Willow piglet workshop

I had never bent a piece of willow in my life...but by the end of the day I had produced a piglet which has been admired by everyone who has seen it. Mine is called "Willow".... obviously!!!
Victoria has a very friendly and relaxed approach while imparting so much information to enable everyone to complete their projects. Tea and coffee constantly supplied during the day. All tools provided and ample space to work, without encroaching upon your neighbour.
No time pressures at all.
I will certainly be booking another course at the same venue.

I really enjoyed the willow class and meeting with Victoria. She's really good at keeping the class interested in the history of willow. Her expertise is amazing with items she has made and with her help I now have a willow piglet which I am very proud of making. Excellent class, great coffee and biscuits. Would recommend highly. Thanks.

Enjoyed making wicker chickens with Victoria. A lovely way to spend a Saturday.

I really enjoyed making Rasher; my piglet. Victoria is an excellent teacher who clearly explains the process in making the piglet. I'd recommend the course to anyone.

Had a fab day out learning a new craft. I took away a very believable willow piglet, created despite my many doubts and thanks largely to Victoria's patient teaching!
The day flew by, in good company, and I would look forward to going again to create another willow animal.
Thanks Victoria!

A really enjoyable day making a willow piglet with Victoria's patient and fun teaching. It was a lovely creative atmosphere with the other course participants. I did not think i could make a good looking piglet, on my way to the course, but i came home with something to proud of, thanks to Victoria's careful direction.
It was a very relaxing and therapeutic day, a tonic from life's challenges. The studio is amongst the lovely County Durham countryside

A fab birthday gift thankyou I got this as a birthday pressie, when we arrived, we were greeted like royalty with a lovely coffee/tea waiting for us, followed by a little chat with the other piglet makers (the piglet course was the one I was on) A group of 4 was perfect gave us the one to one time if needed whilst sculpturing the piglet. A fun day with constant laughs throughout. I would recommend this course to anyone, or whether it's for a birthyday /Christmas pressie, you will be surprised of how much fun it is what you can make and the end result you take home .

Fantastic experience! Victoria made us feel very welcome and relaxed and we had a great time making the piglets. Looking forward to making a reindeer for Christmas! Thank you

I attended this course with my daughter and elderly mother. I can't stress enough how much we enjoyed it. The idea of making a piglet in willow was why I booked the course in the first place, I expected it to be interesting, informative and fun. It was all of this and more. That was down to Victoria. She is an excellent tutor; welcoming and friendly, knowledgeable and patient. She couldn't do enough to ensure we were comfortable and enjoying ourselves.
I'm planning to go back later in the year to attempt a reindeer. I'd highly recommend any of the courses for any age group or ability. If anyone is stuck for a different Xmas/birthday gift Victoria's the lady to contact.

An interesting workshop, lots of work making my piglet. Victoria was on hand whenever I needed help, she was great.

Learnt what I set out to - free weaving - and came away with a lovely looking piglet. Victoria is a good tutor and kept the kettle boiling. She was also willing to share knowledge on other willow structures and sculptures she has produced. Instructions on how to get to the venue could have been clearer, most of us ended up at the cattery before finding the right place. Also would have liked introductions to each other at the start, 4 of the 6 participants knew each other already so found it awkward to join in their conversations.

Very interesting course Would recommend Much food for the imagination A good teacher

Lovely day, Victoria was well prepared and gave clear instructions so we all came home with a passable piggy!

Environment good to work in , tea and coffee always available.

Excellent day . Victoria very attentive to our needs . It was a well paced course in which Victoria explained everything step by step . Small numbers meant individual attention . Well worth the money

Friendly and welcoming with practical advice and guidance, Victoria very patient. Outcome - a recognisable piglet to be proud of and to grace my garden. A thoroughly enjoyable experience,looking forward to the next time.

Really enjoyed the course.Victoria the tutor was excellent, knowledgeable and very patient! Delighted to come home with 'Blossom' who is definitely recognisable as a piglet despite the wonky ears!

Victoria made the day. Despite my dyslexia having an impact on her instructions....things become jumbled in my head. She was patient and very supportive. Can't wait to do another course.

Fantastic day full of excellent tuition and support from Victoria. This was my second time at the Willow Barn. A great start to my birthday weekend. Thank you Victoria for a great day xxx I'll be back

What a fab day we had! Victoria is a skilled creative tutor (and she has a cute Dad). We had a giggle making our delightful piggies. I met three lovely ladies and we had such a good time together that we are all booked onto another course with Victoria next month so we can get together again. As a self-employed freelance artist it was great to talk about 'work stuff', something I rarely get a chance to do, it was like an away day with lovely colleagues. Learned new skills and made new friends in a warm and relaxing environment- would highly recommend!

What an amazing day. Left not only with miss piggy but some new friends. I can honestly say that it was the best day out I have had in ages. Victoria was amazing very knowledgable and welcoming. I can't wait to come back

Wonderfully relaxed day, informal, helpful tutoring by Victoria - clear and easy to follow instructions. Interesting information about the Willow and a delightfully characteristic piglet produced by the end of the session--- Highly recommend anyone to "have a go" --I would go so far as to say it was therapeutic !!!!!!

Thoroughly enjoyed the day, Victoria's style of teaching was very relaxed and informal which allowed us to get the most out of the day. For anyone interested in willow weaving I can't recommend Victoria highly enough.

Fantastic workshop in a lovely setting. Victoria was a great teacher and made sure the day was both relaxed and fun. It was a credit to Victoria that we all came away with recognisable piglets!!

Great environment and lovely trainer. The course was well thought out and everyone managed to produce a great product irrespective of ability. Nice location with fabulous cabin to work in with everything required available. Many thanks

Victoria was very friendly and welcoming. Facilities were excellent and instructions were very clear. With help, I produced a piglet that I am extremely proud of. Thank you Victoria for a lovely day. I'm hoping to return to make a companion animal for the patio.

Great fun- learned a new craft and had a good laugh while we were at it!

Absolutely brilliant, I've been willow weaving before but this was by far better, already booking my next session!

A great day in beautiful surroundings. Victoria made us all feel at home and led us through the process of making our piglets really well. I thought I'd struggle more with weaving as I have osteoarthritis, but managed without problem. The hardest part of the piglet has got to be the snout and I only wish I'd taken my time with that bit to get it right. Irrespective of that, I love my piglet

Had a lovely day and I brought home Henrietta to join our family. It has inspired me to do more willow craft. Wear warm clothes and substantial footwear as shed open and standing on a cold concrete floor for hours makes you colder. Luckily Victoria bring plenty tea/coffee on regular intervals.

Great day, clear instruction and encouragement and we all went home with recognisable piglets! One improvement would be a bit of pre course information such as saying that the venue might be on the cooler side (as it needs to be to work with the willow etc), so bring a few extra layers.

We had a very enjoyable day , Victoria was very friendly , welcoming and encouraging throughout, we were kept topped up with buns and coffee, and left very happy with our completed piglets.