Create a lovely, neat willow basket that is a contemporary take on a traditional English Berry Basket. Great for foraging, as a lunch bag, or even a casual handbag! Using willow grown on the Somerset Levels, you will learn a variety of traditional weaves and embellish your basket with a leather handle. Great for both adventurous beginners and those with previous basket-weaving experience.
Tutor: Sarah Le Breton has over a decade of teaching experience. She is a full-time basketmaker and was selected as the Maker in Residence 2025 at Kelmscott Manor in Gloucestershire. Sarah is incredibly passionate about sharing her heritage craft. As well as making a lovely and useful basket today, Sarah aims to enthuse, energise and inspire you on your journey with willow.
Location and arrival information: The workshop will take place mostly in the Peter Buckley Learning Centre, with some time also spent outside in the Garden. Please allow 15 minutes to park in the main visitor car park, enter the garden and get to the Learning Centre.
Catering: Tea/coffee and biscuits will be available in the classroom at the start of the workshop and again in the afternoon. As part of the booking process, you will choose a picnic lunch option, which is included in the workshop price.
For this workshop,
you will need:
- Your booking reference number to show to the team at the Garden Entrance.
- A notebook and a pencil to make notes.
- Wear old clothes and layers, and closed-toed shoes. Willow work is very active, and you might get quite warm.
- Bring a coat or suitable outer layer, as part of the day will be spent seeking inspiration from the garden.
- Secateurs, if you wish to use your own pair.
- Gloves, if you wish to wear them.
Skill Level: General – I want to enjoy, discover or learn from this workshop, regardless of my existing skill level.
To gain the most from this workshop, a good level of mobility, as well as finger dexterity and hand strength, is essential.
