Willow Berry Basket (1 day)

1 Aug 2026 (Sat)
Tutor: Rachel Evans

Several places available

£135.00

Make a sweet little berry basket with a plain, pegged handle. Complete in just one day, this rewarding project makes a great introduction to basketry.

Several places available

Pay a deposit of £30.00

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Description

Make a sweet little berry basket with a plain, pegged handle. Complete in just one day, this rewarding project makes a great introduction to basketry.

Expert, Rachel Evans, will guide you through the process step by step. Start by constructing a round base. Then add ‘stakes’ and work up the sides using a weave called ‘waling’. Finish the top with a simple woven border. Finally fit a plain handle and peg in place. We will use colourful, home-grown willow from Rachel’s own willow bed and some Somerset willow.

The result, a joyful little basket you will keep picking up and using…Perfect for gathering nuts and berries, collecting eggs or holding spoons in the kitchen. 

Complete beginners and intermediates welcome. This class may take place indoors or out, depending on the weather. The studio is light and airy, the garden backs onto fields; both lovely places to work. 

“A totally absorbing course in a delightful setting. Rachel is a patient and highly skilled tutor. I am absolutely thrilled with the basket I created under her watchful eye!”

Tutor: Rachel Evans

From her Staffordshire workshop, Rachel makes a range of traditional British baskets as well as more inventive, contemporary pieces. She often works to commission, creating artisan baskets, lampshades and coffins. She grows her own willow, selecting unusual varieties to add colour and interest to her work. She also enjoys foraging for natural materials to include in her baskets. To view Rachel’s own website visit www.wheatcroftwillow.co.uk

“I’m really pleased with the basket I made due to Rachel’s great tuition. I would thoroughly recommend this course”


Materials

Locally coppiced willow from Staffordshire along with some from Somerset. All tools are provided.
Materials fee: £12 (payable to the tutor at the end)
This is in addition to the course fee

Health & safety: Willow weaving requires reasonable strength and dexterity in the hands. If this is a concern, feel free to chat to us before booking. 


Lunch & Refreshments

A tasty light lunch is included in the course fee. Help yourself to drinks and biscuits throughout the day with homemade cake mid-afternoon. (Please let us know of any dietary requirements).

 

Timing

Arrival: Join us from 9.30am to settle in
Tuition: 10.00am – 4.30/5.00pm (with a break for lunch)

What a fabulous venue to spend a day in a relaxed atmosphere, learning a new craft. Lots of refreshments and a lovely lunch to keep our energy up”

Event Details

Start Date: 1 August 2026

Start time: 10:00

End time: 17:00

Venue: Zantium Studios, Derbyshire

Phone: 01629 824377

Email: studios@zantium.co.uk

More details


Arrival:
Join us from 9.30am to settle in
Tuition: 10.00am – 4.30/5.00pm (with a break for lunch)

Lunch & refreshments are included in the course fee

Deposit payable on booking. Balance due a month before the course.
Additional materials fee is payable on the day. This varies depending on the craft and what you make (See Course Details)

Access: Studio is on the first floor

Parking on site

Accommodation is available at extra charge:
- Godfrey Hole Cottage - On-site. 2 bedrooms. Sleeps 3
- The Counting House - 1 mile away. 1 bedroom. Sleeps 2