Date 17-18 July 2026 (2 Days)
Price £220
Maximum number of places 8
Book Contact Rachel to book on this course by email, hello@rachelbowerbaskets.co.uk or Instagram, @rachelbowerbaskets
Course Details
Come and explore the traditional techniques found in Scottish frame baskets (more commonly known as arm creels) once used by fishing communities along a small stretch of the northeast coastline in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These baskets were carried by fisher wives to display fish at markets and on their selling rounds.
Learn how to weave your own version of this traditional creel using a distinctive construction method that produces a strong and sturdy basket with a striking arrow detail.
During the day, Rachel will be happy to share stories and insights gathered through her research into this historic technique, for anyone interested in hearing more about the heritage behind the basket.
All materials and tools are provided.
Skill level: Suitable for beginners and those with prior experience.
Physical requirements: You will need a good level of hand strength and dexterity because willow weaving involves physical movements like threading and pulling.
Catering:
For all courses, a hearty, healthy lunch is provided (please let your tutor know of any dietary requirements when booking), along with tea, coffee and water. Breakfast and evening meal is self-catered, with firewood and charcoal-based cooking available.
We also provide firewood, brew-kit, washing up and cooking facilities, crockery and cutlery.
Guests should bring; barbecue food or pans for cooking on a fire for breakfast and evening meals.
Facilities:
Facilities include covered workshop spaces, an undercover outdoor cooking set-up, comfortable compost toilet, plenty of loo roll, and handwashing. A good stone track leads to the wood where there is space to park, please keep speed under 10mph.
Tutor Bio
Rachel is a highly reputable willow basketmaker from Angus, NE Scotland making strong and functional baskets for everyday use. She has been working with willow for over 20 years with a three-year basketry diploma from Westhope College. The course used a progressive approach to learning which changed the way she looked at her own making.
Rachel aims to use a similar approach in her own style of teaching, looking at ways to break a design down into simpler steps so that it can be fully understood before moving onto the next level.
Colour and lines are leading features in Rachel’s work. Inspired by the meaning and memories that objects can hold within them, at the heart of her practice is a desire to make beautiful and distinctive pieces that will last for the next generation and collect their own stories over time.