Willow Basket Weaving Workshop

Description

Learn to weave your own handmade willow basket using locally foraged willow switches. Workshop taught by Tanya Anderson of Lovely Greens and Isle of Man willow legend, John Dog Callister.

Workshop to take place at 10 am on Saturday, November 12th, 2022

If you have ever wanted to know how to weave a basket, now is your opportunity. For one day only, Lovely Greens is hosting the willow basket weaving workshop on the Isle of Man. It begins with an introduction to willow, and you’ll learn hands-on how to harvest enough for your basket project. You’ll then be instructed, step-by-step, how to weave a simple basket.

The workshop will take approximately five to six hours, and by the end, you’ll go home with at least one piece. You can use it as a home decoration or as a basket to collect eggs, harvest vegetables, or forage for wild food. It’s a sturdy piece that will last years, if not decades. This is a workshop hosted by Tanya of Lovely Greens, and she will also be on hand to welcome you and help you successfully weave a willow basket. Each participant will go home with their own handmade basket made with freshly harvested willow. You will be welcome to make more pieces if you finish early and if there’s enough willow left.

Details on the Willow Basket Workshop

The basket you’ll make in the workshop will be round, and the final size will be approximately 18″ in diameter and 12″ in height. If you’d like a different size, you can discuss this with John Dog on the day. The willow may come in a range of colours including yellow, red, green, and brown. All of the colors will fade and darken over time into natural tones of light brown to chocolate. You can also attach a handle if you’d like or leave it without, whichever you prefer.

The lesson will be at the Ballanette estate in Baldrine, and directions will be provided after booking. Hosted by Lovely Greens, tickets are limited to just 20 for the event. The class will be held both outdoors and inside a cosy barn. Warm drinks and nibbles will be provided, and Tanya from Lovely Greens will be on hand to help too. Lovely Greens is also hosting with John Dog with the Natural Christmas Wreath Workshop (December) and the Willow Garden Obelisk Workshop (January).