Sat 18 Oct
|Lewes
Workshops & Courses
Our selection of 2.5hr workshops are perfect for those looking to create something a bit more advanced with our longer sessions. Still completely accessible to beginners, but we do not recommend for children! All tickets include full admission to the Festival itself.
Time & Dates
18 Oct 2025, 10:30 – 18:00
Lewes, Town Hall, High St, Lewes BN7 2QS, UK
Overview
Browse our selection of longer workshops and full courses below! All workshops & courses include free entry into the Lewes Basketry Festival. Equipment & tools include, useless where noted below.
Course Sizes: between 6-8
Course Times: Morning (11am–1:30pm) | Afternoon (2:30pm–5pm)
Workshops & Courses
Simple Bread Basket (Full-day)
Tutor: Louise Brown
Session: 11am–5pm (includes break for lunch)
This one-day workshop with Louise Brown is an excellent introduction to traditional basketry. Using sturdy, chunky willow, you’ll be guided through all the key techniques needed to construct a round basket, from building the base to shaping the sides.
To keep things straightforward, the handle and top border are simple yet effective, while the use of different willow colours adds visual interest. By the end of the day you’ll have a beautiful and versatile basket — perfect for bread rolls at the table, fruit in the kitchen, or for storing small items around the home.
Egg Basket (Full-day)
Tutor: Lisa Dear
Sessions: Session: 11am–5pm (includes break for lunch)
Willow Swift
Tutor: Christiane Gunzi
Sessions: Morning (11am–1:30pm) | Afternoon (2:30pm–5pm)
Learn to weave a graceful willow swift — perfect for hanging on a wall or placing in the garden. A gentle introduction to shaping willow, this course gives you a finished piece to take home and enjoy.
Garlic Pot
Tutor: John Page
Sessions: Morning (11am–1:30pm)
Weave a lidded garlic pot using English willow. This small but characterful piece is a great way to explore traditional basketry techniques while producing a useful kitchen item.
Willow Mask
Tutor: Danny Manning
Sessions: Afternoon (2:30pm–5pm)
Explore the sculptural side of willow weaving with artist Danny Manning. In this workshop you’ll design and construct a mask, experimenting with form and texture to give it character and personality. Danny will demonstrate a range of techniques for bending, tying and layering willow, helping you turn a bundle of rods into a bold decorative piece. A lively and creative session for those who want to push willow beyond its traditional uses.
Rush Pocket
Tutor: Julie Rignall
Sessions: Morning (11am–1:30pm) | Afternoon (2:30pm–5pm)
Using soft English rush, weave a practical and attractive phone or glasses case. This course introduces working with rush, a material prized for its texture and durability.
