WILLOW STRUCTURES FOR THE GARDEN
1 Day Garden Structure Workshop
This is a bespoke willow weaving for your garden workshop. If you wish to create something unique or perhaps have an idea that you have not had the confidence to create by yourself, this workshop is for you.
You will learn how to handle willow, prepare it for weaving and learn about the most useful tools to work with. You will be instructed in three of the most essential weaving techniques 'pairing', 'randing' 'slewing' and the 'three/four rod wale' that are often used for outdoor structures such as wattle fencing.
These three techniques will enable you to make a sturdy structure of your choice for your garden such as a plant support, trellis, raised planters or short willow screens for a raised bed. Perhaps for the bird lovers out there you might like to make a bird box out of willow and wood; one of my own innovative designs or a bird feeder table. You should be able to make a structure you can take home with you.
Venue: Silverwood Studio
Cost:
£75 for one day, which includes all the materials. Numbers will be limited to 4.
1-1 tutoring would be charged at £75 per half day session or £150 for a full day.
Gift tokens for someone to attend a workshop are available on request.
History
The history of willow weaving in Britain goes back to about 150 BC. Willow was extensively used for basket making, fencing, as building material for houses and as river side or harbour revetments. It is one of the most flexible green woods when coppiced regularly.
The introduction of plastics in the early part of the 20th century, was responsible for a demise in the use of willow. However in recent years, there has been a revival of interest in rural crafts and a new appreciation of craftsmanship and an aesthetic appreciation for woven materials in the home and garden.
Willow is fast growing, there are hundreds of different varieties for different uses; they come in a diverse range of colours and thickness and are effective as flood defences alongside riverbanks. Willow is now considered a renewable energy source and the demand for the material has been increasing. Willow has also become a popular material with artists who create large scale sculptures, installations and living willow structures.
