Willow Weaving Course Dates 2025

I run basketmaking and willow sculpture courses from my workshop at GRIT Studios in Stockport, and can deliver workshops and courses for groups and individuals anywhere. Courses are suitable for beginners, intermediate students and makers wishing to explore in more depth.

I work with small groups with a maximum of 6 on a course. On most courses, students are able to weave a basket to their own design preferences under guidance within the scope of the technique.

Saturday 15th March - One Day Course - Catalan Based Baskets

The flat Catalan base is worked on a hoop and you'll be able to make a round or oval basket on this one day course.

  • learn how to scallom willow and make a frame

  • understand how to select weavers to fill the base

  • learn how to add uprights

  • build in different weaves

  • select a border to complete basket

Saturday 29th March - One Day Course —Zarzo Baskets

The Zarzo is an intriguingly constructed basket. It was developed from the traditional Catalonian cheese draining tray by Danish maker Ulla Misser and has become popular as a garden and foraging basket. You’ll learn how to:

  • set up the construction

  • lay in contrasting willows for different effect

  • shape the basket

  • weave a lashed ‘eye’ on your handle

Sat 12th and Sun 13th April - 2 Day Course - Round Baskets in Willow

This 2 day course will enable participants to make a larger round stake and strand basket. You’ll learn:

  • learn how weave a paired round base

  • how to stake up the base to form the sides of your basket

  • when and where to use different weaves

  • how to work a border to complete the basket

  • make a handle if desired

Sunday 18th May - One Day Course - Eight Cornered Bias Plaited Baskets

Bias plaited baskets can be woven with many types of flat materials. The 8 Cornered Bias Plaited basket is fascinating to make and readily adaptable to many variations! On the course, you’ll:

  • learn about the different types of materials you can use

  • be guided through the different stages and find out how to vary the structure

  • explore different ways to embellish the surface

  • have the option to add in a strap or handle

Saturday 24th May - Catalan Based Baskets

The Zarzo is an intriguingly constructed basket which has been developed from the traditional Catalonian cheese draining tray and become popular as a garden and foraging basket. You’ll learn:

  • how to set up the construction

  • how to lay in contrasting willows to weavers for different effect

  • how to shape the structure

  • weave a lashed ‘eye’ on your handle

Saturday 12th July 2025 - Pouches and Bags in Willow Bark I - Corner Pouches

Willow bark is harvested in late spring and summer when the sap is freely running, and then dried and resoaked for weaving. The technique taught in this course originates from Canadian basketmaker Joan Carrigan, and was taught to me in turn by Danish weaver Ane Lyngsgaard.

  • learn what to look for when harvesting bark

  • peel a roll of bark from fresh willow to take away

  • find out how to dry and prepare bark for weaving

  • learn how to set up and weave a corner pouch

Sunday 13th July 2025 - Pouches and Bags in Willow Bark II - Bias Plaiting

This course utilises bias plaiting techniques to make attractive 2 cornered type willow bark pouches.

  • learn how to identify and harvest suitable bark

  • peel a roll of bark to take away from the course

  • learn how to combine different parts of the bark and add other materials

  • explore surface decoration techniques

Saturday 19th July 2025 - Square Based Baskets in Willow Bark

We explore the versatility of willow bark harvested from locally grown coppice in this course on which you’ll be able to make a square or oblong based basket.

  • learn how to identify and harvest suitable bark

  • peel your own roll of bark to take away

  • learn how to utilise different parts of the bark for contrast and combine with other materials