Description

Two-Day Willow Bag Workshop: Foraging Rucksack or Shoulder Bag

Ash Farm | Friday 10th – Saturday 11th July 2026 | 10.00am – 4.30pm each day
£150 per person + materials

Join Justine Burgess of West Wales Willows for an immersive two-day workshop and create your very own willow bag. Guided step by step, you’ll not only leave with a beautiful and functional finished piece, but also with a deeper understanding of willow weaving techniques that you can build on for future projects.

During booking, please state which bag you would like to make:

🌿 Option 1: Foraging Rucksack

• Materials fee: £20 (paid directly to the tutor on the day)

• Leather straps: Optional extra £20, payable on the day (or bring your own)

Make your own unique willow rucksack, ideal for foraging, adventures, or everyday use. Over the two days you will:

• Learn how to construct a Catalan-style base

• Turn up the sides and weave using a choice of techniques, including:
  – French rand
  – Irish creel weave
  – Slewing
  – 3-rod wale

• Finish with a sturdy border and fit leather straps (or your own choice).

🌿 Option 2: Gemma Handbag

• Materials fee: £15 (paid directly to the tutor on the day)

• Leather straps: Optional extra £10, payable on the day (or bring your own)

Design and make a stylish willow shoulder bag, perfect for everyday use. With a choice of willow colours to work with, you can personalise your handbag to make it truly your own. Over the two days you will:

• Create a Catalan-style base using a pre-formed hoop

• Weave the sides with a mix of French rand and 3-rod wale

• Shape and finish the bag with a neat woven border

• Add leather handles or a shoulder strap (optional extra, or bring your own)

Workshop Details

• Location: Ash Farm, SA67 8JU

• Time: 10.00am – 4.30pm (both days)

• Price: £150 per person + materials (paid directly on the day to the tutor)

• Included: All tools and equipment. Tea/coffee on arrival and a homemade lunch each day. The café will also be open for additional drinks and sweet treats.

This workshop is ideal for those who have tried willow weaving before and are ready to take their skills further with a more in-depth project.

About the Tutor

Your tutor is Justine Burgess of West Wales Willows, a full-time willow weaver based in Carmarthenshire. She grows around 260 varieties of willow on her smallholding and has been awarded the National Plant Collection of Salix from Plant Heritage. Justine is a member of the Basketmakers’ Association (UK), Heritage Crafts, and Plant Heritage, and is known for her warm, knowledgeable teaching style.

Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to attend the workshop, it is your responsibility to find a replacement for your booking.

Come and spend two rewarding days at Ash Farm, and take home a beautiful handmade bag, new weaving techniques, and the satisfaction of creating something truly unique.