Course Description

'Mollie was a great teacher - calm and patient. I felt like we achieved a lot in the time without being rushed'

At a glance, this course:

• Keeps traditional skills alive
• ​Connects us with nature
• Supports biodiversity

About the course

On this willow weaving workshop in the heart of the South Downs National Park, you will gain practical, hands on experience in the art of basketry. Using willow grown at The Sustainability Centre, you will create a beautiful as well as strong and durable, that can be used for many purposes  including in the garden and out foraging.

Throughout the day, you will learn some of the oldest techniques, using two hoop frames to create a structure and then weaving around them to create a strong, functional basket. This simple construction provides you with a methodical pattern to follow.

The course will give you:

• A new skill in basketry and willow weaving
• A chance to relax your mind throughout the making process
• Your very own sustainable basket to use day-to-day or display in your home

This course is suitable for:

Beginners and those wanting to practice their weaving skills. Weaving does require some strength and manual dexterity. Please check with the courses team before booking if you have any mobility concerns at courses@sustainability-centre.org.

What to bring:

• Clothes you are happy to work in
• Sharp secateurs if wished but all tools are provided
• This course will take place indoors
• A packed lunch or lunch can be purchased from the onsite Beech Café

Cancellations, refunds, and bursaries:

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

About the tutor

Mollie’s basketry story started in the woods in West Sussex, where she trained to be a bushcraft instructor.  Around the open fire, she first learned to use tree barks to make pouches and vessels.  From that moment, weaving bark and plant fibres has been an integral part of her personal and working life.

Mollie has been teaching basketry for over 15 years, from her own studio and for many other establishments and organisations, including City Lit College in London.  She is proudly a Yeoman Basket Maker of the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers.  Mollie weaves in willow, rush, bark and many mixed plant materials and weaves a wide range of projects and commissions from interior lighting, fencing, coffins and of course, plant fibre baskets. | ​@molliemcmillen_basketmaker