Join basketry artist Tess Wakeling to make your own useful shoulder bag using using a selection of Somerset and locally grown willow.

You'll begin with a pre-dried oval hoop and learn the Catalan-style technique of building a woven base. From here, you'll gradually build up the sides of your bag, exploring different weave patterns and playing with colour and texture

As your bag takes shape, you'll have the opportunity to experiment with the natural colours of different willow varieties and develop a pattern and design that is individual to you. You'll finish your basket with a traditional rod border before fitting leather shoulder straps with brass rivets, transforming your woven basket into a beautiful and practical handbag.

You'll be gently guided throughout the process, with the complexity of the weaving tailored to your experience and confidence. This course is suitable for those with a little experience of willow weaving or confident beginners who are ready to develop their skills and try something new.

By the end of the weekend, you'll have explored traditional basket-making techniques, developed your weaving skills and created a unique willow handbag to use and enjoy. You'll leave with a deeper connection to this beautiful natural material and the satisfaction of having made something entirely by hand.

Tutor: Tess Wakeling
Date & Time: Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th October, 10am - 4pm
Venue: Brush Studio, New Brewery Arts
Price: £180 (£0.00 VAT)

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

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?
Suitable for those with a little experience weaving with willow, or confident beginners. Weaves can be tailored to suit the individual; everyone can learn something new.

What you will need:
Please bring an apron or wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

Please remove jewellery and tie hair back.

All materials and equipment are included.

Meet Your Tutor - tess wakeling

Tess began working with willow over 10 years ago. Her basketry work encompasses contemporary lighting, woven bags, sculpture and installation projects.

During her studies on a City and Guilds qualification she became hooked in exploring the endless ways that pattern and texture can be achieved using woven materials . She now works mainly in willow, which connects her to the land and to a craft that is functional as well as beautiful.

Starting out with a degree in Fine Art Sculpture, Tess spent many years working with lighting and paper, making and selling geometric patterned lampshades. She has been inspired by Japanese aesthetics during a trip to research craft, and aims to carry these qualities into her current willow work - bringing calming, natural texture into the home whilst finding a relevant place for basketry in our modern lives.

Alongside her studio practise she teaches basketmaking, both to the public and as a therapeutic craft for young people at Ruskin Mill College. She loves to pass on this ancient skill to others. To witness the healing potential of working with natural materials, and the joy that making your own basket can bring.