Rush Basket Making Workshop

Join me for a special one-day workshop exploring the traditional craft of rush weaving.

This is a rare opportunity to learn a technique that I don’t often teach, making it an ideal workshop for anyone interested in natural materials, traditional skills and heritage crafts.Rush has a long history of being used in this country to make practical and beautiful everyday objects, including baskets, bags, floor matting, seating and even hats.

Common Club Rush was once widely gathered and used, and today there is a renewed interest in foraging and collecting natural materials to work with.With step-by-step guidance throughout the day, you’ll create either a round basket or a pair of woven placemats to take home.

You’ll also gain an understanding of the techniques and materials you can continue exploring at home.You will learn how to prepare and weave with soft rush, discovering the qualities of this versatile natural fibre.

You will also learn about collecting your own materials that can be used for weaving, including Great Reedmace (often known as bullrush or cattail), crocosmia, daffodil leaves, yellow flag iris and more.The workshop is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some weaving experience.

Enjoy a relaxed and creative day working with natural materials in the inspiring surroundings of The Wardrobe Rifles Museum in Cathedral Close, Salisbury.