will then “stake up” the basket, forming the sides.
You will be able to select your own materials, adding different colours depending on your choice of design. You will learn a second and possibly a third weave pattern, adding strength and texture, creating a small to medium round basket. We will finish off with a border, and if desired, thick willow rods will be available to add a bow shaped handle.
Suitable for beginners or tailored to those with some experience.
Hawkwood
Hawkwood is a stunning Grade II listed 19th Century country house, surrounded by 42 acres of sustainably managed woodland, farmland, and gardens. Set in the heart of the Cotswolds – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – it is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With a diverse selection of nearly 150 courses, there’s plenty to choose from, including courses in transformative leadership, future thinking, inner life, music and the arts. Our programme of courses is led by experienced tutors and leaders in their fields.
What Is Included
During your day workshop, you will get to enjoy fresh, delicious home-cooked lunches and all refreshments! Our food is prepared daily with love and care by our experienced in-house kitchen team here at Hawkwood.
Additional Activities
Mindful walking through our woodland trails
Meditate in our Woodland Sanctuary
Go on a hike and explore the Cotswolds AONB
Discover surrounding charming market towns
Price Options
£105 Day Course
Practical Information
You may wish to bring an apron or wear old clothes.
Tess Wakeling
Tess teaches basket making at Ruskin Mill College in Gloucestershire, a centre for therapeutic craft which connects young people to the land and builds confidence and practical skills through making. She loves to pass on these skills to others and share in a craft that is satisfying and can be addictive to learn.
Working mostly with willow, Tess also sells her own designs after completing a City and Guilds Basketry qualification. Her willow lampshades are made to order and have been featured in Country Living’s ‘Modern Rustic’. She loves bringing natural materials into the home, whether it’s a functional basket or sculptural artwork. In an age where we are all increasingly aware of what we buy and where things come from, learning to make things from willow feels like a worthwhile step towards a more sustainable environment.
Visit Tutor's WebsiteTestimonials
"Tess was not only knowledgeable but an excellent teacher. It was one of my best Saturdays in a long time, I came away inspired to do another course."
"The basket weaving course was very enjoyable. Tess had so much patience in explaining and repeatedly showing us what to do. Very happy with how my basket turned out."
Upcoming Courses & Events
Hawkwood is an educational charity providing courses, facilitating training and offering venue hire, set in a stunning location in the Cotswolds.
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