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Description

A new weekend workshop in the woods learning how to weave willow into a robust but beautiful back pack. These willow pack baskets are incredibly strong for their weight, long lasting and full of rustic charm. Their woven construction combined with the springy nature of willow means that they’re just as suited to carrying delicate foraged foods as they are to hauling fire wood and kindling (although maybe not at the same time…). The techniques taught during the workshop are easily transferable to other basketry projects giving weaving beginners an excellent grounding in the craft. For those looking to develop their basketry experience, this is a project you can really get your teeth into! We’ll be using willow grown locally in willow beds, but from a bushcraft and historical perspective, this is a material that can also be harvested from the wild. Other similarly strong but bendy plants such as hazel, bramble, bark, roots, rushes and steamed or pounded wooden strips have all been used to make pack baskets of all shapes and sizes. Strong but flexible leather will be provided to make shoulder straps so that by the time we finish on the Sunday, you’ll be able to stroll out of the woods proudly wearing your new pack basket. Film offers and modelling contracts are sure to follow…please make sure you give us a mention! This exciting new workshop will be run jointly by myself and Joe o Leary of Wilderness Survival Skills who is an expert in wilderness survival with published works to boot! Each working day will begin at 9am sharp and we’ll down tools at 5pm daily (although please be prepared to work on a little bit later if needed). All tools, materials and hot drinks are provided however, as all craft workshops are self-catered, please bring your own food for the duration. Our woodland kitchen has plenty of robust pots and pans for cooking over the campfire, as well as cool boxes and secure containers to store your food. You would be welcome to bring a small camping stove to speed up mealtimes, however small, personal camp fires are absolutely fine and fire wood is plentiful and free. If you wish to stay locally, the nearest villages to our location are Tisbury, Hindon & Chicklade. If you would like to camp over in the woods, please mention this when you book. This workshop can also be booked as a private training course so if the advertised date doesn’t suit you, get in touch to choose your own. Many other crafts, wilderness living and survival skills taught here can also be covered during a private course. Please be advised that appropriate covid protocol will be followed.

What's included in the price?

Use of all tools and materials,access to the kettle and tea and coffee at all times! Somewhere to stay if you wish- otherwise all food due to Covid must come with you.

Duration

2 days

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
  • Intermediate level
  • Accommodation offered
  • UK Holiday
  • Parking provided
  • Advanced/pro level
  • Suitable for beginners
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Venue

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