Willow Weaving - Countryside Classroom · Countryside Crafts Willow Weaving Page 4 Activity Idea...

Countryside Crafts: Dorset Buttony

Countryside Crafts: Willow Weaving

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Willow Weaving



Summary

Baskets for carrying food and possessions have been used for hundreds of years by people all over the world. Baskets are made from many different materials and in lots of different styles and shapes. Each country has its own traditions of weaves and materials they use.

In England willow is a common material to work with and it is grown all over the country but in particular in a place called the ‘Somerset Levels’.

We use willow baskets today and traditional baskets are often seen as shopping baskets, picnic hampers and laundry baskets. More unusual ‘baskets’ include willow coffins and hot air balloon baskets.

Willow is still used make functional items but it is also used to produce sculptures and structures.




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Case Study

Rachel Poole

I live and work on the outskirts of the Peak District and teach all over the country. I trained as a woodwork and metalwork teacher and then became interested in willow weaving when my dad asked for a willow coffin making for him (he hasn’t used it yet!).

I went on a couple of basic courses and then onto a coffin making course- I was really slow but could do the weaves and work them out really easily, at the time I didn’t know why but when I returned home my mum told me that my great granddad had been a basketmaker- something I did not know- it obviously runs in the family!

I have been really lucky to be taught by Mary Butcher one of the country’s leading basket makers and she has not only trained me in traditional basketry but also in more modern sculptural work.

As an artist you first learn the basics of a craft and then develop your own style and a way of working which you enjoy- I now use willow sculptural pieces alongside floral art to produce large scale abstract works based on natural shapes and colours.

I like working outdoors and I like producing work which looks good in an outdoor setting.



Activity Idea

Weaving a Catalan Platter is a great start to the world of basketry- once the ‘weave’ has been mastered it is repeated until it is all woven in. Colours can be used to vary the pattern making each one unique and can re-enforce simple mathematical concepts (symmetry & basic mathematical functions) Children can be encouraged to experiment with alternative weaving materials- some of which could be found objects/recycled materials as an alternative to willow using the same techniques (fabrics, plastic bags, ribbons, wools etc.) This is a simple introduction and can be used as a stepping stone for the children to move onto some of the more complex skills involved with traditional English basketry.

YOU WILL NEED

Willow Secateurs

TIME TO MAKE

1 hour (can be split into 2 sessions, Steps 1-3 and Steps 4-8)

SUGGESTED SUPPLIERS

Willow - www.musgrovewillows.co.uk Musgrove Willow Growers Ltd, Willow Fields, Lakewall, Weston Zoyland, BRIDGWATERSomerset, TA7 0LP (0)1278 691105 [email protected]

USEFUL WEBSITES

www.rachelpoole.com - my website www.musgrovewillows.co.uk - willow growers www.basketmaker.net - directory of basket makers www.basketassoc.org - the basket makers association www.stickwork.net - website of Patrick Dougherty and inspirational sculpture in willow www.norfolkbaskets.co.uk - website of Adrian Charlton and Ruth Kidd- amazing makers!

Mary Butcher - English Basketmaker Andy Goldsworth - abstract sculpture using natural materials

Gregor Lersch - German Floral Designer Per Benjamin - Swedish Floral Designer




STEP 1

Trim and sort your willow into grades of thin, medium and thick.

Take two thick pieces of willow and gently bend so it will curve more readily.

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STEP 2

Form the willow into a hoop (about 20cm diameter) and tie it as if you were tying a loose knot. Carry on twisting (not too tightly!) the willow round the hoop until both ends are used up- leave them without securing the ends- try not to kink the willow- if you do replace it.

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STEP 3

Add in a second willow starting with the thick end (called the butt, the thin end is called the tip) as shown to strengthen the hoop- follow the twists from the previous rod. You now have a hoop- trim off the ends if you wish. Note- steps 1-3 could be done in 1 session or could be prepared by the teacher beforehand - if the willow is allowed to dry into shape it makes it easier to do the weaving into a hard framework.

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STEP 4

You have 3 piles of weavers- you are going to use the thickest first- (for the purposes of showing you in the photos the thick weavers a white willow, the medium weavers as buff -a light tan colour and the thin as brown)

Lay 2 pairs of thick weavers vertically as shown cutting the circle into thirds.

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STEP 5

Using the thick weavers start to weave horizontally from the centre as shown- it is not really weaving it is more of a push under the hoop (about 3 cm), jump over one of the pairs, flick it under the next pair and leave it lying on top of the hoop - the first few weavers move all over the place so it is best done with a partner to help.

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STEP 6

The next weaver starts at the opposite side again working from the centre push the rod under the outside hoop, jump over the first pair, flick under the next and leave it on top of the outside hoop (push, jump, flick, ignore!).

Carry on working with thick rods until you have woven as shown- work both sides of the centre so that the weave is even and keep an eye on the 2 vertical pairs that they remain in 3rds.

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STEP 7

Change to the medium rods and work as shown.

Change to the thin rods and work as shown.

Finish when you can’t weave in any more rods.

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STEP 8

Trim the excess willow from around the hoop.

Stand back and admire your work.

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Willow Weaving - Countryside Classroom · Countryside Crafts Willow Weaving Page 4 Activity Idea...

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