Foundation Course: 4 day workshop
DATES: Saturday 7th - Tuesday 10th March 2026 (4 day course)
TIMES: 10am - 4/5pm each day
Arrival from 9.30 for tea/coffee to begin at 10am.
VENUE: Wyre Forest Visitor Centre (Discovery Room)
ADDRESS: Wyre Forest Visitor Centre, Callow Hill, Bewdley, Worcs, DY14 9XQ
PRICE: £640 per person.
Spaces limited to 4 people
COURSE OVERVIEW
During this immersive 4 day course, you will explore the key skills of round ‘stake and strand’ willow basketry. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, improve on the key skills, become more confident in your weaving, or simply wish to be lost in the art of basketmaking, then this course has been designed especially for you.
Grounded in over 15 years of teaching experience, Sarah has developed this workshop to give a personalised learning experience; weaving in a small group of just 4 people, you will be guided through each process, with plenty of time allocated to explain the reasoning behind techniques, choice of material and how to develop designs.
The aim of the course is to: give you time to immerse yourself in the art of basketmaking, equip you with the skills needed to become more independent in your making, feel more confident in practising basketmaking at home and enhance your skills to give you a stronger foundation to build on.
Over the 4 days you will be given projects designed to help you build your developing skills, such as: understanding how to soak and prepare the willow, learning how to make round bases, creating a small round bread basket and weaving a larger storage basket (full course details can be found below)
Who is this course suitable for?
This course is for beginners and improvers with some experience - whether are a keen beginner who has been on one or two basketmaking workshops previously (either with us or another basketmaker), or someone who has made a handful or more baskets and is looking to improve on your techniques.
If you have not made a basket before, please take a look at our 1 and 2 day courses, which are suitable for those who are coming to make their first basket.
If you are unsure if this course is right for you, or if you have any other questions, please do get in touch: info@hopewoodbaskets.co.uk
COURSE DETAILS
Day One
We will begin the first day by learning about how willow is prepared, and then how to select, sort and grade the material ready for weaving - an important skill to create a balanced basket. You will then go on to learn about how round bases are made using the ‘stake and strand’ method, weaving several bases to develop your technique and gain muscle-memory. Sarah will begin with the basic principles, and will be able to go into more depth for those with more experience.
Day Two
Whilst creating a small round bread basket, you will learn the key techniques of inserting uprights into a base, and understanding how to weave from the base to the sides (known as the upsett). You will then continue to use a weaving pattern called a ‘3 rod wale’ to weave the sides of the basket. The basket will finally be completed with a rod border.
Day Three and Four
The next two days will be focused on embedding the skills you learned when making your bread basket, and then building on these by learning new techniques. Sarah will begin by guiding you through some basic construction principles that affect the overall design, giving you insight into how to develop your own designs in the future.
You will work on a larger basket over two days, with Sarah on hand to help you create your unique basket. You will have the choice of English Randing and French Randing for the side weaves, with variations of these weaves as options for those with more experience. Sarah will discuss options for shape and size, as well as handle options, if desired (void handles or leather handles). These larger baskets, personalised by you, will be suitable to be used as a log or laundry basket, but can of course be used to store whatever you choose.
ACCESSIBILITY:
Willow weaving is physically active in all areas. It can particularly hard on the hands, so is unsuitable for those who suffer from arthritis or other conditions that affect the hands. Courses will involve working at many levels, including bending down to the floor, working on laps or standing, and working seated at tables. If you have any physical difficulties in any of these areas, we advise you to contact us before booking.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:
Please bring a packed lunch. Please wear warm clothes you don't mind getting messy, and bring extra layers (we will be working in a large open space).
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Materials and use of tools included. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available throughout the day.
Cancellation Policy (summary):
This course is non-refundable, unless we can fill your place. Courses are non-transferable.
By purchasing a place(s) on our course you are agreeing to our full Terms and Conditions (link below), section 'Courses'.