Willow workshops 2025
Willow handbags
Willow shoulder bags at The Organic Farm Shop, Abbey Home Farm, Cirencester.
A 2-day course making these beautiful willow bags. We will start with a pre-dried oval hoop and learn the Catalan style of building a base. From there you will have the chance to practise at least two or three different weave patterns to build up the sides with a choice of colours of Somerset and locally grown willow. We will finish with a rod border before fitting leather shoulder straps with brass rivets. You will be expertly guided throughout the process and each willow handbag will be unique. Suitable for those with a little experience weaving with willow, as usually a round basket is learned before moving onto oval work. Please get in touch with any questions if you are hesitant about booking.
2 day course - £190
There will be a £20 charge on the day to cover materials.
Price includes lunch in the cafe and tea/coffee and cake.
Bookings: https://www.theorganicfarmshop.co.uk/whats-on/willow-handbag-weaving-weekend/
Willow platters and trays
Willow platters and trays at the Organic Farm shop, Abbey Home Farm, Cirencester.
Spend a relaxing day making platters from a variety of colours of locally grown willow. During this one-day course you will first learn how to make willow platters, introducing you to the Catalan style of basketry. Starting by making a hoop from larger lengths of willow, you will then build up your ‘tension tray’ until you have a solid surface of beautiful repeating lines. Each one will be unique and you can choose whether to add handles. During the afternoon you can either choose to make another platter or move on to a leaf-shaped tray, a gentle introduction to frame basketry.
1 day course - £100
This course is suitable for all skill levels. All tools provided. There will be a £15 charge on the day to cover materials. The price includes lunch in the cafe, plus teas/coffees and cake.
Bookings: https://stay.theorganicfarmshop.co.uk/whats-on/willow-weaving/
Willow platters and trays
Willow platters and trays at Hawkwood College, Stroud.
Spend a relaxing day making platters from a variety of colours of locally grown willow. During this one-day course you will first learn how to make willow platters, introducing you to the Catalan style of basketry. Starting by making a hoop from larger lengths of willow, you will then build up your ‘tension tray’ until you have a solid surface of beautiful repeating lines. Each one will be unique and you can choose whether to add handles. During the afternoon you can either choose to make another platter or move on to a leaf-shaped tray, a gentle introduction to frame basketry.
This course is suitable for all skill levels. All tools and materials provided. The price includes a delicious cooked lunch, plus teas/coffees and cake.
Bookings: Coming soon….
Willow weekend
Willow weekend at Lower Shaw Farm, Swindon.
For those wanting a bit more time to focus on their projects, the willow weekend at Lower Shaw Farm is a fun, nourishing few days with excellent food and friendly company. A chance to make a range of baskets and deepen existing skills, you will leave with one large or two to three smaller baskets completed, and the inspiration to make lots more. Whether it’s experimenting with new weave patterns to add texture to a contemporary basket, or creative ways to add handles and straps, there will be something for all ability levels.
All materials and tools provided, plus delicious organic lunches and cake.
There will be a £20 charge to cover willow costs.
Bookings: https://www.lowershawfarm.co.uk/crafts