Traditional & contemporary craft courses in north Wales
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Willow basket making using traditional weaving techniques
See course details, dates, costs, tutors & stories from students below
Basket maker Janet Sampson is offering two courses, both using naturally colourful willow. You could join her to weave a beautiful and practical Catalan platter for serving food or gathering small garden crops. This short two and a half hour workshop is perfect for an introduction to willow weaving, providing hands-on insight into the process.
During her two-day course, Janet will teach you to make a Catalan shoulder bag. Using locally sourced and Somerset-grown willows, together with a handmade leather strap, you will learn to processes to weave a stylish and functional bag designed to bring a smile every time you wear it. Suitable for beginners and improvers, this course builds on the platter workshop techniques.
6-7 December 2025
Catalan shoulder bag
22 February 2026
Catalan platter - 10am-12.30pm
21-22 March 2026
Catalan shoulder bag
Catalan platter - 2.5 hrs
£45 tuition & refreshments
£10 materials payable to the tutor on the day
Catalan shoulder bag - 2 days
£245 tuition & lunch
£35 materials payable to the tutor on the day
Tea, coffee & simple lunch included for full day courses
We also offer accommodation & evening meals
Click here to see what we offer
This course is aimed at adults, aged 18yrs + and is suitable for beginners to those with experience
Please be sure to read terms & conditions before you book
Janet Sampson has always enjoyed making things with her hands, and had the chance to make her first willow basket in 2014. She began to notice baskets, and see more styles that she really wanted to make - designs that were both elegant and practical. She took courses with a number of experienced makers from the UK, Ireland, Denmark and France. Many of them grew their own willow and had a deep understanding of their working material. Consequently she began to coppice locally grown willow and also plant her own.
Janet's making style is mainly influenced by traditional French and Catalan basketry, adapted for a more contemporary look.
Stories from our students
Such a lovely morning in the workshop, fantastic tuition and group. 🤩 The cake and coffee were delicious 😋 - Sam
Really enjoyed the morning and Janet was so supportive and kind. And so knowledgeable about willow! Very pleased with my platter and immediately put it to good use by taking my lunch out into the garden on it when I got home. - Ann
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Upcoming Dates
Please be sure to read terms & conditions before you book
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