One of my students recently told me that I had changed the way in which she observes the world. This is exactly how I felt when I made my first basket. My garden and my local environment suddenly became a resource and a whole new world to discover; which plants to use, where to find them, the season in which to harvest them and how to prepare them.
I have a broad experience of teaching all agegroups and abilities. In my workshops I aim to inspire and encourage even the most cautious beginner in a gentle 'hands on' manner. For those seeking to improve their skills I welcome the opportunity to share with them my knowledge and passion for basketweaving and sculptural fibrework.
Join my mailing list to hear about future workshop dates. Workshop Mailing List
Why not host a workshop. Below are the various workshops I am happy to offer at your chosen location. Workshop Hosting Enquiry
I have a broad experience of teaching all agegroups and abilities. In my workshops I aim to inspire and encourage even the most cautious beginner in a gentle 'hands on' manner. For those seeking to improve their skills I welcome the opportunity to share with them my knowledge and passion for basketweaving and sculptural fibrework.
Join my mailing list to hear about future workshop dates. Workshop Mailing List
Why not host a workshop. Below are the various workshops I am happy to offer at your chosen location. Workshop Hosting Enquiry
UK Dates: Somerset Open Studios 2018 Workshops held at Hazelmere, Hillcommon, Taunton
Saturdays September 15th, 29th 1 - 4pm Bush Animals
Sundays September 16th, 30th 1 - 4pm Sister Baskets
Sunday September 23rd 2 - 4pm Crystal Holder Necklace
Please scroll down for more info on each workshop
Saturdays September 15th, 29th 1 - 4pm Bush Animals
Sundays September 16th, 30th 1 - 4pm Sister Baskets
Sunday September 23rd 2 - 4pm Crystal Holder Necklace
Please scroll down for more info on each workshop
Bush Animals
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Discover your creative, sculptural side, as you hand build with straw to create a colourful animal.
In this workshop you will learn how to *create a base form with straw appropriate to your chosen animal *divide the straw into the main features *methods of wrapping with wool *finish the details of your animal I acknowledge my teacher, aboriginal basket weaver Bronwyn Razem for giving me permission to pass these skills on. Saturdays September 15th, 29th 1 - 4pm at Hazelmere, Hillcommon, Taunton, Somerset Cost £25 materials included, however if you have any wool oddments in your preferred colours please bring them along Enquire about this workshop Book in and pay for this workshop with Paypal or credit card: |
Sister baskets
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Using the indigenous, blanket stitch method, two halves are joined together leaving a loop for the handle and a small opening.
Material used for the sister baskets is raffia which is an ideal material to learn this stitching method. Traditionally native grasses would have been used to make these baskets. The session will include discussion on Australian aboriginal cultural crafts, techniques and materials. I acknowledge my teacher, aboriginal basket weaver Bronwyn Razem for giving me permission to pass these skills on. Enquire about this workshop Sundays September 16th, 30th 1 - 4pm Sister Baskets Cost £25 materials included Book in and pay for this workshop with Paypal or credit card: |
Crystal Holder Necklace
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Create a personalized necklace around your crystal of choice using fine waxed linen and handmade paper beads. The necklace design is suitable for exchanging your crystal and is adjustable in length.
In this workshop you will learn * the weaving technique known as ‘Knotless Netting’ * how to make twine Enquire about this workshop Sunday September 23rd 2 - 4pm Crystal Holder Necklace Cost £25 materials included Book in and pay for this workshop with Paypal or credit card: |
Walk Talk and Gather
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A hands on introductory session with the aim of discovering suitable local resources for making baskets.
I will bring examples of the different styles of baskets for inspiration, describe the materials used in each, how, where and when to harvest and prepare them. The session includes a walk around the local area or participants gardens to identify suitable plants and gather them. Preparation of plant material, varies according to each plant. Most will need to be dried for a few days or weeks, some can be stripped and turned into twine, which I will also teach. |
Random Weave Basket
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Creative play as you learn how to scuplt with vines.
This style of weaving brings out our innate ability of using our hands to shape a natural form with plant fibres. An introduction to the random weaving method and how to adapt the technique to suit a wide variety of plant materials. In this workshop, you will learn how to *create the initial form *tips on random weaving *establishing and maintiaing firm shape *Information on suitable plants to use and how to gather and prepare them. Duration 3 hours |
Twined Basket
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This basket is made by twining a pair of fibres around a frame using cordyline with a selection of options to use for twining materials.
In this workshop, you will learn how to *make the frame *twine around the frame *finish your basket *Information on suitable plants to use and how to gather and prepare them. Duration 3 hours |
Rush Basket
Learn how to use ‘combungi’, the aboriginal term for bulrushes, to make a small round basket. The rushes are twined around stakes in a method common to basketmakers around the world.
(Dependant on availability of cumbungi)
Duration 3 hours
No classes currently scheduled
(Dependant on availability of cumbungi)
Duration 3 hours
No classes currently scheduled
Stitched and Coiled Basket
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Using locally harvested plants, learn how to create your own coiled basket. The core material is visible and can either be a single plant fibre or mixed fibres. Add a bit of colour with found materials such as fabric scraps and wool. Options for stitching materials include hemp twine, raffia or strong cotton
In this workshop, you will learn how to *start your basket *shape the sides of your basket *finish your basket *Information on suitable plants to use and how to gather and prepare them Duration: 3 hours |
Melon Basket
 click for notes on plant materials
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Melon basket course:
A four session course, which includes learning various basketry techniques and a substantial amount of material. Particpants are required to collect some of their own materials and work on the various stages at home. However when complete, there is an immense amount of satisfaction and a useful basket! Duration of each session 3 hours, held once a week No classes currently scheduled |
Weave a Fish
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Several of the techniques for the melon basket can be practised first on this smaller project. Cordyline is used for the skeleton of the fish, with mixed plant fibres and/or fabrics for twining.
Duration 3 hours No classes currently scheduled |