Teaching: When My Space becomes Our Space…
Spend the day in my unique studio space, nestled in the very centre of our Cornish smallholding.
Here, working together, we take the day to discover the process of basketmaking, nourished by the very best of Cornish flavours to sustain us on our learning journey, and culminating with a finished basket made by your own hands for you to take home. Whether you choose to love your basket and cherish your memories, or whether this sparks a lifelong love of the craft, my hope is that you will have an inspiring and utterly absorbing day.
The Basketry
It is a rare opportunity in our busy world to have time to focus on a single task, but it is this slow process - consuming the whole day, which lies at the very core of basketmaking. Taking time, we work together to make a gathering style basket.
This is a small round basket with a handle, easy to carry and perfect for foraged hedgerow finds, eggs, beach combing, or just looking beautiful on a shelf; one of the pleasures is choosing how you will use it.
It is made incorporating my own Cornish willow, although please be patient- my willow beds are growing year on year, but take 3-4 years to mature so while I always use some of my own homegrown willow, it is sometimes necessary to supplement this with Somerset willow.
Using our hands and the same tools basketmakers have been using for generations we work through the process, transforming a bundle of ordinary looking sticks into a functional basket, oozing with character- some of my favourite baskets are those very first ones made by clients.
Alongside your handmade basket; you will leave with a wealth of basketry themed knowledge, a sense of achievement at having made something with your hands, and maybe even the desire to do it all over again.
The Experience
I have tried very hard to capture the essence of my studio through the images on this website, but nothing can really match how it feels when you walk into the space.
From the wreath wall feature entrance in the front canopy – each made from one of my homegrown willow varieties, to the enormous windows in the studio itself, overlooking the field and wooded valley below, everything has been designed by me to make this an inspiring space to work in.
It is my home by day, and being able to share it with others is a great pleasure of mine. You will be surrounded by my most recent, often unseen work, as my pieces sit with me while I create a collection of works ready for galleries and online marketing.
This day is perfectly suited for those who want to discover basketry, those looking for a unique Cornish holiday experience, or those wanting to do something special together as a shared or commemorative experience- birthdays, anniversaries, family get-togethers. It can also be gifted if you are looking for something a little outside of the ordinary.
Due to my family links with Cornish food and farming (my parents farm the wider farmland around my studio and have a bakery just over the hill), I am also able to provide a feasting experience that sits in harmony with the weaving process.
Enjoying Cornish favourites as we weave throughout the day– saffron buns, heava cake, pasties and of course the classic cream tea, you should end the day feeling well fed, having tasted the same flavours that have been feeding The Cornish for generations.
The food: handmade and locally sourced, and as authentically Cornish as it is possible to get; is paired with the best of Cornish drinks too.
I use a selection of teas from the Tregothnan estate, freshly ground cafetiere coffee from Landmark Specialty Coffee, and the kettle can be popped on at any time throughout the day for one of these brews, all coupled with fresh milk from Sweets, the local village dairy.
Available dates.
October 23, 24, 25
All three days available,
for 2-4 people.
Book below.
October 30, 31
Both days available,
for 2-4 people.
Book below.
November 1, 6, 7, 8
All four days available,
for 2-4 people
Book below.
November 13
available
for 2-4 people
Book below.
November 27, 28, 29
All three days available,
for 2-4 people
Book below.
December 4, 5, 6
All three days available,
for 2-4 people
Book below.
December 11, 12, 13
All three days available,
for 2-4 people.
Book below.
December 18
Available for 2-4 people.
Book below.
Book a Teaching Day:
In order to book a teaching day, please enter your email and write a message below including details of the number of attendees, alongside your preferred date (selected from the list of available dates above). I will then confirm your booking via email - normally within 24 hours.
Before booking, please see terms and conditions below, which includes information regarding pricing and payment.