Willow basket making using traditional weaving techniques

Basket maker Mandy Coates is offering a variety of different basket making styles in 2024. Whichever you choose, you will learn traditional willow weaving and basketry techniques using Mandy's home grown willows, with lovely contrasting colours if you choose.

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On a single day you could make a round spiral berry basket with quirky wooden handle. Over two days you could make an oval laundry basket with flowing plaited  border or a round shopping basket with twisted willow handles. A fourth option is to make a willow plant support , a beautiful spiral structure to support your sweet peas or simply to add a bit of architectural lift to your garden.

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Mandy will teach you how to select and soak your willow. She will 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.

9-10 March

Oval laundry basket

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6 April

Willow plant support

(click  booking link below to see image)

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2 June

Spiral basket with wooden handles

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19-20 October

Round shopping basket with willow handles 

Oval basket - Two day course - £320

Willow plant climber - One day course - £170

Spiral basket - One day course - £165

Round shopping basket - Two day course - £320

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

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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

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.