Spend two days in the woods learning how to weave willow into a robust but beautiful back pack.
September 12th/13th - £235 per person
These willow pack baskets are incredibly strong for their weight, long lasting and full of rustic charm.
Their woven construction combined with the springy nature of willow means that they’re just as suited to carrying delicate foraged foods as they are to hauling fire wood and kindling (although maybe not at the same time…).
The techniques taught during the workshop are easily transferable to other basketry projects giving weaving beginners an excellent grounding in the craft. For those looking to develop their basketry experience, this is a project you can really get your teeth into!
We’ll be using willow, but from a bushcraft and historical perspective, other similarly strong but bendy plants such as hazel, bramble, bark, roots, rushes and steamed or pounded wooden strips have all been used to make pack baskets of all shapes and sizes.
Strong but flexible leather will be provided to make shoulder straps so that by the time we finish, you’ll be able to stroll out of the woods proudly wearing your new pack basket. Film offers and modelling contracts are sure to follow…please make sure you give us a mention!
The Willow Pack Basket Workshop is followed immediately after by the Leather Bag Workshop meaning that both can be booked as one longer 3 day workshop if you like!
Learn how to make a simple and rustic leather haversack or duffle bag during this one day workshop.
September 14th - £125 per person
These hardy haversacks are perfect for holding all your essential items and slinging over a shoulder for a walk or day out in the woods.
I always pack one as an alternative to carrying a larger rucksack when away from the fixed base camp, or for carrying extra crafting tools in addition to my usual kit.
Tough and flexible grain on leather is provided (please state a colour preference) as well as patterns and any tools you’ll need to get the job done.
Leather thonging is used for stitching. Quickly done and extremely effective it’ll give your bag a touch of primitive chic.
If combining this workshop with the Willow Pack Basket Workshop then you may camp overnight in the woods for the duration.
Alternatively, local accommodation can be found here
These workshops can also be booked as private training for groups of two or more people. Please get in touch to choose your own date.
Hope to see you in the woods soon!
Joe O'Leary
