This workshop is suitable for anyone interested in learning about working with willow. No previous experience is necessary, although those with previous experience are very welcome to join. By the end of the workshop, you will have gained a taste of what working with willow is all about and created a decorative dragonfly to take away!
On this workshop you will create delightful dragonflies on stakes, which will bob and sway in the breeze when placed in your garden or in pots on the patio. You will learn a corn dolly technique to create the body of your dragonflies, and then how to gently handle the willow to create the wings and insert a stake.
A certain amount of manual strength and dexterity is required when working with willow; however, the projects covered in this workshop have been selected for their relative simplicity and suitability for beginners.
Throughout the workshop, students may occasionally use specialist basketry tools, most of which are either sharp or pointed, so a sensible and common-sense approach to safety is essential.
You will cover:
As with all craftwork, basketry skills take some time to acquire and students should not be upset if they do not achieve perfection first time around!
No previous knowledge is necessary.
Material costs for willow required for the classroom activities have been included in the course fee. The tutor provides all specialist tools required for the workshop, for use in the classroom.
Please wear practical clothing and bring a work apron – damp willow can be a bit dirty.
Learners may wish to attend further willow-weaving workshops. There is a lot to learn on this topic and students may wish to consolidate their learning with another one or two-day project.