Immerse yourself in the heritage craft of willow weaving and create your own characterful festive reindeer from this beautiful natural material.

You'll begin by getting to know willow and exploring how to handle, manipulate and shape it to create three-dimensional forms. You'll become familiar with traditional willow-working hand tools and be introduced to weaving techniques and processes that are also used in the heritage craft of basket making.

Then you'll begin building your reindeer from the ground up. Starting with the legs, you'll carefully select and position your willow, tying the structure together to create a strong foundation. From here, you'll use a block weave to gradually build the body of your reindeer, working upwards and shaping the willow to form the neck.

As your reindeer takes shape, you'll use the natural flexibility of the willow to create the head and profile before completing the weave. Then it's time to give your reindeer its own personality, adding antler details, a festive nose and winter accessories for the finishing touches.

You'll be guided throughout the making process, with plenty of opportunity to experiment with the material and enjoy the slow, mindful rhythm of willow weaving. Working with this natural material offers the chance to switch off, focus on making and enjoy creating something entirely by hand.

By the end of the workshop, you'll have gained a hands-on introduction to willow weaving and developed skills in handling, shaping and weaving willow using traditional tools and techniques. Many of the processes you'll explore are common to basket making, giving you a foundation from which to discover more of this fascinating heritage craft.

Best of all, you'll leave with your own handmade willow reindeer – a decorative and characterful festive keepsake to bring out and enjoy year after year.

No previous willow weaving experience is needed. This workshop is suitable for complete beginners, although a good level of manual dexterity and hand strength is required when working with willow.

Tutor: Nav Chhina
Date & Time: Saturday 21st November, 10am - 2pm
Venue: Brush Studio, New Brewery Arts
Price: £70 (£0.00 VAT)

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.

Refreshments are available at our on-site café Blend until 4pm.

For more information:
Visit our FAQ page

Who is this workshop for?
No previous willow weaving experience is needed. This workshop is suitable for complete beginners, although a good level of manual dexterity and hand strength is required when working with willow.

Please note that this workshop is for those aged 18 and over.

What you will need:
All materials and equipment are included.

Meet Your Tutor - Nav Chhina

Nav is the willow grower and maker behind Broadbridge Willow, based in the Cotswold village of North Cerney. She grows, harvests and weaves her own willow to create both functional baskets and contemporary decorative pieces, working from a riverside workshop where the changing seasons continually inspire her practice.

Over the past twelve years, Nav has developed her traditional basketry skills under the guidance of experienced basket makers. Drawing on a background in physics, engineering and design, she combines technical understanding with a deep appreciation of the natural qualities of willow, creating work that is both practical and beautifully crafted.

Passionate about heritage crafts, sustainability and the mindful nature of making, Nav loves sharing the skills of willow weaving with others. Her workshops are relaxed, supportive and hands-on, encouraging participants to connect with natural materials, discover traditional techniques and experience the satisfaction of creating something unique with their own hands.