Ose basket 2 day workshop with Sarah le Breton - 1st and 2nd September 2026 - 9.15am - 5.30pm

Both practical and beautiful, make a lovely ose basket in this two day workshop with willow weaver Sarah le Breton.

Also known as a Gathering, Hen or Skye basket, Sarah has developed the size and shape of this frame basket so that this advanced basket can be successfully achieved in two days.

Under the expert tutelage of Sarah, learn how to make willow hoop frames, construct a basket with willow hoops and ribs pack the weave symmetrically and how best to "flow" with the willow weavers and create your basket.

You will also learn grow to grow, harvest and prepare your willow ready for weaving.

Ability: Best for those who have already made willow baskets.

Maximum 8 participants.  £240.00 all materials included.

Please note that whilst light refreshments will be provided, you will need to bring your own packed lunch on both days of the workshop

Inspired by heritage baskets, Sarah le Breton celebrates the craft form that she loves by making beautiful, practical and innovative baskets.  Her aim is to showcase traditional techniques and highlight the beauty of natural materials, in so doing creating baskets, lighting features and chair seating that are perfect for modern living

Whilst developing as a basket maker, Sarah actively sought out training from those grounded in apprentice-led, commercial basket making.  This has included training with a fourth-generation maker on her local Somerset Levels.  Through specifically developing work that encompasses this approach, it is Sarah's aim to facilitate a living wage for UK basket makers, enabling highly-skilled knowledge of the craft to reach future generations.

Sarah was Maker in Residence at Kelmscott Manor in 2025 and during her residency, Sarah taught herself the critically endangered basketry technique of fine skein willow work, producing the most remarkable woven creel, inspired by Morris's love of fishing on the nearby Thames.

Alongside developing her practice, Sarah engaged with visitors through public workshops and demonstrations, taking inspiration from the willow trees at Kelmscott Manor that famously inspired Morris's Willow Bough wallpaper.  Sarah invited visitors to be part of the making of a collaborative piece of work, teaching participants to weave individual willow leaves that have now become part of an incredible willow bough sculpture currently on display in the Manor's courtyard