Willow weaving

 I grow most of the willow and buy in extra willow rods as needed. 

The willow is used fresh at the beginning of the year then stored, dried

and re-soaked for use in later months. I am also experimenting with using

mixed materials, adding various dried grasses and rushes.

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The aim is simple -  to have fun while learning a new skill; we always reach a point of peaceful activity, when I can rest my voice and the class works away busily,  accompanied by much general chatting as the group get to know each other.

Willow is a wonderfully forgiving material and everyone goes away with their original creations!

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The group size is limited to allow you to work at your own pace, with individual assistance and plenty of space, a maximum of 6 people. 

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All the courses are designed to be accessible for beginners. You do need a level of dexterity and finger strength however, which means adults only for weaving baskets and structures. Children can, and do, participate in the taster sessions. I suggest finer willow and smaller more delicate items for those with problems, and also get people using other materials, such as reeds, if they are really struggling!

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 If you already have some experience but would like to learn something specific, then get in touch.

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The suggested course dates below are entirely flexible (the joys of self-employment) and I will always try and accomodate any requests!

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Willow baskets -

 2 day course.

The aim is to produce a simple basket, which gives you the techniques needed for practically any

willow weaving.  

I used to do this course in one somewhat tiring day which frequently over-ran into the evening -

not very relaxing for those with no craft experience... The two day format, 10-4pm each day,

allows everyone to breathe occasionally!

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Cost for 2 days, run from the Big Barn at Tanyfron

£95 per person

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Willow structures - 

 1 day course.

We'll be making anything from mini hurdles for supporting plants at the

edge of the border for instance, to tripods for growing climbing plants.

Once you have learnt the techniques, you can adapt the design to any

size and purpose.                                                                                                               The Big Barn

10-4pm

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Cost for 1 day, run from the Big Barn at Tanyfron

£60 per person

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Willow taster courses - 

These will vary between a 2 hour session to half a day.

They provide an opportunity to have fun doing something new

and different - and perhaps deciding whether to take this craft

further.

Some will be run from here, others from The Plas, Dolanog.

(see below)

This could be a great way to celebrate a birthday with friends - or

a holiday activity - whatever!

10-12 or 1pm, 2-4 or 5pm (summer!)

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Cost between £20 and £40, run from the Big Barn at Tanyfron

or The Plas, Dolanog 

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Where

Tanyfron

Llanerfyl

Welshpool

SY21 0HA

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what3words; 'aviation.monkeys.lunching'

Shows on Ordnance Survey and Google maps.

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Click on the 'Contact' page for map and notes!

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Pop-up sessions at The Plas, Dolanog. See below.

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What to bring

You will need the layered clothing appropriate to Welsh weather as we will be in an unheated barn-  perhaps bring fingerless gloves if you have them.

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I can provide drinks and biscuits only, so bring your own lunch.

 

I have several pairs of secateurs, which will be sharp (N.B.!) If you have your own do bring them, we can sharpen them as necessary.

An old knife is useful too. 

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All necessary willow materials are included in the course prices.

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When

Confirmed course dates will be shown here in bold. Other dates are suggestions.

If you would like to attend a course, let me know and I will advertise accordingly -

some will prefer a weekday, for others weekends will be better -

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2023

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Willow baskets

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 June 18th onwards

NOTE; if the weather is very warm and dry, workshops will be delayed - willow likes cool, damp

conditions! As this course takes 2 days, the willow can dry out too much and become brittle.

It can be re-soaked, but this takes time so I try and avoid working in a heatwave.

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Willow structures

That's it for structures for this year!

 

Willow taster courses

 

July 8th; 10am start Only 1 place remaining

July 24th; 10am start. 4 places remaining at present

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Comments

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It feels a bit self-congratulory to post some of the comments from participants, but they are why I keep doing the workshops...! As you can see, the homemade treats and the beautiful location are a big part of the experience!! 

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"I had a fantastic weekend in a stunning location.... and fantastic chocolate cake  and I'm so proud of my basket!"

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""My mother and I did the taster course with Pippa. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and very informative session. Pippa was very patient in showing us how to do different things, working at our own pace. We enjoyed the relaxed chat and giggles whilst weaving, along with the fab tea and cake Pippa provided. She was very generous with her time and we left with an array of woven goodies and a keen interest to learn more about willow weaving. I can thoroughly recommend." 

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"A relaxing and informative afternoon weaving with Pippa in the most wonderful location. Pippa was very generous with her time and materials and with her clear instructions and patient guidance we took home some lovely woven creations. "

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"I had a really lovely day with Pippa, she made me feel very welcome in her house and barn. She has a lot of patience and made me feel as though I was doing a really good job with my weaving. I would definitely recommend Pippa and her willow weaving course "

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Booking

Feel free to contact me for any queries

      e-mail - pippasplants@gmail.com                                                           

      mobile - 07517142685 

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New for 2023; card payments now accepted!

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If you are booking via Craftcourses.com., you have your very own button! 

  (in case you too are a technophobe - don't worry, pressing the button

doesn't commit you to anything!)                                                  

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Overnight stay?

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We now have electricity to the Big Barn - and overnight van parking or camping should be available for small extra fee, which may help with those travelling longer distances. There are local 'posher' options of B and B!

The Plas (below) also has rather nice 'Boatshed' accomodation.

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A bit about The Plas;

This is a very beautiful campsite, on a river meadow with wooded hills surrounding, within easy reach of Tanyfron. Check out their website! https://www.camp-plas.com/

They host numerous events and activities throughout the year. Our collaboration started in 2020 and we will continue this year - hopefully with fewer Covid restrictions!

Please contact the Plas directly for information on the pop-up sessions for 2023.

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