Irish Weave Basket

Immerse yourself in the traditional art of Irish basketry in this two-day course. Make a traditional Catalan basket base, then learn the intricate Irish weave that makes this basket so attractive. With careful attention to structure and detail, you will complete your basket with a secure handle and decorative border.

Steps & Techniques

• Weave the oval base using a willow hoop

• Insert the upright stakes and weave up the sides to create a strong form

• Learn the Irish 'mouthwale' weave

• Create the firm top edge and border

• Insert the handle and bind

• Trim the cut ends. 

Course Tutor - Christiane Gunzi

Based in East Sussex, Christiane handcrafts traditional and contemporary basketry using willow, rush, birch and other natural materials.  She trained at the City Lit in London (2011-13). Influenced by natural patterns, textures and tones, Christiane enjoys experimenting with practical basketry designs, as well as exploring non-functional basketry using materials foraged from the countryside and beaches near her home.

Christiane runs basket weaving classes for beginners and improvers: “I love passing on my passion for this ancient craft”. Christiane’s work has been exhibited in London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.