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Willow
Wednesdays are aimed at people who
want a dedicated time for working at chair seating or basketmaking
in a quiet place with a relaxed atmosphere and materials and help
available. They are particularly suitable for those who want to learn
chair seating in stages, or those who want help with some aspect of basketmaking. Willow Wednesdays run from 10:00
to 18:00, but you can choose your own times within this and you will not
be pressured to finish at a particular time. Come for half a day or a
whole day. At each session there may be several students working on
projects which may be similar to yours or may be totally different.
Teaching time is divided between the students attending. There are
unlikely to be more than six students at any session.
For
chair seating with cane, rush, whole willow or any other material you can
come for a session for instruction on how to get started, work at your own
pace, and then return for more instruction when you get stuck or when you are
ready to move on. For chair caning this probably means three or four
half day sessions plus some work at home to complete an Edwardian bedroom
chair in standard six-way pattern. The sessions can also be used for
more advanced chair caning such as curved pieces, sun rise and medallion
chair backs, more unusual patterns such as double Victoria or hexagonal Star
of David or Snowflake patterns, or close caning.
For
basketmaking, these sessions are useful for
those who want help with a particular technique such as a willow handle or a
border. They are recommended for students who want to experiment with more
unusual techniques or materials such as plaited baskets using rush, card or
recycled materials, hexagonal plaiting or mad weave, coiling, twining or
frame baskets. Willow Wednesdays sessions can be used for simple willow basketmaking for beginners or squarework
for more advanced students.
For
other willow techniques, Willow Wednesdays are ideal for learning to
make plant supports, garden structures or willow sculptures.
Willow
Wednesdays are held every Wednesday in my own studio in the Old Stables Loft,
Englefield near Reading. Tea, coffee and biscuits
are always freely available, but if you want to stay all day either bring a
picnic lunch or treat yourself to lunch from the fine menu at the Englefield Tea Rooms.
If
you would like to attend please phone in advance so that I can make sure I
have any materials and equipment you may need. Large willow for plant
supports needs at least a week’s soaking before use. Willow for basketmaking also needs several days
preparation.
Prices
range from £10 to £30 for a half day or £20 to £50 for a full day. Materials
are charged extra.
For
further information or to book a place, call Christine Brewster on 0118
966 2250 or e-mail
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