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  • Devon Stave Basket Making - 1st and 2nd April 2027 - £260
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Devon Stave Basket Making - 1st and 2nd April 2027 - £260

Thu 1 Apr 2027 10:00 AM - Fri 2 Apr 2027 4:00 PM The Sustainability Centre, Hampshire, GU321HR
Click to buy (please read full course description below)

Devon Stave Basket Making - 1st and 2nd April 2027 - £260

Thu 1 Apr 2027 10:00 AM - Fri 2 Apr 2027 4:00 PM The Sustainability Centre, Hampshire, GU321HR
Click to buy (please read full course description below)

Course Description

'Fantastic. The day flew past and I only wish it could have been longer.'

At a glance, this course:

  • Keeps heritage skills alive​​
  • Uses natural sustainable materials

About the workshop

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This course will cover the construction of a heritage Devon Stave Basket made from sweet chestnut and white willow. Learn from a professional basketmaker how to cleave, shave, steam and make your own, original Stave Basket, a Devon speciality used for harvesting crops such as potatoes and now on the Heritage Crafts Association red list for endangered skills.

Starting with a coppiced pole, students will cleave, shave and steam-bend the handle and rim of the basket. Side slats made from willow known as staves are then shaped and nailed into place, before the base band is shaved, shaped and nailed in place.

Timings:

  • Day 1 - 1st April: 10:00-17:00
  • Day 2 - 2nd April: 09:00-16:00

The course will teach you:

  • How to cleave and shave green wood using traditional tools and techniques including a drawknife and shave horse
  • How to steam bend wood
  • How to use jigs to form the handle of this unique frame basket

This course is suitable for:

A range of abilities encompassing all levels of expertise, including beginners.​

What to bring:

  • Stout, closed footwear and outdoor clothing. This course will take place outdoors in our Woodland Classroom.
  • A packed lunch or buy from our onsite Beech Cafe.

Cancellations, refunds, and bursaries:

Read the full Adult Courses Cancellations and Refunds Policy and Courses Bursary Fund Information.

About the tutor

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Dominic has been basketmaking for nearly twenty years. His basketry is predominantly frame baskets often incorporating split or cleft wood elements. The Devon Stave Basket is one of the local traditional baskets in Devon, and is used for harvesting crops, especially heavy ones such as potatoes. Dominic's work is inspired by the landscape and incorporates locally harvested materials wherever possible. | www.sussexwillow.co.uk

Location

The Sustainability Centre, Hampshire, GU321HR