Willow Plant Pot Cover
Weave a cover to decorate your plant pot
Workshop Overview
As soon as I had a basket for every occasion, I turned to the garden to see what might show off the stunning colours of the varying varieties of willow that we grow here on the farm. Some of our plant pots were looking a little jaded, so I made a few plant pot covers. This workshop is an excellent way of experimenting with a range of stake and strand weaving techniques without the challenge of a base. This is a new workshop and one we hope you will enjoy. Willow plant pot covers create beautiful focal points in the garden/conservatory and can definitely provide doorstep curb appeal. Come and join us and make one. Better still, bring friends and family for a day of fun. With her passion for sharing this heritage craft, Gill Jones will guide you through the process of making your own willow plant pot cover. This workshop will also make a wonderful gift experience if you are looking to buy a present for someone special.
What You Will Learn
During this workshop, you will:
- Discuss the function of the tools and equipment used for basketmaking;
- Use willow work tools correctly and safely;
- Discuss the way in which willow is prepared correctly for garden basketmaking;
- Handle willow safely;
- Use a range of stake and strand weaving techniques and a forms to create a willow garden plant pot cover;
- Create a foot border and a decorative border that finish your willow plant pot cover; and
- Discuss the care of your willow plant pot cover so that it provides several years of use.
What You Take Home
At the end of this workshop, you will take home the willow plant pot cover you have made from willow grown here on the farm.
Important Details
The Rural Skills Centre will provide:
- All materials and equipment to make your willow plant pot cover;
- Tea/Coffee and lots of homemade cake;
- Lunch;
- Parking; and
- Accessible facilities.
Suitability
This ‘Willow plant Pot Cover’ workshop is suitable for anyone with an interest in learning the basic techniques used in stake and strand basket making. It is particularly suitable for beginners.
Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:45 | Registration, tea and homemade shortbread or Welsh cakes on arrival |
| 10:00 | Welcome and discussion on health and safety including Covid-19 measures and requirements |
| 10:10 | Introduction to basic tools and equipment used for willow work/basketmaking |
| 10:20 | Create the shape for your plant support using a forma and our home grown willow stakes |
| 10:30 | Use traditional, stake and strand waling to secure the base of your plant pot cover |
| 11:15 | Tea/Coffee break with homemade cake freshly baked in the Rural Skills Centre farmhouse kitchen |
| 11:45 | Experiment with traditional stake and strand weaving techniques to create the sides of your plant pot cover. For example, pairing, French randing, English randing |
| 13:00 | Lunch |
| 13:45 | Continue weaving the sides of your plant pot cover to create height and form |
| 15:00 | Tea/Coffee break with homemade cake freshly baked in the Rural Skills Centre farmhouse kitchen |
| 15:15 | Lay down the foot and top borders |
| 15:45 | Pick off ends to finish your willow plant pot cover |
| 15:50 | Discuss how to look after your willow plant pot cover |
| 16:00 | Workshop finishes |
Tutors
This workshop is taught by Gill Jones.
