PLACES LIMITED SO PLEASE BOOK EARLY! 

 

Saturday, May 22nd    A Rush Hat in a Day

            with Maggi Rogers                10am to 4pm

            Cost £30 with an extra £5 for materials                 

This workshop will enable you to make a traditional rush hat using material harvested in Somerset. These hats can be made in a variety of styles including a sunhat, bowler style, or trilby and are equally suitable for men or women.

The hats are made around a mould and the techniques used can be easily mastered. If time we will also make a simple braid to adorn your hat.

The workshop will include illustrations about the gathering and processing of the rushes and a bit about the history of rush use in this country. Now a dying craft!

The techniques are easy and a few simple tools are all that is required. No previous experience is needed this workshop is suitable for the complete beginner.

 

Saturday, October 2nd           A Basket in a Day

            with Maggi Rogers                10am to 4pm

            Cost £30 with an extra £5 for materials

These attractive artisan willow baskets are suitable for a variety of uses including collecting berries or for storing eggs in the kitchen. They are often called melon baskets due to the shape and are traditional simple frame baskets which have an attractive twisted handle.

This workshop will cover the simple techniques involved with making these baskets which are ideal for showing off the coloured willows which are harvested locally. The day is an ideal introduction to the art of basket making and everyone will go home with a basket to be proud of.

Frame baskets are made throughout Europe and there will also be a display of baskets to inspire you as well as some discussion about the cultivation of willow in this country.       

 

Saturday, November 27th        Christmas from the Hedgerow    

            with Maggi Rogers                10am to 4pm

            Cost £30 with an extra £5 for materials

 This is a chance to use some of the brightly coloured willow which can be harvested at this time of the year. The hedgerow is full of cones, berries and leaves which can be used to deck the house at Christmas. 

The willow Christmas tree is always popular and makes an interesting alternative to the traditional tree and doesn’t drop its needles. The project uses basic basket making techniques and the friendly relaxed atmosphere of the workshop gives participants an opportunity to get ahead with the Christmas decorating. No previous experience is necessary, this workshop is suitable for all levels of ability.

There should also be time to make a Christmas garland or willow stars to use as additional decorations or as a gift for a special person.  

There will also be a Christmas display of ideas to provide extra inspiration.

 

Maggi has been designing and making baskets for over a decade and during this time explored a wide range of natural materials. The techniques she uses are a combination of practicality and exploration of the qualities of the materials. She likes to combine rush with other natural materials like willow, cedar and birch barks.