Willow Day Workshops & 2022! 5/1/22

Willow Day Workshops & 2022! 5/1/22

Firstly, I do hope that you are experiencing a good New Year.

My January – April Willow Day Workshops that I teach at Coates English Willow on the Somerset Levels kick off tomorrow with a general Basket making day.  It’s great that in these uncertain times I am still able to teach you and I am, as always, following government Covid guidance.  Very nearly all of the places at these 11 workshops are now fully booked but if you see a workshop date and would like to be on the waiting list then please do email me.  With the way of the world as it is at the moment, I do experience an increased number of cancellations and so if you do get your name down on my waiting list, you are more likely than pre-pandemic to be able to attend.

I will be releasing my May – July Willow Workshop Dates in February.  Priority for places is initially given to gift voucher recipients and those students who have had to postpone.  A week later I release places to all those on my MailChimp mailing list (You can sign up by going to my Contact page).  Following this, any places remaining available are then generally publicised.  Due to demand, most workshops are booked up prior to their general release.  This means that if you are hankering to attend, please sign up to my MailChimp mailing list or even better, guarantee your place in advance by purchasing one of my gift vouchers.  Gift vouchers of course also make ideal birthday and anniversary presents!

Featured Maker & Future Exhibition.  I’m now in the last few days of being the Featured Maker at MAKE SouthWest (formerly known as the Devon Guild).  From early November until Saturday 8th January a selections of my sculptural willow baskets, willow and rush backpacks, lampshade and willow seated Arts & Crafts chair have been on display in the MAKE SouthWest shop at Bovey Tracey.  I was really pleased that MAKE SouthWest chose to showcase my work and have received a lot of lovely feedback.  I’m always seeking to explore weaving techniques, challenge myself and push forward the craft form that I love, so it was great to be supported in exhibiting my new range of work.

Breaking News – Future Exhibition! In August 2022 I will be taking part in the exhibition Nourish at the Crafts Study Centre in Farnham, Surrey.  This exhibition will feature the work of 17 UK willow basketmakers, artists and sculptors, all of whom are full-time professional makers.  The exhibition explores the idea of nourishment and what it means to the maker today.

Wishing you a great, more peace and joy filled 2022! Sarah X