Woven Ways

A willow Basket-Making Course

20-21 June 2026

Book a Willow-Basket Course

Basket-weaving is one of the oldest crafts in the UK, predating pottery. This beautiful art has been passed down for generations and has been used to create homes, pathways and storage during wartimes.

Join me in the beautiful Nettle Café for two days of weaving where you will be taken through the art of crafting your very own basket from start to finish.

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Price: £170
Level: Beginner
Duration: 2 Days
Dates: 20-21 June 2026
Time: 0930-1630
Lunch and snacks: Provided (Vegetarian/Vegan Available)
Parking: On-site Parking
Location: Nettle Café
93 Greendale Road, CH62 4XE England
Bathroom Facilities: Yes
Course Leader: Opal Goldring

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Learn how to make a round willow basket (and willow tray) using beautiful English-grown willow- a great course to begin your willow weaving journey

You will learn:

  • History of willow basketry in the UK

  • Getting used to willow work and making a small tray

  • Round bases

  • Selecting rods for weavers and stakes

  • Waling

  • Randing

  • Making a basket border

  • Creating a handle and various handle designs

  • Trimming & tidying the basket

Perfect for beginners who want to build confidence or for those wanting to know more about willow weaving and wanting to make their first basket.

Build a good foundation of basketry skills and knowledge and head home with a willow tray and basket!

We will be going at a slow pace, making sure to take regular breaks and so as not to rush the basket-making process.

Please Note

For this course you will need a good level of manual dexterity. You also may need to stand for periods of time while weaving.

What Will be Provided?

  • Tools for willow-basket making

  • Willow to make 1 willow basket and 1 small willow tray

  • Lunch, herbal teas and snacks (Vegetarian/Vegan Available)

What Do I Need to bring?

  • Notebook and pen if you like to take notes

  • Glasses (if you need them for close-up work)

  • Old, comfortable clothes

  • Something to tie your hair back (if needed)

Course Outline

Day 1 — Foundations & Base Construction

Morning

  • Welcome & Willow Preparation‍ ‍

  • Tools & Materials Introduction‍ ‍

  • Mini Project: Small Tray‍ ‍

Lunch Break

Afternoon

  • Main Basket Base Construction‍ ‍

  • End‑of‑Day Prep‍ ‍

Day 2 — Sides, Border & Finishing

Morning

  • Warm‑Up & Moisture Check

  • Upsetting & Weaving the Sides

Lunch Break

Afternoon

  • Border Work

  • Handle & Finishing Touches

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  • "Finding a teacher who can guide you in a way that truly stays with you is rare, Opal is one of those people. Everything from her demonstrations to the knowledge, facts and tips she shared was thoughtfully delivered and easy to follow. The whole experience was incredibly relaxing and grounding. There’s something special about sitting together and working with natural materials, slowly watching a basket take shape in your hands. Opal creates such a welcoming atmosphere and made the whole process very special."

    —Julia

  • "Spending the day and a half basket weaving with Opal was an absolute delight. Opal is incredibly skilled, dedicated and passionate for this ancient craft. She grows her own willow, soaks it and dries it on time, and weaves the pieces together effortlessly. While the process taught me a lesson in patience, her own calm guidance made the experience relaxing and inspiring. It becomes almost like a meditation of its own. I absolutely loved reconnecting with such a timeless tradition. It makes one see the value in this craft. I highly recommend this workshop to anyone looking to create something beautiful and meaningful with their own hands. If you have always dreamed to be a wild fairy woman, this is your time to pick up this craft, make a basket and go out into nature to pick up some herbs for your potions"

    -Alexia