Willow weaving
This workshop is an introduction to creating and making large scale willow sculpture as a group activity. Stephen, your tutor, has been working with willow for over 30 years and trained as a sculptor and forest school teacher.
How will the day go?
The day starts at 10am with some informal introductions and a quick demonstration of safety awareness of the space. We will look at willow in its dry and wet state and begin to handle and learn techniques to manipulate it into forms. The work will progress through the day, immersing you into the wonderful rhythm of weaving.
Do I get to take my work home with me?
Yes.
You can work on your own on a small piece or in a friend or family group to create more ambitious scaled work. Remember it has to fit in your vehicle at the end of the session!
At Creative Nature HQ, we differ from other crafts courses in that we also give opportunities to groups or businesses to create artworks that can be donated to community groups and schools. You take home memories and new skills, and your work is passed on to be enjoyed by the community.
Where is the willow from?
Our willow for the workshops is mostly supplied by Musgrove Willows, a family run business providing willow for a range of craft practices since 1928 in the historic village of Westonzoyland. Over 60 varieties of willow are grown on 100 acres of land. All of the crop is processed at home using traditional methods, working sensitively with the environment. We also harvest more specialist non-standardised stock from our connections with two eco projects.
How is it grown?
Willow grows in early spring. The ground is first plowed so the topsoil is nice and soft. Then, the setts are planted by hand. A few weeks later, the plants begin to shoot, but a willow bed can take up to three years to produce a proper crop. The willows are then cut from November onwards, after the growing season has ended. They are then dried naturally outdoors and stored.
What to bring?
All materials and tools for the day are included. Do wear work wear and bring an apron if you have one. Feel free to Contact us with any Questions.
Adopt an artwork!
Adopt an art work for your organisation... for free! All you have to pay for is the transportation of the sculpture and it is yours for ever. With a range of ongoing communal projects to choose from, there's got to be something for you. To find out more, have a read of this PDF and then give us a call or email.