Willow plant supports and garden structures with Dominic Parrette

Basketmaking, chair seating and willow work Garden courses

Ref: SWE30024

Location: West Dean
£363
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About this course

Make a willow plant support, hurdle, sphere or fan trellis to add structure and sculpture to your garden. Learn willow weaving techniques and how to prepare your materials.

Course Description

You can choose from a variety of projects, including a range of suggestions and examples that include a spiral wigwam, small hurdle, woven trellis, large willow sphere or domed plant support. Following a group discussion looking at samples of the tutor's work, you will work on individual projects with one-to-one supervision from the tutor. You are likely to complete one project during the first day and be ready to make another.

Brown willow (unpeeled) will be used, some of which will be chosen for colour contrasts, e.g. purple willow. A variety of simple strong weaves will be taught and techniques to enable you to manipulate larger willow rods required to make strong willow work for a garden environment.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

  • The willow provided by the tutor for the course.

What students need to bring

  • Take measurements if you have a specific project in mind. Please remember that you need to transport and take home whatever you make, it is especially important if you are considering larger structures.
  • Tape measure
  • Sharp secateurs or side cutters
  • Sturdy covered footwear – essential in the workshop
  • Camera (optional) to record techniques

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • Notebook and pencil
  • Bodkin
  • Japanese side cutters

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.

Tutors

Dominic Parrette

Dominic is a basketmaker and coppice worker with over ten years experience in teaching his craft.
He makes a woven willow structures, organic forms and frame baskets using a range of traditional and contemporary techniques.
 

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.