Raffia bag making with Claire Richards

Constructed and woven textiles Basketmaking, chair seating and willow work

Ref: S2D11955

Suitable for all £277
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About this course

Discover raffia craft as you learn how to make your own strong, flexible and functional raffia bag from this sustainable material. Suitable for beginners, and those with sewing or raffia work experience.

Course Description

You will be provided with full printed instructions on the technique and also the patterns for completing a medium bag, with handles of your choice. Learn how to make a beautiful, but also strong and therefore sustainable and functional item, and how to strengthen the bag to make it that bit more durable. You will learn how flexible and relaxing raffia craft is, how adaptable it is to new designs, and importantly, how working with raffia is a lovely way to spend time relaxing, whilst making beautiful items and learning new skills.

You will learn about the origins of raffia, how it can be dyed and the various ways in which beautiful accessories can be produced – for yourself or your home. The emphasis in the workshop will be on learning the weaving technique that can be applied to make beautiful and sustainable bags and hats.

Beginners, as well as those who have basic sewing or raffia craft experience, are very welcome on this workshop, but there is definitely no need for any prior raffia or other experience, nor do you need to have specialist equipment. You will receive guidance and personal tuition to teach you the skills needed, and it is envisaged that all will leave the class with a completed bag. The key objectives for any raffia work is always to be able to relax and enjoy the craft.

Timetable

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)

Course Materials

Included

  • On this course the tutor will supply most of the materials including raffia, fastenings, handles and molds to use.

What students need to bring

  • Pair of scissors (comfortable and sharp enough to cut raffia)
  • Thimble, if you like to use when sewing

Available to buy

  • Available from tutor:
  • Raffia for the course, plus additional raffia if you would like to make additional items

Tutors

Claire Richards

Claire Richards has been teaching raffia craft for over 25 years. She learnt her craft from a visiting Australian in 1993 and since then has been hooked. Claire exhibits at a number of major and regional events where her focus is on passing on her enthusiasm for raffia.  

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or a Diploma in Art and Contemporary Crafts (10 three-day study blocks, over two years). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.

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