Schedule
Course fee: £270.00 Tutor: Rachel Hutton
This two day course is the perfect development from a beginner’s course, and you will go home with a stunning oval dog (suitable for anything up to a collie size) or a round or oval log basket made from beautiful willow and incorporating a variety of modern and traditional weaving techniques.
Working from a pre drilled wooden bottom the difficult job of ‘upsetting’ (putting in the upright stakes evenly spaced) the basket is already done for you. You don’t see the base and those of you keen to develop your skills may wish to add a foot border later in the day. It also means that you have a strong and stable basket which will last for years. You will spend the first day upsetting the basket, and staring the side weave. Day two will be finishing the main body of weaving, handles (for the log basket) and dips and feet (for the dig basket) then both will be finished of with a chunky border. Before the course we will establish what you want to make, achievable sizes etc.
You will learn practical tips and techniques on
- selection of different types and lengths of willow
- preparation of willow
- designing for strength and stability
- creating traditional and modern weaves
- controlling shapes and pattern
- dips, feet and handles
- use of basic basketry tools and techniques
- PPE (personal protective equipment) selection and use
- health and safety related to willow work
At Ecclesall Woods we pride ourselves on the high quality teaching from our tutors and our low class numbers (max 5 for most classes) and a number of our courses also have an assistant.
We have found that smaller class sizes are more productive, un-rushed and allow students to learn more.
You will need to wear suitable clothing and footwear for working outdoors in this season. Steel toe cap boots would be advantageous if you have them, but are not essential. Please note this course will require a good level of manual dexterity on your fingers.
