STRUCTURE AND FORM

On this four-day frame basket course, you’ll use willow grown by Annemarie and Tom to make one or more frame baskets.

We’ll spend one morning at the willow bed to see how the willow is grown and managed. We’ll harvest some large rods for hoop making. We’ll have tea in the field and take an optional swim in the silky water.

You’ll learn about techniques traditionally used in the countryside by gypsies and agricultural workers and compare these with more refined baskets made in the towns. We’ll examine different shapes and structures used in frame baskets, and see how these vary from region to region and from one country to another. We’ll consider which weaves work best and learn to how pack the weaving to ensure the build-up is even.

During the course, we’ll also pause for some gentle movement and breathing. We’ll go for some quiet walks to stay attuned to the beautiful landscape that holds us. We’ll have delicious home-cooked organic lunches.

Suitable for beginners or intermediate makers. This will be an active few days and some of the work will be outdoors.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN:

• How to prepare and select willow for weaving and for structures

• How to plan a frame basket

• How to make a hoop and steam bend it into shape

• How to cleave and shave ribs

• How to use a simple system to allow your basket to build up evenly

• Use a shave horse, drawknife and wooden former to make the structure of your basket.

• How to look after your body whilst weaving

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

• 4 days tuition

• All materials for the course

• Delicious organic lunches in Annemarie and Tom’s home

• Tea, coffee and snacks throughout each day

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

• Accommodation whilst on the course

• Flights to/from Gatwick

• Transport to/from Gatwick airport

WHO IS THIS SUITABLE FOR:
Suitable for total beginners, and intermediate basket makers too.

CANCELLATIONS:
If you cancel having paid, I'll refund 90% of your fee if we are able to fill your place. If we are not able to fill your place you’ll forfeit your fee. We will make every reasonable effort to find someone to take your place. If you book and pay but do not attend the course, no refund will be given. No refunds can be given if you cancel or fail to attend. In the unlikely event that I need to cancel the course, you’ll receive a full refund. Bookings are not transferable.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Our studio/home is in Isfield, East Sussex, which is 1 hour south of London and 45 minutes from Gatwick International Airport.

ACCOMMODATION:
We can help arrange for you to stay locally – either in Isfield or the historic town of Lewes. Please contact us if you would like help or advice on booking accommodation. 

You won’t need a car if you stay in Lewes. We can pick you up and drop you off each day. We recommend that you stay the night after the course has finished and not run off on a flight on the last day.