In-person course
 in Monmouthshire Maker & location details
(5)

Hedgerow basketmaking

X

Description

Come to the Usk Castle Chase Burial Meadow new barn and learn how to weave a hedgerow basket with coloured wild hedgerow materials and willow using 5 different weaving techniques including putting together the slath, pairing, putting on the upsett, waling, randing and finishing off with laying the border. We will discuss material selection and preparation and what can be used as we go and will start by making a base each in the morning. Following this with the upsett and refreshment. Afterwards some waling and then a stop for lunch. In the afternoon we will move on with more waling in different materials and then lay the border. This is a popular weaving course for mixed abilities, please contact me beforehand if you have recently had an operation in your hands, wrists or arms. Most of the material for this workshop has been harvested locally. All tools and materials provided and tea, coffee and homemade cake. Bring a sandwich if you wish for lunch. Usk Castle Chase is a fantastic setting for this natural workshop and there are stunning views from the meadow, ample parking and a warm welcome from Amanda. The historic town of Usk has shops, restaurants and pubs nearby and lovely river walks as well as plenty of accomodation options locally. I recommend Oak Farm Bed and Breakfast at Gwehelog, near The Hall inn, which has great food. Also the Castle Knights Glamping at Usk Castle offers an interesting glamping spot in the castle grounds very near to the town of Usk. Wyldwoodwillow is a small willow business set up in 2000 run by me Amanda Rayner. My aim is to help people rediscover how versatile and sustainable willow really is. I make anything to order and specialize in weird and wonderful commissions. I make a range of baskets, sculpture, coffins, decorative fencing and living willow as well as running workshops throughout the year at venues across the South of England including Kew Botanical Gardens,The Sustainability centre in Hampshire. and latterly The Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight and FLOURISH in Bristol...

What's included in the price?

All the material for this workshop has been harvested locally. All tools and materials provided and your work is yours to take home at the end of the day!! Tea, coffee and plenty of homemade cake will be provided for you. Please bring a sandwich if you wish.

Duration

1 day

Cancellation policy

Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Avatar

I started wyldwoodwillow back in 2001 after weaving for a year or so... It helped me through a particularly difficult chapter in my life and I discovered that I had a burning desire to share the healing nature of weaving. I started teaching workshops fairly early on and weaving pretty much anything I could, currently I weave baskets, coffins, living willow,sculptures and create furniture and decorative fencing for the home and garden. My business is successful and I am a full time weaver.

Suitable for

  • Adults
  • Seniors
  • Teenagers
  • Wheelchair users
  • Hearing impaired
  • Limited mobility
  • Tutor can travel
  • Accommodation offered
  • Stag dos
  • Intermediate level
  • Public transport
  • Hen dos
  • Romantic
  • Corporate days out & team building
  • Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
  • UK Holiday
  • Parking provided
  • Suitable for beginners
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FAQs

Please bring a suitable vehicle if you are weaving a large item such as a plant support and hurdle or coffin. Or if you are travelling together as a group and making large items!

Yes! It is rare for any participant not to finish their project.Ample time is given for completion. However a commitment to the project and staying on track by working hard (as this is a phsical thing)is required so it is important to stay focussed. Whilst I encoujrage chatting and conversation it is necessary to work whilst chatting not stopping to chat!

Yes. With regard to all of the above. I need to know in writing beforehand about any of the above. Please email me to discuss. I will be discreet.

No if you are attending a 4 or 5 day willow coffin weaving course. These are the only courses I provide lunch on...
Yes, if you would prefer something from home then please bring along your chosen lunch.
However if you are workshopping at Flourish or the Garlic Farm then there is a wonderful cafe onsite - both of which which sells wonderful food and cakes.
If you are coming to Usk Castle Chase I will provide refreshment in the form of tea, coffee, cake/ biscuits but please still bring something for your lunch.

There is public transport to the town of Usk in the form of a bus from Newport or Pontypool. From there it is approx a 20 minute walk from town. Or take a bus to Raglan asking the driver to stop at the burial meadow.

Yes there is ample parking either at the top of the Burial Meadow drive or down the short track that leads to the new barn.

The venue is at any of these 3 venues
Usk Castle Chase Burial Meadow, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 1 QX
The Garlic Farm, Mersley lane, Mersley Newchurch PO36 ONR
FLOURISH Glenavon Farm, Bath road, Bristol, BS31 3TJ

Venue

New BARN at Usk Castle Chase burial meadow, Usk, , Monmouthshire, NP15 1QX