
Traditional & contemporary craft courses in north Wales
handmade by you in
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wernog wood

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. The first, an evening workshop, using naturally colourful willow to weave a beautiful and practical Catalan platter, perfect for serving food or gathering small garden crops. This workshop offers a great introduction to willow weaving, providing hands-on insight into the process.
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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.

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6 March 2025
Catalan platter​​​
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26-27 April 2025
Catalan shoulder bag​
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Catalan platter - 2.5 hrs
£40 tuition & refreshments + £10 materials
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Catalan shoulder bag - 2 days
£295 tuition & lunch + £30- £35 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

Janet Sampson ​was introduced to basketmaking in 2014 by the talented willow artist Caroline Gregson, followed by a workshop 2 years later in Denmark with Anne Mette Hjørnholm, an inspiring basketmaker who grows and harvests her own willow. Drawn to the realisation that baskets could be both beautiful and practical, Janet began exploring how this ancient craft remains relevant today, finding endless creative possibilities in willow and natural materials.
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Janet finds particular satisfaction in making things that leave a light trace on the earth. Growing and harvesting her own materials is a key part of the process as she enjoys watching her willow reach full height by late summer, colours emerging in autumn, and the process of coppicing in the winter months.
Stories from our students

This will be the first course taught by Janet in Wernog Wood, so come and create your own stories

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Upcoming Dates
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or
If you would like to attend a course but can't make it on the available date, you can register interest in future dates.