Make a pair of beautiful willow climbers for your garden with Jo Hammond

We are thrilled to be welcoming the wonderful Jo Hammond back this Spring to teach you all how to weave natural brown willow into beautiful climbers for your garden.

These lovely willow pieces are quick to make and so effective in the garden – as plant supports or sculptural decorations.  Each design introduces different weaving skills all demonstrated in easy stages, step by step.

For those that don’t want to make a second climber you can opt to make a willow Dragonfly sculpture instead.

You’ll learn to select stakes and weavers, how to perform a randing or a spiral weave, and how to trim and finish your work.

 Note- willow weaving is moderately hard work and does require a firm grip

All the materials and tools will be provided by Jo. Please wear robust clothing.

** Willow weaving is moderately hard work and does require a firm grip.**

 Refreshments and a light lunch are included.

Spaces are limited so please book early. The workshop will be held at Far From The Madding Crowd in the village of Leavenheath, CO6 4PU. We will be in touch nearer the time with the exact location and any further information. Tickets are non-refundable.

Bio:

Jo Hammond is one of East Anglia’s best willow workers. She grew up in Suffolk and Essex and still lives nearby, close to the Stour Estuary.

Jo began basket-making when living in a cottage in the middle of the woods- the gift of a book opened her eyes to the weaving materials that were all around her home. A degree in Fine Art and more recently completed a Certificate in Countryside and Heritage Interpretation have supplemented her creative flair.

Jo has worked as a basket-maker and willow sculptor for more than twenty years, passing on her skills through teaching many classes and courses. Her book, ‘Willow Basketry and Sculpture’ was published in 2014.

Influences for Jo’s craft ultimately derive from the beauty of natural materials and the discipline to work as locally and sustainably as possible. This includes incorporating foraged stems, climbers or leaves, which she describes as a process of connecting with the approaches of our hunter-gatherer ancestors.

Instagram: @twigsnstuff