Introduction to rope-coil weave: 2 day workshop
DATES: Saturday 21st + Sunday 22nd March 2026
PRICE: £275 pp
TIMES: 10am - 4pm 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
On this creative and explorative two day course, you will create a sculptural basket using the rope-coil weave technique. Weaving in a small group, Sarah will guide you through each process to make your very own piece of willow basketry inspired artwork.
This textural weave is developed slowly and makes for a calm and meditative experience. The form emerges slowly as layers of willow wind their way around the piece, building on those before them.
The aim of this creative course is to give you the space, encouragement and skills to develop a spirit of play and discovery as you weave - making changes and creative decisions as the work develops.
Various options will present themselves along the way and choices can be made based on your level of experience as well as the artistic direction you would like to take your work in. There will be an emphasis on an experimental approach to adapting designs as you weave and exploring where the willow takes you.
This workshop caters to anyone wishing to connect with their creative side, and for those who wish to explore both technique and artistic expression, and encourages a flexible outlook of letting go and allowing a piece of work take its own course with you as its guide.
Course outline
Day One
We will begin the first day by learning how to select, sort and grade the material ready for the weekend’s weaving - an important skill to create a balanced basket. Working on a pre-made base, we will then stake up the basket and begin to weave the sides of the basket.
Day 2
We will finish weaving the sides of the basket in the morning before weaving the border in the afternoon, and your basket will finally be trimmed ready to take home!
EXPERIENCE:
This course is for both beginners and improvers. We advise that those with less experience make a straighter sided basket, and those with more experience have the choice to try curved shaped.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:
Please bring a packed lunch.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Materials and use of tools included. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available throughout the day.
ACCESSIBILITY:
Willow weaving is physically active in all areas. It can be 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, 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; some alternative arrangements may be possible but we can not guarantee this.
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'.