Join Lorraine for a one or two-day Willow Basket Workshop suitable for beginners.
You will learn the techniques used to weave your very own basket from a selection of styles available.
In all our practical, hands-on workshops, you will also learn about Willow, how it is grown, how to prepare Willow, and the traditional basket-weaving techniques used.
We use a selection of specialist Willow varieties to make our baskets; there are various colours too.Â
We aim to introduce different basket workshops over time. We work as small groups of between 3 and 6.
We can also provide private tuition for small groups. Make contact to discuss and arrange a date to suit.
All our workshops are designed with beginners in mind.
Although Willow Weaving is a very good exercise for your hands. If you suffer from arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, please talk to Lorraine first before booking.
All our workshops include sufficient Willow for the selected basket.
Additional Willow can be prepared and purchased as an add-on extra when booking your workshops or purchased on the day if available. This is for those wishing to practise what they have learned in the workshop later, at home, or if required for a bigger basket.
We offer member tickets for those wishing to undertake 5 basket making workshops at a reduced rate. Once membership has been set up you can select the workshops of your choice.
You can purchase a membership ticket below under the Basket Making Calendar list. These can also be gifted to others.
Please bring your own notebook and pen to take notes and draw diagrams if you wish during the workshop, as we do not provide handouts.
NB// Lorraine is a member of the Basket Maker’s Association
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Workshops priced at £110 p.p. (full-day) a light seasonal lunch is included.
All materials to make your basket will be provided. See the booking ticket for more information.
Complimentary Tea and Coffee available at all locations.
Additional add-on Willow bundles available to purchase.
Full-day: 9:00 am/10:00 am – 4.00 p.m./5:30 p.m. (inc. lunch).
Times may vary depending on the workshop, location, and participants’ level of experience. Lorraine’s step-by-step tuition is designed to ensure everyone, including beginners, has the opportunity to leave with a functional basket.
See the booking ticket for more information about start and end times for each workshop.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 17:00 p.m.
Saturday 31st January – Betchworth
Saturday 21st February – Betchworth
Thursday 26th March – Bramley
Cost: £110 p.p.
Includes a light seasonal lunch and refreshments.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 17:00 p.m.
Friday 17th April – Reigate
Saturday 30th May – Bramley
Cost: £110 p.p.
Includes a light seasonal lunch and refreshments.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 17:00 p.m.
Saturday 23rd May – Bramley
Cost: £110 p.p.
Includes a light seasonal lunch and refreshments.
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 17:30 p.m.
Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th May – Bramley
Cost: £195 p.p.
Includes a light seasonal lunch and refreshments on both days.
NB// Not included in membership package.
Time: 10 a.m. – 17:00 p.m.
Thursday 5th March – Reigate
Friday 15th May – Reigate
Cost: £110 p.p.
Includes a light seasonal lunch and refreshments.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 17:00 p.m.
Thursday 11th June – Bramley
Saturday 27th June – Bramley
Cost: £110 p.p.
Includes a light seasonal lunch and refreshments.
In this workshop you will learn how to make the woven Willow base using a pairing weave, this can be a large base if making a platter and different colours of Willow can be used to make an attractive design. For the Bread Basket you will stake up the sides of the basket; you will learn waling, pairing, English randing and a three-rod track border.
This workshops suitable for beginners.
PLEASE NOTE YOU CAN ALSO MAKE THESE BASKETS IN THE ‘YOUR CHOICE WORKSHOP’ – SCROLL FURTHER DOWN FOR BOOKING LINK
When making a Berry Basket or small Round Basket you will learn how to make the woven Willow base; stake up the sides of the basket; various weaving techniques such as pairing, waling, and a three-rod track border and if you have time a Willow roped handle to finish.
Suitable for both beginners and those wishing to practise further.Â
The photo above are baskets made by students with little or no experience of basket weaving.
PLEASE NOTE YOU CAN ALSO MAKE THESE BASKETS IN THE ‘YOUR CHOICE WORKSHOP’ – SCROLL FURTHER DOWN FOR BOOKING LINK
This workshop is for those who have their own basket project in mind or for beginners or those wishing to practise their newly aquired basket making skills further.
Lorraine will be on hand to assist with independent designs or teach a suitable design if you are a beginner and will provide sufficient materials for one basket. If additonal materials for your project are required these can be purchased as an add-on.
The above picture shows students making baskets with little or no basket weaving experience.
NEW DATES COMING SOON
This two-day workshop involves a blend of traditional basket making techniques with a twist of artistic freedom, resulting in unique, eye catching pieces. You will first create a traditional round basic base and secure the uprights with a pull down wale followed by a three rod wale as we weave up the sides of the basket. Lorraine will show you how to French Rand using a pair of withies at one time. Further waling is then followed by the beautiful asymmetric border securing a bow handle.
This workshop is suitable for beginners and those wishing to explore different weaves. If you already have some basketry experience this is an opportunity to create your own design.
The photos below show a Large Asymmetric Basket Workshop for complete beginners that took slightly longer than anticipated; therefore, the baskets for future workshops will be Medium in size (slightly smaller). To make larger baskets, we will allow more time. Please check the booking form to see which option is being offered.
Workshps Coming Soon
Explore the traditional craft of willow weaving in our hands-on Zarzo Basket Workshop. Originating in Catalonia, Spain, the zarzo basket was traditionally used by farmers and foragers to carry vegetables, firewood, and harvest goods, valued for its strength, open weave, and practicality.
In this relaxed, beginner-friendly session, you’ll learn how to work with sustainably sourced willow, create a sturdy base, shape the sides, and finish your basket with a simple handle. No previous experience is needed, and all tools and materials are provided.
Enjoy a calm, supportive environment as you slow down and create a functional basket rooted in centuries-old tradition. You’ll leave with your own handcrafted zarzo basket and the confidence to continue weaving at home.
These workshops are suitable for beginners.
You will be able to make one large Zarzo Basket and a small Zarzo or Wooden based basket or other small Willow Craft on the day.
WORKSHOPS COMING SOON
This workshop focuses on creating a log base basket, combining traditional basketry techniques with creative exploration. Using a solid wooden log as the base, participants will build up the basket by experimenting with a range of weaving styles and structures, allowing each piece to develop its own character.
You’ll work with a selection of basket willow varieties, grown and harvested by us locally. The differing colours, textures, and thicknesses of the willow offer an opportunity to explore how material choice influences both form and finish.
The session encourages curiosity and experimentation, whether you’re new to basket making or looking to expand your skills. Guided throughout, you’ll learn how to attach the weave to the log base, develop strong sides, and respond intuitively to the materials as the basket takes shape.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a unique, handcrafted log base basket that reflects both traditional practice and personal expression.