Round and oval baskets

In this course, we will use a variety of willows to make a round or oval basket. Beginners would be able to make a round basket with a traditional or contemporary handle. Improvers can make a round basket and try different weaves or make an oval basket if they are confident in the steps required to make a round basket. No qualifications are required; however, you do need reasonable dexterity and strength in your hands to be able to manipulate the willow. All materials and equipment will be supplied. Numbers on this course are limited to ensure 1:1 guidance from Catherine.

Willow is a natural material and has been stored in a garage and oaked in an outdoor tank. Please wear old clothes (e.g., gardening clothes) to the course or bring an apron. You must wear solid shoes – open toes and sandals are not suitable in case of dropped tools and off cuts of willow, which can be sharp. It is important to wash hands before eating after handling the willow.

Catherine Tregaskes has been working with willow for more than 15 years having started in a small way while working for a conservation charity in Leicester. While completing the two-year Basketry Course at the City Lit in London, she discovered a love of twining with soft materials and during that period won the Basketmaker of the Year Award 2017 from the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers. She demonstrates basketmaking and sells her baskets at local events and teaches willow and soft basketry at several locations in Cambridgeshire and beyond.