Willow Berry Basket (1 day) in the Peak District
Description
Make a sweet little berry basket with a plain, pegged handle. Complete in just one day, this rewarding project makes a great introduction to basketry. Expert, Rachel Evans, will guide you through the process step-by-step. Start by constructing a round base. Then add ‘stakes’ and work up the sides using a weave called ‘waling’. Finish the top with a simple woven border. Finally fit a plain handle and peg in place. We will use colourful, home-grown willow from Rachel’s own willow bed and some Somerset willow. The result, a joyful little basket you will keep picking up and using…perfect for gathering nuts and berries, collecting eggs or holding kitchen utensils. Complete beginners and intermediates welcome. This class may take place indoors or out, depending on the weather. The studio is light and airy, the garden backs onto fields; both lovely places to work. Tutor: Rachel Evans From her Staffordshire workshop, Rachel makes a range of traditional British baskets as well as more inventive, contemporary pieces. She often works to commission, creating artisan baskets, lampshades and coffins. She grows her own willow, selecting unusual varieties to add colour and interest to her work. She also enjoys foraging for natural materials to include in her baskets. Past student's words: “A totally absorbing course in a delightful setting. Rachel is a patient and highly skilled tutor. I am absolutely thrilled with the basket I created under her watchful eye!” “I’m really pleased with the basket I made due to Rachel’s great tuition. I would thoroughly recommend this course.” Arrival: Join us from 9.30am to settle in. Tuition: 10.00am – 4.30/5.00pm (with a break for lunch). • Purpose built studio in beautiful Peak District setting. • Relaxed, creative atmosphere. • 4 - 6 students per workshop. • Open to both beginners and those with experience. • Good fresh food, homemade cakes. • Accommodation on site and nearby if required. • Private groups welcome (minimum 4 people). Note: Willow weaving requires reasonable strength and dexterity in the hands. If this is a concern, feel free to chat to us before booking. Please get in touch via the 'message the tutor' button for bookings or further information.
What's included in the price?
The course fee includes professional tuition, lunch and refreshments. There is an additional materials fee of £12 per person for the willow used on the day. This is payable to the tutor at the end. All tools are provided. We offer a tasty picnic lunch and homemade cake mid-afternoon. Drinks and biscuits are available all day to help yourself. Please let us know of any special dietary needs. Accommodation available at extra charge, contact via the "message the tutor" button to find out more.
Duration
1 day
Cancellation policy
Strict - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 8 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Hen dos
- Romantic
- Father's Day
- Suitable for all abilities
- Corporate days out & team building
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Daytime (weekdays)
- Accommodation offered
- Weekends
- Public transport
- Suitable for beginners
- Parking provided
- UK Holiday
- Stag dos
FAQs
Zantium Studios is clearly marked on Google Maps.
We are on the edge of the Peak District (Derbyshire) - near Wirksworth, a few miles from Matlock.
Clear directions will be sent by email a month prior to the course.
The Zantium Studio is on the first floor which involves a flight of 11 steps. There is a handrail to one side.
The toilet is on the first floor directly opposite the Studio.
There are a number of exterior stone steps and uneven ground from the car park to the house.
We have off-street parking for several cars
Full Day Courses:
A tasty light lunch is included in the course fee. Tea, coffee and biscuits are available all day to help yourself and home-made cake served mid afternoon.
Half Day Courses:
Drinks and snacks are included in the course fee. Tea, coffee, biscuits are available to help yourself and home-made cake at break time.
We have a top Food Hygiene Rating of 5.
Any special dietary requirements must be communicated in advance and we will do our best to cater to your needs. However, customers with allergies or severe intolerances should bring their own food. Our kitchen is in a domestic setting and we cannot guarantee a “free-from” environment.
*** Please let us know of any special dietary requirements ***
There are various accommodation options nearby including our own 2 holiday lets.
'Godfrey Hole Cottage' is on site. It has 2 bedrooms, a double and a single
'The Counting House' is a mile from the Zantium Studio in the town of Wirksworth. It has one double bedroom (ensuite)
Should the advertised tutor be unable to attend, we reserve the right to substitute a tutor of equal standing.
In the unlikely event that we have to cancel a course, customers will receive a full refund or the chance to transfer to another course from our Zantium Studios programme. This may happen due to severe weather, illness or if we receive an insufficient number of bookings. In such cases, we will always give as much notice as possible. However, we cannot accept responsibility for any associated plans you may have made such as travel, accommodation etc. Customers should consider taking out their own cancellation insurance.
