I run  various hands-on,  in-house workshops for  school groups  working with willow and other natural materials.  

These provide  children with the opportunity to learn through doing  and experience how to create beautiful and functional objects from simple materials. Workshops can be related to social heritage and history or ecological/environmental issues,  as well as teaching practical  skills such as mathematics and design.

Willow baskets

Willow for the garden

Corn dollies

Chair seating

Workshops and demonstrations

Workshops for schools

For more details about these topics or for other enquiries, please contact me.

• Simple willow projects for groups or individual activities, e.g. plant supports, mini-hurdles, simple baskets, playhouses, outdoor structures etc.
• Tools quiz  - identifying the tools used for basket making, learning how complicated objects can be made using natural materials and a minimum of basic tools.
• Planning and design - working out the number of willow rods that are needed  and how weaving patterns depend on the number of uprights etc.
• The lifecycle of willow - how it is grown and managed for basketry. Why do basketmakers use re-soaked dry willow rather than fresh green willow?  
• The history and usage of willow - the need for different types of baskets, medicinal uses, its resurgence as renewable energy (biomass).
• Cultural and spiritual relevance (e.g. of corn dollies).

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