Irish Skib Basket Course with Joe Gregory – Wednesday 15th & Thursday 16th October 2025
Description
Learn to weave this traditional large Irish Skib (serving platter) Basket course. This handsome serving basket has a long history and thanks to the work Irish weaver and legend Joe Hogan these baskets beautiful baskets have been given a huge revival. Traditionally these baskets were used to strain and serve potatoes in rural Ireland using home grown willow. Today they look great on a wall and are used as excellent serving platters. Using the finest English Willows in a variety of natural colours you will learn Irish weaving techniques and work on a large border to create this handsome and useful basket. The large border is great practice for those on their basket making journey! The willows tea and coffee shop on the ground floor of the building will be open during the course serving the finest ethical rainforest alliance coffee and teas, award-winning cakes and simple savouries. Notes: - You must have good mobility in hands & feet & be able to stand whilst working. - Please wear old (non dangly) clothes, covered toe shoes (no sandals) & little or no jewellery.
What's included in the price?
- All tools and materials.
Duration
8 hours
Cancellation policy
Strict - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 8 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Hi my name is Joe Gregory, I’m a willow basket maker, sculptor and teacher. I started weaving as a hobby in 2004 and by 2008, I realised I could make a living doing a craft that I loved. Starting from my kitchen table my skill grew organically alongside my growing children and my work teaching for the Workers Education Association and as a Forest School Leader. Over the years weaving with Willow has provided me with the most rewarding career whilst enabling me to keep my family safe and healthy. From 2014 I made weaving my main profession. I teach sculpture and basket making for a number of larger organisations nationally, occasionally internationally and from my own venue in West Yorkshire. I’ve worked on some amazing projects over the years and feel very lucky to have found this beautiful craft. I am comfortable teaching pretty much anybody from young children to those recovering from serious illness or injury. With the right support I believe weaving is for everyone! My classes are suitable for beginners to more advanced weavers. I’m proud to be able to say a third of my students are returning students. I’ve helped many people on their journey to become professional and serious hobbyists and I’m developing new resources all the time to open up this craft to as many people as I can.
