Willow weaving

 I grow most of the willow and buy in extra willow rods as needed. 

The willow is used fresh at the beginning of the year then stored, dried

and re-soaked for use in later months. I am also experimenting with using

mixed materials, adding various dried grasses and rushes.

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The aim is simple -  to have fun while learning a new skill; we always reach a point of peaceful activity, when I can rest my voice and the class works away busily,  accompanied by much general chatting as the group get to know each other.

Willow is a wonderfully forgiving material and everyone goes away with their original creations!

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The group size is limited to allow you to work at your own pace, with individual assistance and plenty of space, a maximum of 6 people. (Larger groups can be catered for with a fellow weaver assisting, please contact me to discuss)

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UPDATE Following requests, the price now covers a simple vegetarian lunch for 1- and 2- day courses - drinks and homemade cake and biscuits will continue for all!

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All the courses are designed to be accessible for beginners. You do need a level of dexterity and finger strength however, which means adults only for weaving baskets and structures. Children can, and do, participate in the taster sessions. I suggest finer willow and smaller more delicate items for those with problems, and also get people using other materials, such as reeds, if they are really struggling!

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 If you already have some experience but would like to learn something specific, then get in touch.

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The suggested course dates below are entirely flexible (the joys of self-employment) and I will always try and accomodate any requests!

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Willow baskets -

 2 day course.

The aim is to produce a simple basket, which gives you the techniques needed for practically any

willow weaving.  

I used to do this course in one somewhat tiring day which frequently over-ran into the evening -

not very relaxing for those with no craft experience... The two day format, 10-4pm each day,

allows everyone to breathe occasionally! (although we still frequently over-run!)

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Cost for 2 days, run from the Big Barn at Tanyfron

£140 per person

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Willow structures - 

 1 day course.

We'll be making anything from mini hurdles for supporting plants at the

edge of the border for instance, to tripods for growing climbing plants.

Once you have learnt the techniques, you can adapt the design to any

size and purpose.                                                                                                               

10-4pm (ish...)

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Cost for 1 day, run from the Big Barn at Tanyfron

£95 per person

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Willow taster courses - 

These should last 2.5 hours, but generally over-run because people

are having too much fun....

They provide an opportunity to try something new

and different - and perhaps decide whether to take this craft

further.

Some will be run from here, others from The Plas, Dolanog.

(see below)

This could be a great way to celebrate a birthday with friends - or

a holiday activity - whatever!

10-12.30am or 2-4.30pm 

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Cost  £40 , run usually from the Big Barn at Tanyfron

or on request at The Plas, Dolanog 

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NEW!; the next step!

Intermediate willow weaving

2 days - although if you have a single project in mind, you can choose to come for the day!

You will need to know how to make a basic basket already - reminders will be given! - and need to work fairly quickly so that we can explore different handles, borders, specific weaving patterns, shapes and designs.

You can choose to follow one particular idea you have, or make 'sampler' items for future reference. 

10am -4pm ish on both days

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Cost for 2 days, run from the Big Barn at Tanyfron

£140 per person

(or 1 day for £70)

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Where

Tanyfron

Llanerfyl

Welshpool

SY21 0HA

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what3words; 'aviation.monkeys.lunching'

Shows on Ordnance Survey and Google maps.

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Click on the 'Contacts' page for map and notes!

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Pop-up sessions at The Plas, Dolanog. See below.

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What to bring

You will need the layered clothing appropriate to Welsh weather as we will be in an unheated barn-  perhaps bring fingerless gloves if you have them.

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I provide drinks, homemade cake and biscuits, and a simple vegetarian lunch for 1- and 2- day courses.

 

I have several pairs of secateurs, which will be sharp (N.B.!) If you have your own do bring them, we can sharpen them as necessary.

An old knife is useful too. 

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All necessary willow materials are included in the course prices.

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When

Confirmed course dates will be shown here in bold.

Other dates are suggestions.

If you would like to attend a course, let me know and I will advertise accordingly -

some will prefer a weekday, for others weekends will be better -

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2025

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Willow baskets

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March 29th/30th

April 19th/20th

May 31st/June 1st

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Willow structures

March 15th

April 6th

April 26th​

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Willow taster courses

March 1st

March 9th

March 20th​​

April 11th

April 27th

May 10th

May 23rd

Intermediate willow weaving

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​​Comments

It feels a bit self-congratulory to post some of the comments from participants, but they are why I keep doing the workshops...! As you can see, the homemade treats and the beautiful location are a big part of the experience!! 

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"I had a fantastic weekend in a stunning location.... and fantastic chocolate cake  and I'm so proud of my basket!"

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""My mother and I did the taster course with Pippa. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and very informative session. Pippa was very patient in showing us how to do different things, working at our own pace. We enjoyed the relaxed chat and giggles whilst weaving, along with the fab tea and cake Pippa provided. She was very generous with her time and we left with an array of woven goodies and a keen interest to learn more about willow weaving. I can thoroughly recommend." 

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"A relaxing and informative afternoon weaving with Pippa in the most wonderful location. Pippa was very generous with her time and materials and with her clear instructions and patient guidance we took home some lovely woven creations. "

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"I had a really lovely day with Pippa, she made me feel very welcome in her house and barn. She has a lot of patience and made me feel as though I was doing a really good job with my weaving. I would definitely recommend Pippa and her willow weaving course "

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Booking

Feel free to contact me for any queries

      e-mail - pippasplants@gmail.com                                                           

      mobile - 07517142685 

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Card payments now accepted!

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Overnight stay?

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We now have electricity to the Big Barn - and overnight van parking or camping is available for small extra fee, which may help with those travelling longer distances. There are local 'posher' options of B and B!

The Plas (below) also has rather nice 'Boatshed' accomodation.

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A bit about The Plas;

This is a very beautiful campsite, on a river meadow with wooded hills surrounding, within easy reach of Tanyfron. Check out their website! https://www.camp-plas.com/

They host numerous events and activities throughout the year. Our collaboration started in 2020 and we will continue this year - hopefully with fewer Covid restrictions!

Please contact the Plas directly for information on the pop-up sessions for 2023.

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