Willow Berry Basket (1 day)
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: approx £20 (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”
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