Foundation Course: 4 day workshop

DATES: Saturday 10th April - Tuesday 13th April
 
TIMES: 9.30am - 4.30pm each day
Arrival from 9.30 for tea/coffee to begin at 10am.
 
VENUE: Wyre Forest Visitor Centre (Discovery Room)
ADDRESS: Wyre Forest Visitor Centre, Callow Hill, Bewdley, Worcs, DY14 9XQ
 
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Course Overview
This immersive 4-day course explores the key skills of round ‘stake and strand’ willow basketry. You’ll begin by learning how to prepare and work with willow, then make a small bread basket before progressing to a larger storage basket over two days.
 
Designed for beginners and improvers, the course will help you develop your weaving skills, understand the principles behind round basket construction and design, and build confidence to continue weaving independently.
 
With over 18 years’ teaching experience, Sarah offers a personalised learning experience in a small group of just 7 people. You’ll be guided through each process, with time to understand not only how techniques work, but also about material selection, weaves and construction principles. 
 
Who is this course suitable for?
This course is for beginners and improvers with some previous basketmaking experience. It’s ideal if you’ve attended one or two workshops before, or have made a handful of baskets and would like to develop your technique and confidence further.
 
If you haven’t made a basket before, please take a look at our 1 and 2 day courses, which are designed for complete beginners.
 
If you’re unsure whether this course is right for you, or have any questions, please get in touch: info@hopewood.co
 
Participants must be 18 years of older or older to attend our courses.
 
Course Details
 
Day One – Understanding willow and making bases
We’ll begin by learning how willow is prepared, then how to select, sort and grade the material ready for weaving – an important skill for creating a balanced basket.
 
You’ll then learn how to make round bases using the ‘stake and strand’ method, weaving several bases to develop your technique and muscle memory. Sarah will begin with the basic principles and can go into more depth for those with more experience.
 
Day Two – Making a bread basket
Whilst creating a small round bread basket, you will learn the key techniques of inserting uprights into a base, and understanding how to weave from the base to the sides (known as the upsett). You will then continue to use a weaving pattern called a ‘3 rod wale’ to weave the sides of the basket. The basket will finally be completed with a rod border.
 
Days Three and Four – Making a storage basket
The next two days will be focused on embedding the skills you learned when making your bread basket, and then building on these by learning new techniques. Sarah will begin by guiding you through some basic construction principles that affect the overall design, giving you insight into how to develop your own designs in the future.
 
You will work on a larger basket over two days, with Sarah on hand to help you create your unique basket. You will have the choice of English Randing and French Randing for the side weaves, with variations of these weaves as options for those with more experience. Sarah will discuss options for shape and size, as well as handle options, if desired (void handles or leather handles). These larger baskets, personalised by you, will be suitable to be used as a log or laundry basket, but can of course be used to store whatever you choose.
 
 
What you need to bring
Please bring a packed lunch. Please wear warm clothes you don't mind getting messy, and bring extra layers (we will be working in a large open space).
 
What's included
Materials and use of tools. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available throughout the day.
 
Cancellation
Within 14 days of booking: a full refund.
 
After 14 days of placing a booking: a refund will only be issued if we can rebook your place, in which case you’ll receive a full refund (minus a £20 administration fee).
 
Bookings cannot be transferred. We will make reasonable efforts to rebook cancelled places but cannot guarantee this.
 
Accessibility:
Willow weaving is physically active in all areas. It can particularly hard on the hands, so is unsuitable for those who suffer from arthritis or other conditions that affect the hands. Courses will involve working at many levels, including bending down to the floor, working on laps or standing, and working seated at tables. If you have any physical difficulties in any of these areas, we advise you to contact us before booking.
 
By purchasing a place(s) on our course you are agreeing to our full Terms and Conditions (link below).