Willow plant supports and garden structures with Dominic Parrette

Ref: SWE37937

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1 place available

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.

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.

Timetable

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

General Information

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.

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