Devon Stave Basket

Tuesday 22nd  -  10am-4pm

Wednesday 23rd  -  10am-4pm

Thursday 24th  -  10am-4pm

This 3-day course is suitable for beginners with little or no basket-making experience. A reasonable amount of hand strength is required.  This is a robust, elegant basket ideal for harvesting or used as a tool basket.

The Devon Stave is a constructed frame basket from the West Country traditionally made with ash for the handle and rim with an Elm base board and softwood staves. On this course, Dominic will be using locally sourced sweet chestnut and white willow. In the process of making a number two Devon Stave, students will learn how to shape and shave components using a shave horse and drawknife and how to form the handle and rim with the use of formers. Staves are then shaved to fit using a block plane and nailed into place.

• Cleave and shave greenwood using traditional tools and techniques, including a draw knife and shave horse
• Steam and bend wood
• Use jigs to form the handle
• Fit and nail to secure

Course Tutor: Dominic Parrette

Dominic is a Sussex based basketmaker, willow grower and teacher specialising in traditional frame baskets, woven willow forms and beautiful, strong plant supports.  Dominic sources his willow, sweet chestnut, and hazel from local coppice and is committed to sustainable woodland management. Dominic makes woven products for small gardens and allotments as well as taking on commissions for clients such as garden and interior designers and larger organisations such as The National Trust and Kew at Wakehurst.  Dominic is a member of the Basketmakers Association and the Heritage Crafts Association. “My basketry is grounded in traditional British and European techniques which create beauty in form and function”.