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What's Included
- One day or six-week traditional basket weaving course
- Learn the oldest and one of the most widespread crafts across the world
- Expert tuition from experienced instructors
- All equipment is provided
- You will form part of a small group of 8 participants
- Courses are not catered, please bring a packed lunch and refreshments
One Day Basket Weaving
- Make a traditional willow basket
- Throughout the day you will be taught all the steps to make a stake and stand wicker basket
- Learn about willow harvesting, basket after care, and look at alternative materials that can be used in basket making
Six Week Basket Weaving
- Enjoy six sessions over six weeks
- The progressive course takes you on a journey of discovery though basket making
- Learn a range of basket making techniques, including coil baskets, willow platters, and handled baskets
- At the end of the six sessions, you'll take home at least three baskets, and a platter made in a variety of different shapes, styles and sizes
- Gain the knowledge to reproduce or adapt the skills learnt to develop your basket weaving journey further
What Can I Expect
Basket weaving courses in Surrey! Learn the ancient craft of hand-weaving baskets on a one-day workshop, or a course comprising six lessons, at these outdoor crafting sessions near Caterham.
Weaving baskets by hand using natural materials has been done for thousands of years. These courses aimed at beginners and upwards aim to keep this ancient handicraft alive. Founder Lizzy and her team love passing on their know-how so that the craft continues.
As the source of basketry materials comes from Mother Nature, these courses take place in tranquil woodlands. The peace and calm makes for the ideal backdrop to sitting down and learning how to weave - yet you are within the M25 and just minutes from Caterham in Surrey.
On the one-day course you'll learn how to make a woven, waste paper-style basket using the ‘stake and strand' method. On the six-session course, you'll cover a number of other weaving styles, and basket designs, such as plank and coil baskets, as well as platters.
You will learn such a lot. For example, 'stake and strand' refers to the way in which the basket is constructed with the strong sticks for the base and the uprights, with thinner rods woven over them. All sorts of natural materials can be used, including one of the most common, which is willow.
Your tutors will show you how baskets can be traditional, modern, artistic and functional in equal measure. And with some basic basketry skills under your belt, you'll be equipped to continue your journey into the creative world of woven baskets.
Book your one-day or six-lesson basket weaving courses in Surrey to learn a new rural craft and go home with at least one new woven basket you can use and admire!
When Is It Available
- Selected dates throughout the year
- Dates are subject to availability
One Day Course
- Sessions start at 09:30 finishing at 17:00
- Scheduled 2024 dates: 4th May, 23rd June, 26th August
Six Week Course
- Six consecutive Fridays
- Sessions start at 10:00 finishing at 14:00
- Scheduled 2024 dates: 12th April, 19th April, 26th April, 3rd May, 10th May, 17th May
- Week one: Plant & tree ID and coil basket making
- Week two: Willow platters and willow harvesting
- Week three: Plank basket
- Week four: Stake & strand basket - the base
- Week five: Stake and strand basket - The walls part 1
- Week Six: Stake and strand basket - The walls and a handle
Location
- South London Woods, near Caterham
- Conveniently located 15 minutes off junction 8 of the M25 and easily accessible by train
Suitable For
- Minimum age 14
- Under 18s must be accompanied by a participating adult
Spectators
- Not suitable for spectators