Willow Basket Weaving Workshops

Willow Basket Weaving Workshops on the Isle of Man

Willow basket weaving workshops are now available through Lovely Greens on the Isle of Man. Courses run in the winter from November to January.

If there’s one thing that I’ve learned in giving soap making lessons, it’s that people want to learn how to make things. Crafts and products and useful things that our grandparents and great grandparents used to make. So many skills have fallen out of practice and family knowledge so it’s my pleasure to begin coordinating ‘Making’ workshops here on the Isle of Man

The first two of these lessons were taught by John Dog Callister, who spearheaded the Christmas Wreath Workshop and the Willow Basket Weaving Workshop.

An afternoon of willow weaving

The willow basket weaving workshop took place in Laxey over four hours. During that time, we were taught how to use fresh willow to weave a small basket that could be used in the home or garden.

Building the base was the first step and then creating vertical supports and weaving the sides. The last step for most was finishing the top of the basket with a simple woven edge. Most people decided to not add a handle but if you had time, the option was there. A handle makes the basket a great tool to take with you while out foraging or in the garden.

John Dog has also shared how to make a simple willow basket on my YouTube channel.

Demand for more Workshops

Both willow weaving days have been so popular that I’ve decided to organise more creative workshops. Though the season of willow is at a close, there are many traditional crafts and projects in 2018. To get word of when the next ones will be, make sure to sign up for the Lovely Greens Handmade Newsletter.

If you’re interested in taking a willow weaving workshop, don’t panic. They’ll be back once the willow has died down for the season again. Keep an eye out for workshops beginning in November 2018.

All the best ~ Tanya from Lovely Greens