This is a two-day course to build what we're calling a 'frame garden basket' using locally sourced willow.

The course has been developed by and is led by Malcolm Seal (supported by Guy), a talented local basket weaver and experienced teacher. Many of the baskets he makes are in what's know as the workshop tradition, involving 'stake and strand' basketry as practiced by professional basketmakers. However, for this course we're using frame basket techniques which go back to a much, much older peasant tradition. Historically, frame baskets have often been made by the user.

A frame basket is built using hoops and ribs, which are interwoven with finer materials - usually willow. During the course you will learn all the basic skills involved - using knives, selecting and preparing your materials, bending and shaping hoops and ribs and weaving a basket to completion. By the end of the two days you should have completed your own frame basket.

Essential Information:

The course is for adults only, and costs £250.00 + VAT (£293.75) per person, including materials and delicious lunches, tea and coffee, biscuits and cake. Tools are also supplied for your use during the course within this price.

The days run from 9.00 (tea and coffee) for a 9.30 start and finish at approximately 5.00pm. As well as stopping for lunch, we break for tea, coffee, biscuits and cake during the morning and afternoon. We promise not to work you too hard! It's a really good, simultaneously relaxing and productive time.

We aim to down tools at approximately 5.00 p.m. on both days. If you are arranging to be collected then any time after 5.15 is good. However, at the end of day two we like to sit down for a glass of something ... so rather than miss out, it's best to plan for 5.30 onwards on the second day. Of course, whoever is collecting you is welcome to come down to the woods, any time after 5.00.

Sturdy footwear should be worn and although we can all comfortably work under shelter should it rain, it is worth bringing suitable clothing for the short walk across the meadow to the woodland workshop, and this path can get muddy. Full directions are supplied on booking.

If you have any questions or need further details, please feel free to contact me, Guy Mallinson, direct: guy@mallinson.co.uk.

Course Day Gallery

Photos taken during the first 'Building A Willow Garden Basket' course, April 2008.