Summer Skills 4 Days

Product description

This 4 day summer school will be tailored to the needs of the students.

The aim is to guide those of you at the start of your basketmaking journey to have the confidence to design, weave and create baskets in your own home. We will be focusing on round and oval work.

You may wish to develop your skills in:

• preparation of willow
• choice of willow
• types of willow and their uses
• choice of tools and related equipment
• designing to a specific size or purpose
• control of shape or form
• round or oval work
• incorporated handles, hazel handles or wrapped hooped handles
• trying out a different kind of base
• working bigger
• working faster and smarter
• exploring different weaves (wales, randing-French or English, rope weave, zig zag French, braid weave)
• exploring different borders and learning low to choose the right one for the basket being made

Possible projects may include:

• dog baskets
• log baskets
• kindling baskets
• lampshades
• shoppers
• bowls or round baskets

Please note—mastering weaves only takes place with repetition/practice. It takes time to master the selection of the correct materials, tension, spacing/proportion, and rhythm.

We may not necessarily be working on a complete basket—you can choose to make several samples, one or two main projects, or focus on repetition of specific things to improve retention.

The perfect setting for this course is our family farm, as you will have access to the widest range of types and varieties of willow and gain an understanding of the processes involved in farming willow.

Suitable for those intermediate students with weaving experience of a number of baskets who want to develop their choice of type/colour of willow and weaves.

You will have made several round baskets on courses and understand basic terminology.

All our courses are supported by after-class notes, videos, help/advice sheets, and blog content to help you continue your weaving journey.

This course is physically demanding, and you need a good degree of manual dexterity. Basic material costs are included in the price of the course. There may be additional expenditure depending on the projects you choose to complete.

What do I need to bring?

• Glasses (if you need them for close-up work).
• Notebook and pen if you wish to make notes.
• Old clothes, covered, flat shoes (no sandals or open toes).
• Something to tie hair back with (if needed).

All materials included. Suitable for all weaving levels, great for beginners 18+. 
Should you have any specific needs please make us aware before attending the course.

Help & Advice