
Event Description
Tutors Helen and Mollie, who share a love of basketry and natural materials, can’t wait to pass on their knowledge and passion to you in this immersive basketry retreat at Hellens.
Spending one day each with Helen Munday (wondersofwillow.co.uk) and Mollie McMillen (molliemcmillen.co.uk), you will be supported in small groups to create two unique baskets, in beautiful surroundings.
Whether you’re new to weaving with willow or already have some experience of the craft, you’ll be sure to enjoy creating your own woven handbag or shoulder bag with Helen, who will spend a day guiding you through each stage of the process, supporting you to create a basket you will be proud of. There will be a choice of colourful willow varieties and different materials for the straps, allowing you to make a unique woven bag. A small additional charge will be made for the strap with a choice of leather, webbing or cork available.
The day with Mollie will introduce you to the world of weaving with soft plant materials and tree barks. With plenty of scope for exploration and experimentation, you will have a wonderful selection of materials to work with, hand-harvested by Mollie from her garden and local landscape. Included will be discussion about sustainable harvesting techniques, storage and preparation of materials, giving you scope to start thinking about your own harvesting possibilities where you live, for future basket making. You will be taught a number of different weaving and basketry skills, such as twining, plaiting and cordage making and be introduced to a variety of techniques to create bases and borders. The shape and style of your basket will be unique to you and reflect how your hands and thoughts interact with the materials.
Residential fee and non-residential fee differ: see website for details.