Willow Weaving: Gondola (or Hen) Basket
Join us for a day of traditional willow weaving as you create a classic gondola basket - an elegant, time-honoured form rooted in centuries of practical craft. With its elongated shape and flowing sides, the gondola basket has long been valued for its strength, balance, and everyday usefulness.
This course guides you gently through each stage of the process, from forming the oval base to shaping the sides and finishing with a strong border and handle. Along the way, you’ll learn about the heritage techniques behind the basket and how these forms evolved through use, necessity, and skilled hands over generations.
No previous weaving experience is needed. The course is suitable for all levels, with clear instruction and support throughout. The emphasis is on learning traditional methods, working at a steady, achievable pace, and enjoying the quiet rhythm of making with natural materials.
By the end of the day, you’ll take home a finished gondola basket and a deeper appreciation of willow weaving as a living heritage craft - one that connects us to place, history, and the simple satisfaction of making something useful by hand.
Willow Weaving: Gondola (or Hen) Basket
Join us for a day of traditional willow weaving as you create a classic gondola basket - an elegant, time-honoured form rooted in centuries of practical craft. With its elongated shape and flowing sides, the gondola basket has long been valued for its strength, balance, and everyday usefulness.
This course guides you gently through each stage of the process, from forming the oval base to shaping the sides and finishing with a strong border and handle. Along the way, you’ll learn about the heritage techniques behind the basket and how these forms evolved through use, necessity, and skilled hands over generations.
No previous weaving experience is needed. The course is suitable for all levels, with clear instruction and support throughout. The emphasis is on learning traditional methods, working at a steady, achievable pace, and enjoying the quiet rhythm of making with natural materials.
By the end of the day, you’ll take home a finished gondola basket and a deeper appreciation of willow weaving as a living heritage craft - one that connects us to place, history, and the simple satisfaction of making something useful by hand.
