Courses
I offer a wide variety of classes throughout the year, ranging from half day classes to multi- day intensives—with most of my courses being offered in West Limerick and West Cork. The courses I offer change every year. If you would like to host a course in your parish, gathering or festival please get in contact—I would be happy to work with you.
If you have a particular project in mind or would prefer more focused attention, I offer private one-to-one tuition at my workshop near Bantry in West Cork for €175/ per day or for two-to-one tuition €150/pp per day including homegrown materials, tools and a organic lunch. The weaving day is 10:00-16:30. I would recommend two days of tuition to make most baskets and learn the techniques thoroughly.
If you would like to host one of my workshops in your locality, please get it touch! Minimum students is 7 and maximum is 12.
If you are a primary school teacher or have a child in primary school, I offer subsidised school visits through the Heritage Council in teaching ancient arts through the Heritage in the Schools scheme—click here for more info.
2023 Courses
To read this in my course newsletter click here
Each of my courses includes all the tools and materials. We will be weaving with my own homegrown basketry willow and some finer varieties of English willow. There is many hours and days of preparation for each of these courses—they are indeed a labour of love. I hope to see you among the bundles of willow!
St. Brighid’s Egg Basket
Ballydehob Community Hall, Co. Cork
Saturday
The 25th of March 2023
10:00-17:00
In this day-long course, suitable for beginners and improvers, each participant will learn how to weave a small frame basket with a beautiful St. Brighid’s cross at the side made from skeined (split) willow. In this class we will cover hoop making, frame basket basics, and traditional willow weaving techniques while working with different varieties of heritage basketry willow. One will have the option to work with colourful varieties of willow and play with patterns.
Teas and coffee provided
Inclusive of tools and heritage willow
Course is €100 (including booking fee)
Or €95 via bank transfer
click here to book
Hen Basket
Ballydehob Community Hall, Co. Cork
Sunday
The 26th of March 2023
10:00-17:00
In this day-long course, suitable for beginners and improvers, each participant will learn how to weave a small frame basket with that we call a ‘Hen’ basket. In this class we will cover hoop making, frame basket basics, and traditional willow weaving techniques while working with different varieties of heritage basketry willow. One will have the option to work with colourful varieties of willow and play with patterns. Please note the photo is one of my own baskets and the first time we learn a new skill there is always a leap in the learning of our hands!
Teas and coffees provided
Inclusive of tools and heritage willow
Course is €100 (inclusive of booking fee)
Or €95 via bank transfer
click here to book
Round Baskets Galore!
Ballydehob Community Hall, Co. Cork
Saturday & Sunday
15th and 16th of April 2023
10:00-17:00 both days
In this two-day course we will learn all about round baskets. If you are a beginner we will focus on the basics, if you have previous experience we can explore more advanced techniques. In this course, one can weave a shopping basket, waste-paper basket, log basket, a skib, or any other kind of round basket! This is a full-on two days and is well-suited to eager beginners or those who have had a bit of previous experience. I can teach more advanced techniques to students who already have a good foundation of knowledge. We will go over: materials preparation, weaving a base, slyping uprights, three-rod wale, randing, borders, handles, and ‘feet’! There will also be opportunity to play around with various colours of heritage willow for patterns. An excellent and thorough introduction course for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the ancient techniques of weaving with willow or improve their understanding and knowledge.
Teas, coffees, and homemade biscuits provided
Inclusive of tools and heritage willow
Course is €205 (inclusive of booking fee)
Or €195 via bank transfer
click here to book!
