What’s it about?
Located between Canterbury and Ashford, join us on the beautiful Kent Downs for this introductory 1 day basket weaving course.
Our hunter-gatherer ancestors were particularly skilled at making baskets using a host of different materials for a wide range of uses, from purely practical to ceremonial. We’ve put together this basket weaving course for anyone who likes to use their hands and would like to learn this fabulous traditional rural craft.
What will I do on a basket weaving course?
Led by Nicola, this 1 day course will look at the ancient craft of willow basketry. You will be introduced to the materials and tools required and then be guided through the process to make your own round, willow basket.
Throughout the day you will:
- Learn how to create all the elements of a basket, so the base, the sides, and how to finish it all off with a border.
- We will cover a range of differing weaves, for specific areas of your basket, and for decorative purposes.
- We will discuss care of your basket, making different basket shapes, and alternative materials that can be used as well as willow.
At the end of the day you will come away with the satisfaction of having created a basket that’s unique and has a wide range of practical uses.
Book now
You can see our complete course schedule here.
Other information
Location: Westwell, Kent
Duration: 1 day
Start: 10am
End: 4pm
Course size: Maximum of 4
Catering: We’ll provide tea & coffee, you’ll need to bring a packed lunch
You might also find these Frequently Asked Questions useful.
What our customers say
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A really enjoyable and well taught basket weaving course. A massive thank you to Nicola who was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. My husband and I had a great day and were delighted with the baskets that we made. Would definitely recommend if you enjoy being outside and working with your hands
Thanks to Nicola's instruction I made a basket that looks like the real thing! A huge part of the joy of this day course was sitting in the woods, listening to the birds, while getting into the rhythm of willow weaving. When the rain can pouring down, we were cosy under our canopy. Time seemed to disappear. Thank you so much for this amazing combination of learning and relaxing, and for excellent, generous teaching.
This was a really enjoyable workshop and I really wasn't expecting to go home with a finished (and usable!) basket, but I did. Nicola talked us through the process step by step, and was very hands on with the small group where we needed any help individually. It definitely helped having everything demonstrated before we did it, to learn the techniques and do it correctly. Once we got into the rhythm for the main weaving, it was quite mindful as everyone was concentrating on their basket, and the bushcamp location is beautiful and well sheltered. There was also no rush at the end to finish, so although I needed to head off others stayed to finish up. I'd definitely recommend just for a one off experience of crafting with natural materials, even if you don't want to do as a hobby at home.
I have been on several courses with jack raven bushcraft, the most recent being the willow basket weaving one, they have all been most excellent, offering good value for money and incredibly well presented. I can’t wait to book another, Thank you Gary and the team
A very enjoyable course with a knowledgable and skilled tutor.
This course is exactly what is witten on the tin. Using a few simple tools and some willow rods, you walk away with a finished basket. Mine was roughly 12" round by 6" depth. I use the word 'round' cautiously. The final result will be excellent to use for foraging.
This course is well worth looking at to learn the basic skill of basket weaving including some simple weaving patterns to give your baskets variety. I learnt first hand from an encouraging tutor, who brought out the best in all of the students.