Traditional & contemporary craft courses in north Wales
handmade by you in
wernog wood
Willow basket making using traditional weaving techniques
See course details, dates, costs, tutors & stories from students below
Basket maker Mandy Coates is teaching two different courses in 2025. Whichever you choose, you will learn traditional willow weaving and basketry techniques using Mandy's home grown willows, with lovely contrasting colours if you choose.
On these single day courses you could make a round spiral berry basket with quirky wooden handle. Or make a willow plant support , a beautiful spiral structure to support your sweet peas or simply to add a bit of architectural lift to your garden.
Mandy will teach you how to select and soak your willow. She will introduce you to the techniques of laying out the stakes for your basket, giving it a strong base and structure. You will learn a variety of weaves, including a decorative boarder for the top. Mandy will guide you on which tools are a good starting point for further work.
Willow plant climber - One day course - £175
Spiral basket - One day course - £165
These costs includes all course materials
Tea, coffee and simple lunch included in your course price.
We also offer accommodation & evening meals
Click here to see what we offer
This course is aimed at adults, aged 18yrs + and is suitable for beginners to those with experience
Mandy Coates is an acclaimed basket maker who lives and works in north Wales. Using traditional techniques, Mandy weaves both traditional and contemporary basket designs which are beautiful and functional. Using willow that she has grown, she will often also introduce materials that she has gathered from the hedgerow.
Mandy began her basket making career 35 years ago and was particularly drawn to the craft due to the simplicity of tools and materials needed. Mandy has taught and exhibited in galleries across Wales and further afield. She sells her work both nationally and internationally and is a yeoman member of The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers.
Traditional craft techniques seem to be inherent in Mandy's family as her sons Joe & Fred Farey teach timber frame building techniques here in Wernog Wood.
Stories from our students
A great course in a beautiful setting with a good lunch and plenty of coffee/tea to keep us going throughout the day. Mandy was an excellent tutor and juggled our various needs well and brought a lovely mixture of willow varieties for us to use. Would recommend her to anyone wanting to learn how to make a basket.
Highly recommend a course with Mandy - we had a lovely day and came home with very nice baskets - thank you! - Kate
...
Brilliant place to learn new skills, I’ve done two basket making courses here and thoroughly enjoy my experience.
Claire and Rob are great hosts, the lunch plain but delicious with homemade bread.
I will be going again in 2024, can’t wait - Sue
Upcoming Dates
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