Most workshops have 6 students. Some of our tutors have kindly offered to teach 8 students, this helps with the running costs of workshops, especially for tutors who have travelled long distances. We try to keep the cost of workshops affordable, but have had to increase our fees this year. The Tuesday classes offer a discount to students who book three classes in a row.

This course is only suitable for intermediate and advanced students. The basket is quite physical to make and contains a few awkward techniques. So you need to have strong hands and be flexible to make this basket. Learn how to build a framework over a metal armature and weave using the interlace technique. Practice using willow effectively to build form and fluid surface textures. Welcome to our 2024 willow weaving programme. From January through to October 2024 we will be providing one, two and three day basketry workshops. This is the last year we will be offering sculpture workshops using metal frames.This course is suitable for beginners but requires perseverance! Also suitable for intermediates and those wishing to improve their rush basketry skills. These three day workshops are created so that you can spend time working on a project of your choice. You may wish to improve on a technique by repeating a certain basket or weave or you could remake a favourite basket. If you are a beginner you can relax and weave at a slower pace on a traditional or contemporary basket. Intermediate or advanced weavers may wish to use the opportunity to try a more challenging technique. Three days exploring the frame basketry construction. On this course you should be able to make two items using this method. Starting with pre-wired, oval and round hoops, a simple bowl or arm basket is possible. Time will also be spent learning how to make hoops we can work together to build an object of your choice.

There is a maximum of 6 students on the course. I can provide details of local guest houses. We start at 9.30 am and finish at 4.30pm. Wood baskets come in a selection of colours to compliment your home, no matter what your style. We have a vast range of finishes and materials to perfectly match your décor. Our grey and buff rattan log baskets are a popular choice as they are on trend yet timeless. These come in both a round and square log basket style. Some of our firewood baskets come lined with hessian to help keep your fireplace tidy. Not Just for Logs! Asymmetric Baskets with Sue. FULL Suitable for all levels. (3 students)Working with a variety of fine coloured willows learn how to build one of these pieces originally inspired by the work of Polish Basketmaker Stanislaw Dzuibak. Advanced students build large scale pieces learning how to start a wide diameter base using scalloms. Beginners work on a smaller scale. Learn how to weave with fine willows adding colour to give a painterly finish. This course is suitable for advanced and intermediate students with experience with knife work, not suitable for beginners. Alternatively, you can concentrate on sculpture or structures for your garden. I can help you with designs or you may be inspired by an item at the workshop.These two-day basketry workshops are either taught by both Sue and Kirk or just by Sue. If Sue and Kirk are both teaching on the same day then each tutor has 3 students in two separate rooms, so you benefit from plenty of one-to-one teaching time, plus you can have a look at how the other group's work is progressing and share techniques over lunch. Kirk and I have been repeatedly making these baskets for some time and have lots of tips to share with you. You will work with willow grown organically here in King's Cliffe and willow from the Somerset Levels.

We are delighted to once again be hosting professional basketmakers from UK and France, they are fabulous teachers and top quality craftspeople, it is a highlight of our job to welcome them to our workshop venue. Francois Desplanches, Benjamin Nauleau, Fabrice Serafino, Jenny Crisp, Clair Murphy, Peter Dibble and Nadine Anderson and Leather Craftsman Justin Capp. They all work with a glorious palette of sustainable materials and generously share their techniques and practice with students here at our venue. What a privilege! Weave two large structures each day using willow from the Somerset Levels and grown organically here in King's Cliffe. Learn how to select and prepare willow when making these structures. Nadine is also a trained Breath Coach and Yoga Teacher and will guide you through some useful stretches and calming breathing techniques to make your workshop a very grounded mindful experience, and to look after your bodies after a day of sitting and weaving. Decorative Trays with Kirk. FULL (3 students)These trays look lovely filled with fruit or bread on your kitchen table. Using French randing and contrasting coloured homegrown willows you can create a variety of decorative effects. Small handles are optional. Add either finger hole handles or, for more experienced makers, rope handles can be added.Choose a workshop and send an e mail to Sue at [email protected] (You cannot book workshops online). This course is suitable for intermediate and advanced students, beginners may find this challenging, not suitable for complete beginners. Advanced and intermediate students only. Please note: the underfoot base in both workshops requires students to work stood up in a 'touch your toes' position and then a kneeling position for some time. Please also note that the heavy rods used in these baskets make the courses unsuitable for those with weaker hands. In the future we aim to continue inviting prestigious basketmakers to our workshop to offer you the opportunity to weave with the finest craftspeople and design makers from Europe. This year two of these workshops are suitable for beginners, the other two for intermediate to advanced makers. The skill level of the workshop will be made clear when advertised. This year we are thrilled to be hosting workshops for the third year running by some of Europe's leading professional basketmakers . Jenny Crisp, Peter Dibble, Nadine Anderson and Clair Murphy from the the UK. Francois Desplanches, Benjamin Nauleau and Fabrice Serafino from France. Some of the tutors have kindly agreed to teach 8 students. Student numbers are indicated for each workshop.

Large rattan log baskets can even be used outside in the summer months as planters, providing the perfect home for your flowers and foliage. Tall log baskets are a great option for planting your Christmas tree in and add a real charm to your decorations! Matching Storage Baskets Available This is the last year we are offering sculpture workshops with metal frames. Next year we will still provide interlace workshops for small scale pieces, but will no longer be welding frames. We are making this change as Sue wants to have a break from welding and concentrate on basketmaking. We have recommendations of willow sculpture tutors which we can offer students wishing to continue learning how to weave figurative sculpture on metal frames. Thursday 13th and Friday 14th June. Decorative Trays with Kirk and Multi-Strand Weave Baskets with Sue Spend two creative days weaving a large or small sale sculpture of your choice. You can work on figurative or non-figurative pieces for your home or garden.

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This course is suitable for intermediate and advanced students, for those who have experience working with wood as there is more splitting and shaving wood than weaving with willow.