Willow Basket Weaving – Rachel (2 days)
Join expert maker, Rachel Evans, for this rewarding introduction to basketry. Use traditional techniques to weave a round basket of your choice. This could be for shopping or logs, a serving dish or an asymmetric basket with a wooden handle.
Whether starting from scratch or perfecting your skills, this is always a most enjoyable course with superb results. You will practise a range of basketry techniques to produce one or possibly two round baskets. Learn how to construct a base, ‘stake up’ the vertical sides and use different weaves to form the main body of the basket. Borders and handles will vary depending upon your chosen project.
All abilities welcome – from the complete novice to experienced basket makers. 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: approx £20 – £30 (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 – 4.30pm (with a break for lunch)
“Zantium Studios is a lovely venue. Alison made us very welcome, providing lunch and refreshments throughout the day”
Course fees
| 2025 Courses | Deposit | Balance | Total fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half day | £20 | £45 | £65 |
| 1 day | £30 | £100 | £130 |
| 2 day | £50 | £200 | £250 |
| 3 day | £70 | £300 | £370 |
| 5 day | £90 | £450 | £540 |
Course fees.
All courses include drinks & refreshments. Full day course fees include lunch.
Materials cost extra, depending on the craft
| 2025 Courses | Deposit | Balance | Total fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half day | £20 | £45 | £65 |
| 1 day | £30 | £100 | £130 |
| 2 day | £50 | £200 | £250 |
| 3 day | £70 | £300 | £370 |
| 5 day | £90 | £450 | £540 |
Deposit payable on booking
Balance due a month before the course
Payment is by card or bank transfer
