Willow basket making using traditional weaving techniques

Join basket maker Mandy Coates for one of three inspiring courses in 2026. You will learn traditional willow weaving and basketry techniques using Mandy's own home grown willows, with beautiful contrasting colours if you choose.

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On these single day courses you could weave a round spiral berry basket with a quirky wooden handle, a conical wall hanging basket for storing kitchen essentials or small tools in your garden shed, or create a willow plant support—a beautiful spiral structure to lift your sweet peas or add architectural interest to your garden. In May, treat yourself to two days and make both the plant support and spiral berry basket.

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Mandy will teach you to select and soak your willow and introduce you to the techniques of laying out the stakes for your basket, giving it a strong base and structure. You will learn a variety of weaves, including a decorative boarder for the top. Mandy will guide you on which tools are a good starting point for further work.

​​​19 April 2026

Willow plant support

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30 May 2026

Willow plant support​​

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31 May 2026

Spiral basket with wooden handles

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23 July 2026

Conical wall hanging basket in willow and twisted rush

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For additional dates and different products

 see Catalan style baskets taught by Janet Sampson

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Willow plant climber - £175

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Spiral basket - £165

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Conical basket - £165

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These costs includes all course materials 

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Tea, coffee and simple lunch included in your course price.
 

We also offer accommodation & evening meals​

Click here to see what we offer

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This course is aimed at adults, aged 18yrs + and is suitable for beginners to those with experience

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Please be sure to read terms & conditions before you book

Mandy Coates is an acclaimed basket maker who lives and works in north Wales.  Using traditional techniques, Mandy weaves both traditional and contemporary basket designs which are beautiful and functional. Using willow that she has grown, she will often also introduce materials that she has gathered from the hedgerow.​

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Mandy began her basket making career 35 years ago and was particularly drawn to the craft due to the simplicity of tools and materials needed. Mandy has taught and exhibited in galleries across Wales and further afield. She sells her work both nationally and internationally and is a yeoman member of The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers.

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Traditional craft techniques seem to be inherent in Mandy's family as her sons Joe & Fred Farey teach timber frame building techniques here in Wernog Wood.