Willow-weaving and Basketmaking Workshops

If you are not sure whether weaving with willow or basketmaking is for you, this one-day workshop will introduce you to a variety of easy projects and techniques. You will make a simple wreath from a handful of rods of willow; then you will move on to creating a decorative fish using basic weaving techniques. In the afternoon you will make a very simple woven pot designed to hold a supermarket herb plant - a much prettier container for your windowsill than a plastic pot!

This course deals with the skills of basketmaking in much more depth than a single one-day workshop and will appeal to those who want a thorough introduction to the basic elements of basketry on a progressive basis, with follow-on courses after completion. The sessions are held once a month to allow time for students to practice what they have learned. NB: This course takes place on a Saturday. The same course is being run on a Monday, October to December 2022; and will be on a Sunday in September 2022.

If you are not sure whether weaving with willow or basketmaking is for you, this one-day workshop will introduce you to a variety of easy projects and techniques. You will make a simple wreath from a handful of rods of willow; then you will move on to creating a decorative fish using basic weaving techniques. In the afternoon you will make a very simple woven pot designed to hold a supermarket herb plant - a much prettier container for your windowsill than a plastic pot!

Encourage birds into your garden and keep them fed throughout the winter months with a willow bird feeder filled with fat balls that you can hang from a tree or hook in your garden. Much more rustic than a plastic/metal equivalent! You will make more than one during the day so you may go home with gifts for friends as well as yourself!

SEE ADDITIONAL DATE FOR THIS WORKSHOP - SUNDAY 21 NOVEMBER. This is a visually appealing basket which is not as difficult to make as it may look, and consequently can be achieved in a day. The handle is created from a 'found' piece of wood which you will be asked to source yourself in advance, and the basket will be designed around it, so the eventual shape of each participant's basket will be unique.

This two-day workshop is suitable for complete beginners, but if you have had some previous experience of working with willow you may progress a little quicker and feel more confident. Over the weekend you will learn the traditional methods of creating a round basket with a crossover handle, made from beautiful Somerset-grown willow.

NEW DATE: This is a visually appealing basket which is not as difficult to make as it may look, and consequently can be achieved in a day. The handle is created from a 'found' piece of wood which you will be asked to source yourself in advance, and the basket will be designed around it, so the eventual shape of each participant's basket will be unique.

A day of festive fun, making (solely) stars. There are so many variations on Christmas Stars that I decided to devote a whole day to creating them. Follow my designs, or adapt to your own liking - you will make several to take home to decorate your home and those of friends and family too. What better Christmas present?!

Another day of festive fun, making festive willow decorations for your home this Christmas, or as gifts to give away. You will make woven Christmas Trees of various sizes and shapes, all of which can be decorated with tiny baubles and little pearl lights at home; expect to complete one or two. Next, Reindeer, which look very festive with a ribbon around their necks and a red ‘Rudolf’ nose – once you have grasped the technique, you will be able to create a whole family of these!

This course is the follow-on to Beginners' Basketmaking 1 and is specifically for those who have already completed that preliminary course. Beginners' Basketmaking 2: Borders & Weaves introduces rod borders, foot borders, and randing weaves. As with the preliminary course, the sessions are held once a month to allow time for students to practice what they have learned. NB: This course takes place on a Saturday. The same course is being run on a Monday, starting in October 2022. TO BOOK ON THIS COURSE YOU MUST HAVE COMPLETED THE BEGINNERS' BASKETMAKING 1 COURSE. If you wish to book on this course, please contact me to request a place (you cannot book online for this course).

This course is the follow-on to Beginners' Basketmaking 2 and is specifically for those who have already completed that and the previous course (Beginners' Basketmaking 1). Beginners' Basketmaking 3: Handles & Shaping concentrates on a range of handle types that can be put on shopping baskets, log baskets, trays etc. We also develop the skills of creating differently shaped baskets (all derived from round bases). As with the preliminary course, the sessions are held once a month to allow time for students to practice what they have learned. NB: This course takes place on a Sunday. The same course will be run on a Saturday starting in September 2022 and again on a Monday starting in January 2023 - dates yet to be set. TO BOOK ON THIS COURSE YOU MUST HAVE COMPLETED BOTH THE BEGINNERS' BASKETMAKING 1 & 2 COURSES. If you wish to book on this course, please contact me to request a place (you cannot book online for this course).

This course deals with the skills of basketmaking in much more depth than a single one-day workshop and will appeal to those who want a thorough introduction to the basic elements of basketry on a progressive basis, with follow-on courses after completion. The sessions are held once a month to allow time for students to practice what they have learned. NB: This course takes place on a Monday. The same course is being run on a Saturday, October to December 2021; and will be on a Sunday in September 2022.

If you are not sure whether weaving with willow or basketmaking is for you, this one-day workshop will introduce you to a variety of easy projects and techniques. You will make a simple wreath from a handful of rods of willow; then you will move on to creating a decorative fish using basic weaving techniques. In the afternoon you will make a very simple woven pot designed to hold a supermarket herb plant - a much prettier container for your windowsill than a plastic pot!

This two-day workshop is suitable for complete beginners, but if you have had some previous experience of working with willow you may progress a little quicker and feel more confident. Over the weekend you will learn the traditional methods of creating a round basket with a crossover handle, made from beautiful Somerset-grown willow.

A basket with many names, many uses! This little basket is a lovely easy one to make in a day. You will learn a host of basketmaking techniques so this is an ideal introduction before tackling a larger, more traditional basket next time!

Make a wigwam (or two) for your garden to support climbing beans or flowering climbers. Adds height and interest to the border; a feature in itself! The finished height will depend on the willow available, but is likely to be approx 7 ft with a diameter of approx 2' . . . do make sure you have room in your car to transport them home!

Make a wigwam (or two) for your garden to support climbing beans or flowering climbers. Adds height and interest to the border; a feature in itself! The finished height will depend on the willow available, but is likely to be approx 7 ft with a diameter of approx 2' . . . do make sure you have room in your car to transport them home!

Two lovely projects to brighten up your garden or patio. The large sunflowers, on a solid stake, look lovely placed in plant pots on the patio and add a cheer even in winter. The 3D dragonflies have a flexible stake which allows them to bob about in the breeze; a lovely addition to a pond-side setting. Depending on your speed of working you will be able to make one or two of each of these during the day.

Two lovely projects to brighten up your garden or patio. The large sunflowers, on a solid stake, look lovely placed in plant pots on the patio and add a cheer even in winter. The 3D dragonflies have a flexible stake which allows them to bob about in the breeze; a lovely addition to a pond-side setting. Depending on your speed of working you will be able to make one or two of each of these during the day.

This course is the follow-on to Beginners' Basketmaking 1 and is specifically for those who have already completed this preliminary course. Beginners' Basketmaking 2: Borders & Weaves introduces rod borders, foot borders, and randing weaves. As with the preliminary course, the sessions are held once a month to allow time for students to practice what they have learned. NB: This course takes place on a Monday. The same course is being run on a Saturday, starting in January to April 2022. TO BOOK ON THIS COURSE YOU MUST HAVE COMPLETED THE BEGINNERS' BASKETMAKING 1 COURSE. Booking is not available online - please contact me to request a place.

This course is the follow-on to Beginners' Basketmaking 2 and is specifically for those who have already completed that and the previous course (Beginners' Basketmaking 1). Beginners' Basketmaking 3: Handles & Shaping concentrates on a range of handle types that can be put on shopping baskets, log baskets, trays etc. We also develop the skills of creating differently shaped baskets (all derived from round bases). As with the preliminary course, the sessions are held once a month to allow time for students to practice what they have learned. NB: This course takes place on a Saturday. The same course will be run on a Monday, starting in January 2023 - dates yet to be set. TO BOOK ON THIS COURSE YOU MUST HAVE COMPLETED BOTH THE BEGINNERS' BASKETMAKING 1 & 2 COURSES. If you wish to book on this course, please contact me to request a place (you cannot book online for this course).

These dragonflies, which bob gently in the breeze, look lovely when placed near a pond or just in the border or a pot. Expect to make two or three during the evening. NOTE: I am also teaching Dragonflies at a full-day "Garden Decorations (Sunflowers & Dragonflies)" workshop at Peter Symonds Adult Eduction, Winchester, on Friday 21st May.

This sweet little basket incorporates many basketmaking techniques, but is sufficiently simple that it is easily achievable by a beginner in the day. Having said that, if you are apprehensive about your abilities or speed you might like to consider the Bread/Fruit Basket workshop on 10th June which involves slightly less weaving and no handle.

Sorry - this workshop is now full . . . . Make a round, shallow-sided basket suitable for serving bread rolls or displaying fruit. Made primarily out of stripped willow (bark removed), this is an ideal starter project for those who have not made a basket before as the material is particularly easy to work with. The basket is finished with a quick and simple border and, with no necessity for a handle, means it can easily be completed in the day.

Make a beautiful self-supporting planter ready for your sweet pea seedlings or other flowering climbers. The planter can be lined with either a plastic bag or plant pot, and filled with compost. Your sweet pea seedlings will self-cling to the tall side stakes of the basket, which are tied at the top to form a wigwam shape. If you have a specific pot in mind to go into this planter, bring it along so that you can make your planter the perfect size. THE DATE OF THIS WORKSHOP HAS HAD TO BE CHANGED TO CONFORM TO GOVERNMENT COVID GUIDELINES: IT IS NOW FRIDAY 28th MAY (previously 6th May). NOTE: I am running a similar, but slightly longer (1+1/2 day) Sweet Pea Planter workshop at Peter Symonds Adult Eduction, Winchester, on Thursday 23rd & Friday 24th April, where you will have time to make a slightly larger planter.

A course of four one-day sessions (Thursdays), held monthly from May to August (duplicate course available on Sundays). This course deals with the skills of basketmaking in much more depth than a single one-day workshop and will appeal to those who want a thorough introduction to the basic elements of basketry on a progressive basis, with follow-on courses after completion. The sessions are held once a month to allow time for students to practice what they have learned.

SORRY, THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL - THERE ARE PLACES ON THE DUPLICATE COURSE RUNNING ON THURSDAYS, OR CONTACT ME FOR OTHER OPTIONS. A course of four one-day sessions (Sundays), held monthly from May to August (duplicate course available on Thursdays). This course deals with the skills of basketmaking in much more depth than a single one-day workshop and will appeal to those who want a thorough introduction to the basic elements of basketry on a progressive basis, with follow-on courses after completion. The sessions are held once a month to allow time for students to practice what they have learned.

Make a pretty willow wigwam suitable to sit inside a plant pot to support smaller climbing plants. IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DATE OF THIS WORKSHOP IS SUBJECT TO LATEST GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES WHICH MAY CHANGE. If so, and indoor meetings are not permitted, then the workshop will be held OUTDOORS on the afternoon of Wednesday 19th May instead, 2-5pm. IF YOU BOOK ON THIS WORKSHOP please make sure you can attend either date - or get in touch with me to discuss.

Make a wigwam for your garden to support climbing beans or flowering climbers. Adds height and interest to the border; a feature in itself! The finished height will depend on the willow available, but should be a minimum of 7 ft with a diameter of approx 2 ft . . . do make sure you have room in your car to transport it home! IMPORTANT: If Government guidelines change there is the possibility that this workshop will have to be held OUTDOORS. Please bring suitable clothing!

PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO GOVERNMENT COVID GUIDANCE, THIS WORKSHOP'S DATE HAS MOVED TO SUNDAY 9TH MAY (previously Sunday 28th March) AND WILL NOW BE HELD OUTDOORS. This 2-hour taster workshop provides a hands-on introduction to working with willow, as a precursor to my new "Beginners' Basketmaking" course of four one-day sessions starting later in May. However, anyone wanting to sample willow-weaving is welcome to join in, whether or not you intend to enrol on the Beginners' Basketmaking course. During the session you will make two or three small items to take home eg woven trees, mini stars, small flower. This workshop is repeated on Sunday 9th May.

PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO GOVERNMENT COVID GUIDANCE, THIS WORKSHOP'S DATE HAS MOVED TO THURSDAY 6TH MAY (previously Thursday 25th March) AND WILL NOW BE HELD OUTDOORS. This 2-hour taster workshop provides a hands-on introduction to working with willow, as a precursor to my new "Beginners' Basketmaking" course of four one-day sessions starting later in May. However, anyone wanting to sample willow-weaving is welcome to join in, whether or not you intend to enrol on the Beginners' Basketmaking course. During the session you will make some two or three small items to take home eg woven trees, mini stars, small flower. This workshop is repeated on Sunday 9th May.

Click on the BUY NOW button to take you to the Peter Symonds College website for more information, and to book your place. www.psc.ac.uk phone 01962 886166 email ahed@psc.ac.uk

Click on the BUY NOW button to take you to the Peter Symonds College website for more information, and to book your place. www.psc.ac.uk phone 01962 886166 email ahed@psc.ac.uk

Click on the BUY NOW button to take you to the Peter Symonds College website for more information, and to book your place. www.psc.ac.uk phone 01962 886166 email ahed@psc.ac.uk

Click on the BUY NOW button to take you to the Peter Symonds College website for more information, and to book your place. www.psc.ac.uk phone 01962 886166 email ahed@psc.ac.uk

Make your favoured pooch the perfect bed to suit them! In this two-day workshop you will make an oval bed with a lowered front for ease of entry. Note: the size will be suitable for a cat or a small dog. Two-Day Workshop: Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June 2020, 10am-5pm each day. Suitable for those with some previous experience (see Description below).

Weaving a sunflower not only provides you with a lovely decoration for your home or garden, but provides the basic techniques you might later use for weaving a basket. In this workshop you will make at least one flower, depending on your speed of working - perhaps some little daisies too! This is a perfect project for a complete beginner.

SORRY, THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULLY BOOKED - IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST OR TO ASK ABOUT ALTERNATIVE FUTURE DATES PLEASE CONTACT ME. Details: This is a sweet little basket that is made using traditional basketry techniques - but kept as simple as possible. The quick and easy border, and the single rod handle mean that a complete basket can be whipped up in a day, even by a beginner!

Make a simple container suitable for holding any of those pots of herbs you buy in the supermarket - so much nicer than a black plastic pot sitting on your kitchen windowsill! Woven from natural willow and using several traditional basketry techniques, this is a very easy project to complete in an evening workshop - ideal for complete beginners.

Weaving a sunflower not only provides you with a lovely decoration for your home or garden, but provides the basic techniques you might later use for weaving a basket. In this workshop you will make at least one flower, depending on your speed of working - perhaps some little daisies too! This is a perfect project for a complete beginner.

SORRY, THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULLY BOOKED - IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST OR TO ASK ABOUT ALTERNATIVE FUTURE DATES PLEASE CONTACT ME. Details: Weave a charming sweet pea planter - a basket with extending uprights which form the supports for climbing plants such as sweet peas to scramble up.

SORRY, THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULLY BOOKED: Details: These dragonflies make a lovely addition to your garden, either within the border or in pot, but especially lovely by a pond. They appear to float, waving gently in the breeze. You will be able to make more than one during this workshop - one for you and one for a friend!

SORRY, THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULLY BOOKED - IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST OR TO ASK ABOUT ALTERNATIVE FUTURE DATES PLEASE CONTACT ME. Details: These large wigwam plant supports, or obelisks, add height and drama to the garden. Plunge into the border for training climbing beans or flowering climbers for instant effect. You will make at least two large wigwams during this workshop, size to suit. NB: The height and diameter of these wigwams requires a large car to transport them home! You may wish to consider the size you can accommodate in your car before you weave! Max size we can make is approx 24" dia and 7'-8' high, but narrower/shorter may be preferable.

SORRY, THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULLY BOOKED - IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST OR TO ASK ABOUT ALTERNATIVE FUTURE DATES PLEASE CONTACT ME. Details: Make a wigwam plant support (approx 3ft high) to fit into a patio plant pot, suitable for training clematis or other lightweight climbers. Fast workers may be able to complete two small wigwams during this workshop.

SORRY, THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULLY BOOKED. There is still availability on the same workshop on Friday 22nd May in the evening, 7-10pm. Workshop Details: These dragonflies make a lovely addition to your garden, either within the border or in pot, but especially lovely by a pond. They appear to float, waving gently in the breeze. You will be able to make more than one during this workshop - one for you and one for a friend!

SORRY, THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULLY BOOKED - IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST OR TO ASK ABOUT ALTERNATIVE FUTURE DATES PLEASE CONTACT ME. Details: Two-Day Workshop: Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th March 2020, 10am-5pm each day. This is such a useful basket for gardeners, or anyone who carries their hand tools around. The extra-wide base provides stability so it doesn't topple over and the long handle makes the basket easy to grasp with very little bending down!

ONE PLACE LEFT due to a cancellation. Workshop details: Get ready for Easter Egg Hunts with this simple Egg Gathering Basket. The quick and easy border and simple handle make this basket very achievable in a day, even if you have never made one before. If, however, you prefer to make it without the handle (or simply run out of time!) it is perfect as a bread basket.

On this evening workshop you will make a large two-dimensional fish, woven from natural willow. This makes a wonderful statement platter for your dining table for serving or displaying bread, fruit or cheese, or alternatively hang it on your wall as a piece of decorative art. You will be able to make one large fish during this workshop or, if you prefer, several much smaller ones. No previous experience is required - ideal for beginners to willow weaving.

A topical little basket. Using 'random weave', make a little nest basket with a simple cross-over handle. Lovely for displaying mini eggs, egg gathering, or just as a pretty Easter decoration. Depending on your speed of work, you may be able to make more than one during this workshop.

SORRY, THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULLY BOOKED - IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST OR TO ASK ABOUT ALTERNATIVE FUTURE DATES PLEASE CONTACT ME. Two-Day Workshop: Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th February 2020, 10am-5pm each day. On this two-day workshop you will make a traditional round basket with a handle - suitable for just about anything! . . . shopping, gathering garden produce, picnics. This workshop is suitable for absolute beginners and those who have a little previous experience.

Dispense with unsightly plastic in your garden and make a beautiful willow bird feeder which you can hang from the branch of a tree or on a hook in your garden. The birds will love perching on the side to get to the fat balls inside.

With St Valentin'es Day just around the corner, make a collection of willow hearts for your loved one(s!). Choose your sizes, either little ones to pop in a card or hang from a door knob, or larger ones to accompany a bouquet of flowers, potted plant gift, or just to hang on the wall as a pretty decoration. You could later decorate them with ribbons and dried flowers.

SORRY, THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULLY BOOKED - IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST OR TO ASK ABOUT ALTERNATIVE FUTURE DATES PLEASE CONTACT ME. Details: Make a simple container suitable for holding any of those pots of herbs you buy in the supermarket - so much nicer than a black plastic pot sitting on your kitchen windowsill! Woven from natural willow and using several traditional basketry techniques, this is a very easy project to complete in half a day - ideal for complete beginners.

Learn how to weave one or more cute little reindeer to add to your rustic decorations this Christmas. Simple to make, once you know how! - you should be able to make several during this workshop. Pop one or two on the mantelpiece or a window sill, or add to an existing festive scene, or if you can bear to part with them they make lovely gifts. You might like to combine this workshop with the Christmas Trees workshop in the morning or one of the other decorations workshops over this weekend.

Weave yourself a Christmas Tree! You will make one or more Christmas Trees during this workshop, varying the shape to your design. Once at home, decorate with mini baubles, ribbons, place in a pot or hang from a ribbon. However you display them, they bring a simple rustic touch to your festive decorations. You might like to combine this workshop with the Reindeer workshop in the afternoon or one of the other decorations workshops over this weekend.

This is a second workshop making stars, although there is no necessity to have attended the previous one - each workshop is a stand-alone. On this workshop we will be creating larger stars which use threading and tying techniques rather than weaving. As before, they make a great Christmas decoration - decorate if you like with lights or greenery (not provided) and hang in a window or on your front door in place of a wreath. If time allows you can also make a string of simple stars, each from one rod of willow. NB: The alternative Stars Workshop takes place on the afternoon of Thursday 21st November or again in the morning of Saturday 23rd just before this workshop. Why not do both?!

SORRY, THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULLY BOOKED BUT THERE ARE STILL SPACES ON "MORE STARS" IN THE AFTERNOON OF 23rd NOVEMBER. These festive stars make lovely Christmas Decorations. You will make one woven star using a mix of different willow colours for variety, and if time allows you can also make a string of simple stars, each from one rod of willow. NB: There is a second Christmas Stars workshop : More Stars (Saturday 23rd November, afternoon), where a different design of star is made, should you wish to take part in both!

Weave yourself a Christmas Tree! You will make one or more Christmas Trees during this workshop, varying the shape to your design. Once at home, decorate with mini baubles, ribbons, place in a pot or hang from a ribbon. However you display them, they bring a simple rustic touch to your festive decorations. You might like to combine this workshop with the Reindeer workshop, either immediately before or after this one, or one of the other decorations workshops over this weekend.

Weave yourself a Christmas Tree! You will make one or more Christmas Trees during this workshop, varying the shape to your design. Once at home, decorate with mini baubles, ribbons, place in a pot or hang from a ribbon. However you display them, they bring a simple rustic touch to your festive decorations. You might like to combine this workshop with Stars workshop in the afternoon or one of the other decorations workshops over this weekend.

SORRY, THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULLY BOOKED. THERE ARE STILL SPACES ON "MORE STARS" WORKSHOP ON THE AFTERNOON OF SATURDAY 23rd NOVEMBER. These festive stars make lovely Christmas Decorations. You will make one woven star using a mix of different willow colours for variety, and if time allows you can also make a string of simple stars, each from one rod of willow. NB: There is a second Christmas Stars workshop : More Stars (Saturday 23rd November, afternoon), where a different design of star is made, should you wish to take part in both!

This is a sweet little basket that is made using traditional basketry techniques - but kept as simple as possible. The quick and easy border, and the single rod handle mean that a complete basket can be whipped up in a day, even by a beginner!

On this half-day workshop you will make a large two-dimensional fish, woven from natural willow. This makes a wonderful statement platter for your dining table for serving or displaying bread, fruit or cheese, or alternatively hang it on your wall as a piece of decorative art. You will be able to make one large fish during this workshop or, if you prefer, several much smaller ones. No previous experience is required - ideal for beginners to willow weaving.

Catalan platters, also known as tension trays, are one of the simplest yet most effective items to make from willow - ideal for the absolute beginner but equally fun for those with some experience. They can be used for serving bread or cheese, displaying fruit, or (my favoured option) mince pies! On this workshop you will be able to make at least two platters, allowing you to experiment with size and colour of willow.

Dispense with unsightly plastic in your garden and make a beautiful willow bird feeder which you can hang from the branch of a tree or on a hook in your garden. The birds will love perching on the side to get to the fat balls inside.

Make a simple container suitable for holding any of those pots of herbs you buy in the supermarket - so much nicer than a black plastic pot sitting on your kitchen windowsill! Woven from natural willow and using several traditional basketry techniques, this is a very easy project to complete in half a day - ideal for complete beginners.