Willow Basket Workshop
Workshop with Hilary Burns MBE
Friday 19 & Saturday 20 September 2025 (2 days)
10.00am - 4.30pm (each day)
£160.00
Venue: MAKE Southwest
Suitable for: Adults
Level: All Abilities
a Green Maker Initiative workshop
About Hilary Burns:
Weaving has been a constant, I originally trained in textiles as a fabric weaver before taking up the craft of basket making some thirty years ago.
I make both functional baskets and sculptural pieces. After moving to Devon in 1985 I planted a willow bed and use mainly natural materials including hedgerow materials, hazel, oak and ash.
These are all harvested locally. Working with a source of sustainable and renewable materials connects me to the seasonal cycle.
Basketry is a slow craft; growing the materials, cutting, grading, drying, soaking, gives control but adds to the making time.
I study traditional techniques and find them endlessly intriguing, refined to perfectly suit the available material and the function. I have been interested in European techniques associated with willow and wood for a long time and this continues to be an inspiration.
I try to find my own way to use them to create form and texture.
I am a co-founder and director of Basketry and Beyond,
a voluntary organisation promoting basketry techniques,
the use of natural materials, sustainable construction
and applications in the widest sense.
Join MAKE Southwest Maker Member, Hilary Burns MBE for a two-day Basket Weaving Workshop!
In this workshop you’ll make a shopper or foraging basket, with a wrapped handle, using a selection of natural coloured willows with the bark on. These from Somerset and Hilary’s collection of varieties.
Beginners will make a round basket, improvers may like to expand their skills into oval work, or try different weaves or borders. Please wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes.
This workshop is open to all abilities - though due to the use of sharp tools, is only open to adults (18+).
Tickets include tuition and all necessary tools and materials for the two days workshop duration. It does not include lunch or accommodation.
Please note: Due to the nature of the workshop it is advisable that participants consider the physical activity involved - willow weaving requires strength in the hands / wrists. Please also let us know if you have back or joint problems to help Hilary consider what reasonable adjustments can be made.
On the Day
All tools and materials will be provided.
Please advise that it’s best to wear clothing suitable for working / bending and comfortable shoes. Basketmaking is fairly hard work!
This workshop is starting at a slightly earlier time of 10:00am (our public opening time). If you arrive prior to 10.00am please call the office to be let in as our doors will be closed to the visiting public.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are included and will be available on the day. Our Café is also open should you wish to purchase other refreshments during the workshop - all participants receive a 10% discount voucher for food and drink purchased on the day.
On arrival, please make your way to the side gate of the Riverside Mill, through the courtyard and up the stone stairs on the side of the building. Please let us know if you require the lift.
Please be aware that you cannot use the Co-op car park for all day parking. The Methodist Church car park and Station Road car park usually have plenty of spaces. Click here for more information on our location and car parking for the day.
View MAKE Southwest's Cancellation Policy, HERE.