Willow basketmaking – a forager's frame basket with Dominic Parrette

Basketmaking, chair seating and willow work

Ref: SWE12266

Beginners/Intermediate £294
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About this course

You will make a robust, yet elegant, oval frame basket with a hooped handle using willow, to a traditional European design.

Course Description

On this course, you will make an oval frame basket, following a traditional European design. It will result in a robust, yet elegant, oval frame basket with a hooped handle. The weaving material will be willow.

The course will introduce you to the techniques of frame basketmaking. This will include how to make and set a handle and rim; how to shape and shave ribs, adding these progressively into the weave and keeping control of the weaving through techniques such as packing.

The course will cover the selection of materials and preparation, as the tutor demonstrates and teaches the skills he has acquired as a basketmaker and coppice craftsman, with over twenty years’ experience.

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 all the materials.

What students need to bring

  • Apron
  • Sturdy footwear with covered toes
  • Sharp secateurs or side cutters (if possible)
  • Camera (optional) to record techniques
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Tutors

Dominic Parrette

Dominic is a basketmaker and coppice worker with over ten years experience in teaching his craft.
He makes a woven willow structures, organic forms and frame baskets using a range of traditional and contemporary techniques.

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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