Tue, 27 May
|Lewes
Willow Ball
1 day course £95 Create a woven willow sphere that can be used as a garden sculpture, a decorative light feature, or a bird feeder.
Time & Dates
27 May 2025, 10:00 – 16:00
Lewes, Town Hall, High St, Lewes BN7 2QS, UK
Overview
A one day sculptural willow course for beginners. You will learn 3D construction techniques and a flowing random weave to create organic shapes in willow. Students will have the choice of creating a sphere or allium shaped pod up to 18”diameter. No previous willow experience is necessary. With expert guidance, you will learn how to use random weave techniques to build texture and strength, refining your sphere into a unique and eye-catching creation.
Steps & Techniques
Make a series of willow hoops then interlink them to create the framework for the ball, before embarking upon a random weave to fill the surface, firming up the shape as you weave.
Flex the willow to make is bend easily without kinking
Make secure hoops then link them together
Random weave the surface
Tidy up the cut ends
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”.
Tickets
Spring School - Willow Sphere
£95.00+£2.38 ticket service fee
Total
£0.00
What is included in my ticket?
Course fees include:
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Use of all tools & materials
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Entry to the Basketry Festival (26th Oct)
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A chance to exhibit at the Festival's Student Showcase (26th Oct)
Where can I stay?
If you need somewhere to stay in Lewes and cannot find anywhere, we maybe able to help you with rooms with locals. Just contact us using the form at the bottom of this page.
What if I have to cancel?
If you cancel your course having paid for it, we will try to fill your place from our waiting list. If we fill your place, then you will get a 90% refund of your fee. If we cannot fill your place then you will get no refund. If we need to cancel the course for any reason, you’ll receive a full refund.