*SIX PLACES REMAINING*
With Hilary Burns – website
In this workshop we will be looking at the traditions of Catalan basketmaking. These baskets are defined by the decorative rope handles and borders. There are many forms that arise from the well-known Catalan base, that may be round or oval. In recent years the base – also known as a tension tray or as the zarzo, has been explored and used by many makers who have taken it in different directions. The basket that we will aim to make in this workshop is the traditional oval shopping basket, one that sits on the hip while the handle is over the arm and the hand sits on the border to steady it, that was taken to market. We will use white willow for the framework, and therefore also the handle and border. The side weave will be bark-on willow split into wide skeins. There are by-stakes that strengthen the uprights, traditionally split Mediterranean cane – we will use willow or rattan for these.
Hilary is an experienced tutor and is happy to discuss your requirements in advance so that she can bring suitable materials. We will use buff willow from the Somerset Levels and may incorporate coloured bark varieties from my collection of willow varieties.
£195 (plus materials approximately £30)
