Make a willow basket in two evenings
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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 14 Jul 2025End Date: 15 Jul 2025Last Spaces LeftMon-Tue (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00In PersonFull fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £129.00
- Start Date: 09 Dec 2025End Date: 10 Dec 2025Tue-Wed (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00In PersonFull fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £129.00
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What is the course about?
On this course you will make a small willow basket suitable for bread or fruit, using classic willow-work techniques as an introduction to traditional basket making.
What will we cover?
For beginners, this course serves as an introduction, learning specific techniques. You will pair a base, insert stakes,upsett and wale. The siding will be woven in a false French rand and the border will be a simple trac.
Students with some experience will be encouraged to stretch themselves by trying a technique new to them, or by
refining their skills.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Make a willow basket
• Demonstrate an understanding of what is involved in this ancient craft.
• Identify some of the qualities of willow and, how to manipulate and control it.
Students with some experience will:
• Develop existing skills
• Apply a more involved weave or border.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for all levels.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for
health and safety information and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.
Willow basketry involves some physical strength so should you have any concerns, then please do contact the department for advice before committing yourself.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This is a practical course. You will be taught by demonstration, individual and group tuition. There will be examples
to support your learning. Handouts and course information are provided.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Access to materials and resources are provided as part of this course. You may wish to bring a notebook to document your progress.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offers other classes in Basketry to develop the techniques learnt on this course or, explore other
possibilities in our wide range of courses in Contemporary Crafts. Please browse the website for upcoming
courses.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 10:30 – 12:00 then 15:00 – 17:00.
John was introduced to basketry by a Crafts Council exhibition in 1999, where he was impressed enough to undertake a four-year City & Guilds course in creative basketry at the City Lit. This has transmogrified into the two-year VA190 course John now runs and teaches on. John's specialty is rushwork but he is comfortable with other materials and techniques and encourages experimental work following sound and basic groundwork. John believes that craft work is an essential human occupation. When not teaching basketry John repairs harps.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.