Willow Pack Basket Workshop

Spend two days in the woods learning how to weave willow into a robust but beautiful back pack.

These willow pack baskets are incredibly strong for their weight, long lasting and full of rustic charm. Their woven construction combined with the springy nature of willow means that they’re just as suited to carrying delicate foraged foods as they are to hauling fire wood and kindling (although maybe not at the same time…).

The techniques taught during the workshop are easily transferable to other basketry projects giving weaving beginners an excellent grounding in the craft. For those looking to develop their basketry experience, this is a project you can really get your teeth into!

We’ll be using willow, but from a bushcraft and historical perspective, other similarly strong but bendy plants such as hazel, bramble, bark, roots, rushes and steamed or pounded wooden strips have all been used to make pack baskets of all shapes and sizes.     

Strong but flexible leather will be provided to make shoulder straps so that by the time we finish, you’ll be able to stroll out of the woods proudly wearing your new pack basket. Film offers and modelling contracts are sure to follow…please make sure you give us a mention!

Please expect to be constantly busy on our craft workshops. To get as much as possible from your experience, please arrive fully prepared to work hard between the advertised start and finish times. Traditional crafts ask a lot from your hands, muscles and mind but the long term gain will be worth it!

Each working day will begin at 9am and we’ll down tools at 5pm daily (although please be prepared to work on a little bit later if needed).

All tools, materials and hot drinks are provided however, please bring your own lunch and snacks. 

If you wish to stay locally, the nearest villages are Tisbury, Hindon & Chicklade. If you would like to camp over in the woods, please mention this when you book.

This workshop can be booked as private training for groups of two or more people. Please get in touch to choose your own date

Willow Pack Basket Workshop