The tutor will introduce you to the many possibilities and techniques for weaving with rush, including plaiting, knotting, pairing, stitching and more, while working with English rush. A wide variety of items can be made with this versatile material. You can anticipate going home with anything from a table mat, through to an area of floor matting, a bathmat or a wide variety of baskets, hats or bags.
Techniques that are taught include: plaiting (3-end, 5-end, 9-end and up to 29-end plaiting), used for bags, baskets, floor matting and other items; knotting, roping and drying. Sewing for baskets and floor matting is also covered, along with trimming.
Practical demonstrations and discussions by the tutor will be followed by hands-on experience making projects.
Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above
Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.
Daily timetable
Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.
From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).
Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Last day
Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.
Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.
(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)
What students need to bring
- Scissors
- Apron
- A water spray/mist bottle
- If you would like to make a basket to a specific shape, bring a suitable shape/mould to work around.
- Please wear sturdy covered footwear in the workshop – an essential health and safety requirement.
Available to buy
- Available from tutor:
- On this course, the tutor will supply all of the materials. This charge is unlikely to be more than £30 per student (although this is dependent on what you use) and this should be paid to the tutor before the end of the course, by cash or cheque.
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.
