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Basketry Skills Week – All 3 Courses

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23rd - 27th September 2026

Date

Original price was: £625.00.Current price is: £585.00.

Sale!

5 days of learning basketry weaving skills. Weaving willow bark baskets, asymmetrical baskets, and traditional log baskets.

 

1 day of learning to weave with willow bark exploring a more unusual and ancient form of basketry. The bark is carefully removed from the willow and worked while fresh, creating a basket that is light, flexible, and full of natural character. You’ll learn how to prepare and handle willow bark, form a simple structure, and weave the bark into a small, functional basket. The finished piece has a wonderfully organic feel, with soft lines and subtle variations in colour and texture that reflect the living material it’s made from. This course is ideal for beginners, and anyone curious about plant-based crafts, offering a rare opportunity to work directly with willow in one of its most elemental forms.

 

2 days of weaving asymmetrical baskets, offering the chance to explore a more expressive, sculptural form. An asymmetrical basket allows the maker to respond to the material, creating a piece that feels organic, individual, and full of movement. Over the two days, you can choose to keep things simple with strong, straightforward weaves, or incorporate more refined techniques such as borders, texture changes, and decorative details. The course is structured to suit a range of abilities, with plenty of guidance to help you find the right balance between ambition and enjoyment. This is a deeply satisfying course for those who want to develop confidence, creativity, and a stronger relationship with the material.

 

The final 2 days are dedicated to making a traditional log basket Designed for real, everyday use, this sturdy willow log basket is built to carry weight and stand up to hard work. It’s the kind of basket you’ll reach for again and again — by the fire, in the wood store, or out in the garden. During this part of the course, you’ll focus on strength and structure: making a robust base, using thick willow for stakes and ribs, weaving tightly for durability, and finishing with a solid handle and border. Along the way, you’ll learn why certain techniques are used and how to adapt them for other heavy-duty baskets. This course is ideal for those who want to make something practical, long-lasting, and deeply satisfying to use.

Your Tutor

Dave Jackson, aka The Stick Smith, has been willow weaving and making willow furniture since 1999. At this time he started teaching rural crafts to excluded school children, quickly expanding to teaching adults. Dave has now been teaching for over 20 years and delights in showing people how to turn a humble bundle of sticks into objects of beauty with utility.

Whats Included?

Materials & Tools

All materials & tools will be provided but we will let you know if there is anything else you should bring before the course commences.

Food & Refreshments

A light lunch using the best local organic ingredients, with tea & fresh coffee throughout the day. Please let us know if you have any allergies or special dietary requirements.

Cancellation Policy

If you wish to cancel for any reason we will give you a full refund when notice is given up to 4 weeks before the course starts. A 50% refund will be given with notice of 2 to 4 weeks. If you have to cancel within 2 weeks of the course start date then you will not receive a refund but you may transfer to another course (additional fees may apply). Please see full Courses Terms & Conditions

The Venue

Holmes Oak Barn, Collins End, Goring Heath, Reading, United Kingdom (UK) RG8 7RJ

Stay Informed

Sign Up for Course Updates, Willow Harvesting Volunteering & Willow Aftercare Tips


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