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Description

Come to the Tithe Barn at Usk Castle in Usk and learn how to weave a hedgerow basket with coloured wild hedgerow materials and willow using 5 different weaving techniques including putting together the slath, pairing,putting on the upsett,waling,randing and finishing off with laying the border. We will discuss material selection and preparation and what can be used as we go and will start by making a base each in the morning. Following this with the upsett and refreshment. Afterwards some waling and then a stop for lunch. In the afternoon we will move on with more waling in different materials and then lay the border. This is a popular weaving course for mixed abilities, please contact me beforehand if you have recently had an operation in your hands, wrists or arms. Most of the material for this workshop has been harvested locally. All tools and materials provided and tea, coffee and homemade cake. Bring a sandwich if you wish for lunch. Usk Castle is a fantastic setting for this natural workshop and there are stunning views, lovely gardens and a warm welcome. The historic town of Usk has shops, restaurants and pubs within walking distance and lovely river walks. Wyldwoodwillow is a small willow business set up in 2000 run by me Amanda Rayner. My aim is to help people rediscover how versatile and sustainable willow really is. I make anything to order and specialize in weird and wonderful commissions. I make a range of baskets, sculpture, coffins, decorative fencing and living willow as well as running workshops throughout the year at venues across the South of England including Humble by Nature in Monmouthshire and Wilerness survival skills in Wiltshire and The Sustainability centre in Hampshire.

What's included in the price?

All the material for this workshop has been harvested locally. All tools and materials provided and your work is yours to take home at the end of the day!! Tea, coffee and plenty of homemade cake will be provided for you. Please bring a sandwich if you wish.

Duration

1 day

Cancellation policy

Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts

Maker


I started wyldwoodwillow back in 2001 after weaving for a year or so... It helped me through a particularly difficult chapter in my life and I discovered that I had a burning desire to share the healing nature of weaving. I started teaching workshops fairly early on and weaving pretty much anything I could, currently I weave baskets, coffins, living willow,sculptures and create furniture and decorative fencing for the home and garden. My business is successful and I am a full time weaver.

Suitable for

  • Adults
  • Seniors
  • Teenagers
  • Wheelchair users
  • Hearing impaired
  • Limited mobility
  • Intermediate level
  • Public transport
  • Hen dos
  • Romantic
  • Corporate days out & team building
  • Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
  • UK Holiday
  • Parking provided
  • Suitable for beginners
  • Tutor can travel
  • Accommodation offered
  • Stag dos
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FAQs

Please bring a suitable vehicle if you are weaving a larghe item such as a plant support and hurdle or coffin. Or if you are travelling together as a group and making large items!

Yes! It is rare for any participant not to finish their project.Ample time is given for completion. However a commitment to the project and staying on track by working hard (as this is a phsical thing)is required so it is important to stay focussed. Whilst I encoujrage chatting and conversation it is necessary to work whilst chatting not stopping to chat!

Yes. With regard to all of the above. I need to know in writing beforehand about any of the above. Please email me to discuss. I will be discreet.

Yes, unless you are taking part in the 4 or 5 day willow coffin weaving workshop where a hearty lunch is provided.
I do provide refreshment in the form of tea,coffee and cake.

There is public transport to the town of Usk in the form of a bus from Newport or Pontypool. From there it is approx a 20 minute walk from town. Or take a bus to Raglan asking the driver to stop at the burial meadow.

Yes there is ample parking either at the top of the Burial Meadow drive or down the short track that leads to the new barn.

The venue is at Usk Castle Chase Burial Meadow, NP15 1QX
Put the name in rather than the postcode if using satnav or google maps as postcode takes you to the neighbours house.

Venue

New BARN at Usk Castle Chase burial meadow, Usk, , Monmouthshire, NP15 1QX