You will gain an understanding of how the willow behaves as you weave the baskets and after the final trimming up you will have a useful basket you will be proud of to take home. There is nothing that looks so good as fresh bread or fruit on a shallow frame basket, logs or even a pair of cats in an English basket. The square baskets will be a useful addition to the range of basketry skills taught at Broadrake - these will be useful in many corners of the home from kitchen/pantry to bathroom.
Phil's gentle, relaxed teaching style will guide you through the various weaving patterns for the different parts of the basket and the frame, ribs, the body weaves and a handle for the Frame basket. The Square basket will be a new workshop and will be for those ready to move to another basket style following on from previous basket making experience.
Phil lives in NW Cumbria where he grows his own sustainable willow for basket-making, garden structures and also bird sculptures, all popular workshop topics. There is a link to his website here.. The organic willow is included in the price and all the tools required will be provided.
Frame Baskets
Frame baskets are one of the earliest forms of basket shape, and the position of the curved ribs will dictate the overall depth of the basket, from almost flat, as a platter, to deeper, for a lovely fruit bowl, or gathering basket for the garden. The soaked and mellow willow will behave well as you guide it in and out of the framework, starting with decorative weaves to fasten in the main ribs.
English Round Baskets
The traditional round, log basket shape.
You will be taught the specific weave
for the base and how to insert the uprights for the sides. Phil teaches two different
weaves for the side of the basket. The more tricky rim is the last part of the basket but
Phil will guide you all step by step - you will be immensely satisfied when the last
piece of willow is put into place!
Square Baskets
New for 2020
This will be suitable for those with some previous experience of working with willow.
Bookings for courses and workshops are subject to Broadrake's terms and conditions available here.