Willow workshops 2025/26
Willow Weekend at Lower Shaw Farm
An opportunity to make willow baskets in a variety of designs: handbags, platters and decorations. An open weekend giving space for participants to choose what they would like to work on, with lots of inspiration and guidance if needed.
This weekend is suitable for both beginners and for those with experience.
There will be an extra charge of £20 for materials, and options to buy leather straps (£7) if making bags.
Held at the beautiful Lower Shaw Farm, a community of down-to-earth, generous souls who always give a warm welcome. Organic food, chickens roaming free… these weekends are always a joy.
Asymmetric Spiral topped baskets - weekend workshop at Hawkwood College
Spiral topped asymmetric basket weekend workshop
Pattern and Texture in Willow - 6-week evening class - SOLD OUT
Pattern and Texture in Willow
Join me in my basket making workshop in Nailsworth and learn three new weave patterns. Be creative with willow and spend some nourishing evenings elevating your baskets to the next level.
Willow Christmas Decorations at Highgrove
Create festive willow decorations at Highgrove with willow artist Tess Wakeling.
Spend a day immersed in festive creativity at Highgrove, where you’ll weave natural decorations to bring seasonal charm to your home.
Willow Christmas Decorations at Hawkwood
Willow Christmas Decorations
Spend a day immersed in festive creativity, where you’ll weave natural decorations to bring seasonal charm to your home.
Willow foraging basket
Willow foraging basket - make a berry picking basket and be guided through the skills needed to make a basket from willow.
Testimonials
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Tess was not only knowledgeable but an excellent teacher. It was one of my best Saturdays for a long time. I came away inspired to do another course
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Tess is generous in all aspects of her teaching - with the knowledge and skills she shares, with the encouragement and patience she holds, and with the confidence and joy that she instills. I came away from her class with a beautiful basket that I am proud to use, and my heart filled with the memory of a truly nourishing couple of days. What was a surprise to me was that Tess’ teaching felt so full and yet so spacious at the same time. An absolute delight!
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I absolutely loved making my willow handbag! I found the whole process really nourishing especially because Tess is wonderfully supportive and knowledgeable, and her workshop is such a cosy creative space.
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It was fascinating to learn techniques that were slightly different from those learnt previously with other makers and the reasons behind the choices made. I will definitely be joining Tess again on her future courses!
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Weekends weaving with Tess are such a relaxing way to learn a new creative skill. Tess is such a supportive teacher and shares options of personalising your creation which makes your piece even more special to take home. Can't wait to learn more and to fill my home with woven beauties
