Heritage Basket Making

ABOUT THE COURSE
This course will cover the construction of a heritage Devon Stave Basket made from ash and cedar or willow. Learn from a professional basketmaker how to cleave, shave, steam and make your own, original Stave Basket, a Devon speciality used for harvesting crops such as potatoes and now on the Heritage Crafts Association red list for endangered skills.

Starting with a coppiced ash pole, students will cleave, shave and steam-bend the handle and rim of the basket. Side slats made from cedar or willow known as staves are then shaped and nailed into place, before the base band of ash is shaped and nailed on.
THE COURSE WILL GIVE YOU
learn how to cleave and shave green wood using traditional tools and techniques including a drawknife and shave horse
learn how to steam bend wood
learn how to use jigs to form the handle this unique frame basket
THE COURSE IS SUITABLE FOR
A range of abilities encompassing all levels of expertise, including beginners.​
WHAT TO BRING/WEAR
Stout footwear and outdoor clothing. This course will take place outdoors in our Woodland Classroom.
Packed lunch or lunch is available from the Beech Cafe
ABOUT THE TUTOR
Dominic has been basketmaking for nearly twenty years. His basketry is predominantly frame baskets often incorporating split or cleft wood elements. The Devon Maund Basket is one of the local traditional baskets in Devon, and is used for harvesting crops, especially heavy ones such as potatoes. Dominic's work is inspired by the landscape and incorporates locally harvested materials wherever possible.
www.sussexwillow.co.uk