Weave a Willow Fish: Family Workshop 

Course Description

Do you want to try weaving with willow? Why not bring your parent, guardian, grandparent, older sibling or favourite adult to the Weald and Downland Living Museum for a fun creative workshop.

Make a single willow fish, or a whole shoal!  Using natural Somerset willow, create a family of fishes using a simple weave for small fingers. They make lovely decorations for both inside and outside.

The ticket covers one adult and one child as a pair.

The Tutor

Louise Brown has been weaving with willow for over 20 years, and now spends most of her time teaching basket making and willow-weaving. She has been especially drawn to weaving with natural materials because of the sustainable approach, as they not only sit beautifully in the environment, but also naturally biodegrade, leaving nothing unpleasant behind to damage our planet. Many of the tools and techniques for basket making has also been the same for thousands of years, and Louise is one of the people keeping the tradition alive today.

Participant Information

Tuition, tools and all materials will be provided by the Tutor. Participants must be aged 6 years and over. Working with willow requires the use of cutting equipment (sharp snips) and occasional use of a basketmakers’ bodkin which is a metal shaft with a sharp point. Instruction will be given as to the safe use of these tools. The manipulation of the softened willow needs a little strength and dexterity in the hands, but quite manageable for adults and children alike unless they have joint or strength problems. It is advisable to either bring a work apron or to wear old clothes as soaked willow can sometimes be a little messy.

Please wear sensible footwear (no open-toed sandals).

Fee & Refreshments

£60 per pair/adult and child combination to include tuition, tea, coffee, soft drinks and biscuits. Please let the Museum know if you have any dietary requirements. Fee includes entry to the Museum for those who want to stay and explore further after the workshop.