Basket Making Improvers / Intermediate
Tutor: Sandra Scholes
Classes this term will comprise 4 individual workshops on Tuesdays from 10:00 –17.30
Classes will run from the third floor of the Poldrate Granary Building.
The 4 topics this term are suitable for students who have made several willow baskets. Students with more basket-making experience may choose to make more complex variations.
Basic basketry tools are available to use in the classroom, although students are encouraged to bring their own secateurs and/or other basketry tools, if they wish.
Fitched trivet / cooling rack November 4 Enrol & Pay
This is suitable as a trivet for hot pans and dishes as well as a cooling rack. Using pre-set hoops, we will attach the ribs by fitching, exploring various ways of ‘restraining’ the hoop whilst fitching. We will examine a range of fitching patterns to attach the ribs to the hoop and discuss methods to stabilise the fitching. A range of hoop shapes will be available. During lunchbreak, there will be an option to discuss various approaches to hoop making.
Suitable for novices who will have already made several stake and strand baskets and intermediate students.
Interlace basket November 25 Enrol & Pay
Make an interlaced base willow tray, inspired by southern European cheese draining baskets which are made with rush.
These trays are useful for harvesting fruit, look lovely filled with bread or fruit, and equally lovely on the wall when not in use. You can choose to make a basket with slightly higher sides for harvesting and rinsing vegetables.
Several waling techniques are used in these baskets and there will be an option to discuss choice of waling techniques during lunchtime.
Suitable for novices who will have already made several stake and strand baskets and intermediate students.
Zarzo shopper or other rectangular Zarzo – December 2 Enrol & Pay
We will explore various options to make a ‘square’ Zarzo basket, for example a small gift basket, a lunch basket, a book basket or a shopper. Students with previous Zarzo experience can opt to make more complex baskets with ‘up and over’ handles and unusual ways of securing the weavers.
During lunchtime there will be an opportunity to discuss willow preparation.
Suitable for novices who will have already made several stake and strand baskets and intermediate students.
Tiered festive willow wreath December 9 Enrol & Pay
This is made with two borders so is a great way of practising your bordering technique to make a sturdy willow wreath that withstands the winter weather and lasts for years. It is suitable for hanging on doors and also can be used as a table centre. No string or wire is needed to attach the plant materials! Over lunch break, there will be an option of discussing plant material suitable for weaving in, and the techniques involved.
Suitable for novices who will have already made several stake and strand baskets and intermediate students.
Sandra is a willow and split wood weaver based in the Lothians. She has a particular interest in using traditional European techniques to design functional and decorative willow baskets and other structures for gardeners.
She is a member of the Basketmakers Association, the Scottish Basketmakers Circle and the Northumbrian Basketry Group.