Try it out: basketry

Course Dates: 26/04/25
Time: 10:00 - 17:00
Location: Keeley Street
Tutors: 
John Page
Make a small basket using the interesting basketry technique of Plaiting which is used throughout the world.
Be amazed by the potential of plaited basketry which will leave you wanting to learn more.
This course is ideal for beginners, or students wishing to refresh basic bias plaited basketry techniques.
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Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £129.00

Try it out: basketry
  • Course Code: VC224
  • Dates: 26/04/25 - 26/04/25
  • Time: 10:00 - 17:00
  • Taught: Sat, Daytime
  • Duration: 1 session
  • Location: Keeley Street
  • Tutor: John Page

Course Code: VC224

Sat, day, 26 Apr - 26 Apr '25

Duration: 1 session

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

What is the course about?

This course is a brief introduction to Plaited Basketry.
Using the basic techniques of checkweave and bias plaiting, you will work with watercolour paper to learn these techniques.

What will we cover?

- Introduction to the basics of checkweave and how this is used for both checkweave and bias plaited basketry
- How to make a simple bias plaited basket.
- Working a border on your basket
- Sourcing and preparing other suitable materials
- Principles of how these techniques could be transferred to working with “natural” materials
- Have a wider knowledge of Plaited Basketry and how makers use this technique.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Source and prepare suitable materials.
- Make a completed bias plaited basket.
- Describe how you would make similar work independently from the same or similar materials.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for both complete beginners, and students who have some previous experience of other basketry techniques who would like to add to their skills.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support your learning 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.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught using a mix of demonstrations together with verbal explanations by the tutor and handouts to support this, you will also have opportunities to observe and handle samples of work made using this technique. If time allows there will be a short slide presentation showing examples of Plaited Basketry from around the world putting the technique into both a traditional and contemporary context.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of the course. Please note: you will be using painting materials to decorate your sheet of watercolour paper, basic aprons are provided, but it is advisable to wear old clothes/shoes.
If you have a pair of sharp scissors you may like to bring these for cutting your paper into strips (scissors are provided but you may prefer to use your own)
Small quantities of additional/alternative materials may be available to buy from the tutor.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

City Lit offers a range of courses in Basketry and Contemporary Crafts for beginners to advanced learners and professional practitioners. 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 Page

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.