Join us for a 2-day workshop where you will have the opportunity to explore an introduction to making cordage and baskets with easily available foraged fibres, such as day lily, daffodil leaves and bindweed.

It's incredibly satisfying to create something out of materials that most people regard as suitable only for the bin or compost heap. In this weekend workshop you will learn about harvesting, drying and preparing natural materials and how to tackle the challenges presented by irregular lengths and thicknesses.

To get used to handling natural materials, you will start by making cordage. Kim will then show you how to use this to make a random weave basket, to which you can add other materials if you want. If there is time, you could also try coiling with cordage or foraged fibres.

The aim is to introduce students to collecting and working with natural materials. They will learn: how and when to forage for materials; how to prepare them for weaving; how to make cordage (two methods); how to use cordage to make a random weave basket, combining with other materials if they wish. If there is time, they could also have a go at coiling with cordage or foraged fibres.

All materials will be provided, but do bring additional plant fibres with you if you wish. Please wear old clothes and/or an apron and bring a waterproof bag to take damp work home with you.

Tutor: Kim Winter
Date & Time: Sat 21st Sep & Sun 22nd Sep, 10am - 4pm  
Venue: Spindle Studio, New Brewery Arts  

PRICE:   
Residential Option (including 2-night stay)  
£380 (£0.00 VAT)  
  
Non-residential Option  
£240 (£0.00 VAT)

Who is this for?

Suitable for all levels, including beginners. Some degree of manual dexterity is required.

This workshop is for those aged 18 and over.  

What you will need:

All materials will be provided, but do bring additional plant fibres with you if you wish.

Please wear old clothes and/or an apron and bring a waterproof bag to take damp work home with you.

You are welcome to bring a lidded bottle of water with you but we kindly ask that you do not bring food into the studio.

For more information:   
Visit our FAQ page 

Accommodation

You will be staying in our stylish accommodation on site. The Barrel Store accommodation will be reserved for students for the whole weekend and you will each have a room of your own. 2-night stay includes Friday 20th September & Saturday 21st September.   

An additional 1-night stay on Sunday 22nd September is an optional extra.  

Catering

This weekend residential course will be catered by our new on-site café Blend. Breakfast and Lunch will be served in the café Blend on Saturday and Sunday.

For your evening meal, you will have access to a fully equipped kitchen in your accommodation. Alternatively, we have a number of recommendations for eateries in Cirencester.

If you are attending the 2-day ‘Non-residential Option’ lunch on both days is included in the ticket price, as well as teas, coffees and homemade cake.