Crafty Basketry's Weaving a Foraging Basket - Improver's Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent
Description
This more intensive course is for people who've made a basket or two and are looking to improve their work, using new techniques not yet used during the Beginners Course. Teenagers from the age of 12 are also able to take part. What do I make? You will create a foraging basket or back pack that can be oval or round. You will learn to keep your base tight and level, one side of your back pack straight, learn how to fix your straps and some new techniques for the side weave. As you're aware, basket weaving is very therapeutic, as you are using head, heart and hands, bringing body and mind back in sync. Is this something for me? You will be competent in weaving a basket on your own without assistance in the round. You may need a little assistance with the border of your basket. Not quite sure about your abilities or whether your wrists or fingers will manage, then just get in touch and I will assess to see whether it's for you. Locations I try to organise the workshops in rural locations, as then we have the full benefits of nature around us to fully reconnect and rewind. This course will be held at King John's Nursery in Etchingham, in one of the barns or underneath one of the large oak trees, in the shade. Please contact me for a more tailored experience.
What's included in the price?
All materials, use of tools (if you don't like using your own) and teas, coffees and cakes are included. I ask people to bring lunch. There will be fruit for when we get peckish.
Duration
7½ hours
Cancellation policy
Strict - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 8 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Marianne, your tutor, is a full-time basketmaker with a workshop on the border between East Sussex and Kent, She has been weaving baskets since 2006 and will teach you the ancient, professional basketry techniques at your own pace, while focusing on the mindful and therapeutic elements of weaving with natural materials in tranquil surroundings. The method is now often applied to contemporary baskets. She teaches weaving with willow, hedgerow, rattan and, on the rare occasion, rush. What to expect? A relaxed time, immersing yourself in being creative with natural materials in a tranquil setting; An obelisk and cloche made out of different varieties of locally grown, sustainable basketry willow; The step-by-step, easy to follow guidance from the start of your base until the finished product; You will learn ancient basketry techniques and explore other projects with the same use of techniques; Find out about cultivation and preparation of willow and hedgerow materials; Learn how to use tools provided and what to use if you don’t have those tools at home; Your lovely plant support is made from locally grown, 100% sustainable materials, the ethical, eco-friendly way; and All willow, use of tools (if you don't like using your own), teas, coffees and fruit are included. The locations are usually on smallholdings and forest school areas in Kent and East Sussex to fully experience the grounding power of nature. Classes are small, giving you all the guidance you need to create your very own design.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Hearing impaired
- Limited mobility
- Learning difficulties (SEN)
- Mother's Day
- Intermediate level
- Father's Day
- Accommodation offered
- UK Holiday
- Parking provided
- Overseas Holiday
FAQs
If you've never tried the craft, or have done it years ago, or feel you really can't get your head around the different techniques, why not start from scratch and you won't miss a thing and learn all the tricks there are to know to get it just right. The result will be amazing and every time you create another basket, your technique and strength will get into your fingers (muscle memory) and you're closer to being a professional!
You are indeed an improver, if you've made a few baskets, but would like to drill into the finer detail of, for instance, specific soaking times verses weather conditions, different borders you'd like to get your brain around, playing with different weaving techniques for the sides of a basket, learning to scallom, fitch the right way, try a different handle or base/slab. If you have certain sides of basketmaking that you'd like to focus on during a course, then please let me know beforehand what these are, and I will put you in a group with students of the same level.
All materials, use of tools, teas, coffees and sometimes mince pies, nibbles and mulled wine are included in the price.
I do advise people to bring a packed lunch, although at some venues they can provide lunch. Please get in touch, if you'd like to find out more about a certain course and the lunch that can be provided.
Yes, happy to do this! Let me know in what area you live and whether you have a venue in mind (it's not always easy for me to find a venue that is the right size with kitchenette, toilets and outside space) and I will arrange a course there. It'll take me about 3 months to arrange this and have a fully-booked course, so why not get in touch now and we'll discuss what you have in mind.
I advise people to share a car where they can. However, if it's just you, there should be ample spaces to choose from, should you arrive in time; half an hour before the course start time.
Not all venues have spaces for disabled, but please let me know in advance and I will make sure you will be able to park as close to the front door as possible.
If you wish, you could bring bodkins, secateurs, knife and wrapping tool, but I will provide you with all the tools you need for what you'll be making.
People on the spectrum will be very capable of weaving baskets, as they understand the rhythm, patterns and the methodical way of working. Are you struggling with (pre-)menopause, or early onset of dementia, then you may struggle and perhaps trying a shorter course instead of weaving a basket would be a safer option for you.
For most other mental health issues, weaving a basket, being with like-minded people from varying backgrounds and in nature is very beneficial. It can give those a sense of freedom and joy, as well as confidence of getting out and about and self esteem, having achieved making a basket from scratch.
I intend to add dates once a course is nearly fully booked. Please get in touch, if you have a date in mind that is 3 months in advance, or if you'd like to organise a private course for friends or family.
