|
Willow weaving is a bit different in that it could well involve
your being outside (I saw a class at a restored medieval barn
only recently), which is very appropriate, really, since willow
weaving means working with a natural medium that is found out in
the countryside. Willow is best weaved during the winter months,
when there are no leaves on the trees, so this is when most of
the activities take place.
With willow weaving you do ‘exactly what it says on the tin.’ By
interweaving strips of willow you can make sculptures, fences,
arches, baskets, chairs and vases, to name but a few items. It’s
a skill that you need to learn and there are numerous classes
that you can attend. They vary considerably in price, ranging
from £15 for a five-hour class (www.alternativetechnology.org.uk)
to the £35 mark for a four-hour workshop organised by English
Heritage.
You can learn to make all sorts of willow baskets and other
things with the Basket Makers Association (www.basketassoc.org)
and if you go to
www.artnetdirectory.co.uk you can find out about
willow weaving holidays.
Not all of the classes are run during the winter, so if you
think you might be a ‘fair weather’ weaver, the Field Studies
Council (www.field-studies-council.org)
runs residential and non-residential week’s courses during the
summer.
Willow weaving is restful, therapeutic and you can make some
practical, yet beautiful things with your willow. If you like
the idea of working with natural materials, then willow weaving
could be for you.
The added bonus is that, although you can buy willow objects
at garden centres and so on, you can save a lot of money and get
much more satisfaction, by making them yourself.
|
