Basketry courses at SalixArts in Cambridgeshire

Description

One or two day courses making baskets using colourful locally grown organic willow.

Enjoy a day or two of relaxed making in a beautiful tranquil setting in rural Cambridgeshire. The cottage and studio are set in 2 acres of lovely garden and woodland. Post Covid, the courses are limited to only two participants allowing for plenty of individual attention, and plenty of space.

Workshop prices have had to go up a little reflecting the reduced numbers, but are still very affordable and a bargain for something so close to one-to-one teaching.

These very small groups work particularly well if participants already know each other - an ideal opportunity to spend some quality time with a close friend or loved one.

This course is taught by Debbie Hall, an award winning basketmaker who has been making for 25 years and teaching for 19. In addition to running courses from her own studio, she has taught for the Basketmakers Association and is also the regular willow tutor at Cambridge Botanic Gardens. She is now also the willow tutor at London's well respected City Lit College.

The courses are suitable for all - the shape of the basket you make will be determined by your level of experience. Beginners will make round baskets and those with a few baskets under their belts can choose whatever they'd like to make.

In one day beginners can expect to make a couple of platters or a small bread or fruit basket. In two days a beginner could complete a medium - large shopper with handle or a small log basket .The majority of the techniques used are those of traditional stake and strand basketry. Handles can be traditional wrapped willow or wood. I can provide the former, but if you wish to use something a little more unusual, such as driftwood, contorted hazel, chunky vine or ivy then please bring your own material for a handle. Something with a pronounced curve tends to work best.
You can also choose to make something for the garden such as a plant support or small hurdle,

Materials are charged for at the end of the workshop depending on how much you actually use - to give you some idea, the willow cost for a medium round or oval basket would be about £8- £10, £11 - £13 for a small log basket.

To arrange a workshop please contact Debbie via the 'Ask a question' link above.

This is a new flexible approach to running workshops and not all weekend dates that are available are shown on the listing. Please do just get in touch to discuss your needs. Also, as I am hoping to run workshops for 2 people that already know each other, then please contact me first if you wish to book a single place. It is not financially viable for me to me run a workshop for one.

Accommodation is available. Please enquire if you're interested.

Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts. Start dates may be amended on request.

What's included in the price?

All tuition and refreshments (tea, coffee etc) are included.
Please bring your own lunch.
Materials are charged for at the end of the course, depending on how much has been used.

Maker

Venue