As the growing season winds down and the rhythm of life slows for a market gardener, it’s the perfect time to return to weaving. After two seasons of steady use, my weeding basket and stone-collecting basket are ready for some repair - or perhaps replacement. But more than that, I’m looking forward to a few days of willow weaving, an activity I find deeply meditative and fulfilling. Every step of the process brings joy, from cultivating and harvesting the willow to sorting and transforming it into beautiful, functional pieces.
This winter, I’m thrilled to invite you to join me for two Tuesday afternoons of hands-on weaving, where you’ll craft your own basket from the heritage willow we grow here on the farm.
Willow weaving has a rich and ancient history in Ireland, and although I’m not originally from here, I feel so lucky to include this timeless craft in my yearly calendar. I love creating pieces that are both practical and beautiful. Over the years, I’ve woven many baskets - each one a bit rustic and imperfect, yet all carrying a charm of their own. Most of my baskets are inspired by the classic “skib,” a traditional Irish basket once used to strain and serve potatoes. After use, it would be washed and hung on the wall, where it gradually became a decorative object as well as a functional one. I’m so grateful for Joe Hogan’s book, Basketmaking in Ireland, which has preserved these traditions with such care, and to Bríd of Black Mountain Baskets, who guided me through making my first skib in 2020.
Now, I’d love to share some of the tips, tricks, and joys of this craft with you in a friendly, collaborative group setting. Together we’ll enjoy some tea, creativity, conversation, and plenty of craic as we work on our projects.
We’ll start each afternoon with tea and a chat about willow, discussing everything from growing and harvesting to the history of the craft.
Tuesday, 26 November — 2:00pm to 5:30/6:00pm: In this first session, we’ll create the base of your basket. If you can only attend this session, you’ll have a beautiful base to take home, which you can use as a trivet, hang on your wall, or eventually finish as a basket in your own time.
Tuesday, 10 December — 2:00pm to 5:30/6:00pm: During this second session, we’ll complete the baskets by weaving the sides and adding a border. If you’re joining just for this session, I’ll provide you with a pre-made base so you can leave with a completed basket.
I’m looking forward to welcoming you and sharing the art of willow weaving—let’s make something wonderful together!
Here are the details:
The date and time:
Tuesday, 26th November 2024: 2:00 pm - 5:30/6:00 pm
Tuesday, 10th December 2024: 2:00 pm - 5:30/6:00 pm
Join us for either session, or attend both if you’d like to create an entire basket from start to finish!
The place: Laurelbank Farm, 121 Middle Road, Saintfield, Co. Down, BT24 7LS
The cost: £40 per person per session, or £70 for both sessions (includes all materials and booking fees)
The refreshments: We’ll have an array of teas, herbal teas, coffee, and water on hand. If you’d like anything specific, feel free to bring it along! I’ll also be baking some biscuits, so please let me know of any dietary needs when you book, and I’ll do my best to accommodate.
What to bring: We’ll be weaving in the Cow Byre and Gallery, which we’ll keep on the cool side to prevent the willow from drying out. To stay comfortable, bring plenty of layers and maybe even fingerless gloves to keep your hands warm while weaving.
How to book and pay: Follow the link to book your place. After you’ve booked I’ll email you with my bank details so you can pay for your tickets.
