Description

Asymmetric Basket Workshop

Ash Farm | Friday 1st May 2026 | 10.00am – 4.30pm

Join Justine Burgess of West Wales Willows for a day of hands-on creativity and discover the art of willow weaving in this inspiring workshop. Under Justine’s expert guidance, you’ll learn how to craft a Polish Asymmetric Border Basket– a traditional round basket with a striking modern border, first developed by Polish basketmaker Stanislav Dzuibak.

This is a wonderful introduction to willow weaving, ideal if you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at the craft before committing to a longer course. By the end of the day you’ll have not only a beautiful, practical basket to take home — perfect for the home and garden, from kindling and tools to flowers and light shopping — but also the skills and confidence to continue weaving.

✨ What you will learn:

• How to make a stake and strand base using pairing weave

• How to stake up the sides of the basket

• How to weave the sides using a French rand weave

• How to form the asymmetric border

• How to attach a wooden handle – bring along a favourite piece of driftwood, or use willow provided on the day

Workshop Details

• Location: Ash Farm, SA67 8JU

• Time: 10.00am – 4.30pm

• Price: £75 per person + £15 materials (materials fee paid directly to the tutor on the day)

• Includes: All tools and equipment. A homemade lunch is provided, along with a light afternoon sweet treat. A selection of drinks will also be available to purchase from the café throughout the day.

About the Tutor
Your tutor for the day is Justine Burgess of West Wales Willows, a full-time willow weaver based in Carmarthenshire. On her smallholding, she grows around 260 different varieties of willow 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 patient, encouraging teaching style as well as her passion for willow growing and weaving.

Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend the workshop, it is your responsibility to find someone else to take your place.

Come and enjoy a relaxed, creative day at Ash Farm, guided by one of Wales’s most experienced willow weavers, and leave with a unique basket, new skills, and a taste for the timeless craft of willow weaving.