We could well enjoy the skills sharing type meet ups again I think The socialising is fun, but I admit I more enjoy a focus on the 'crafts. If we can find someplace centralish and even just have a long day at it. M
Quite agree Mary, was loads of fun learning and although it was my first time I reckon i could do something similar. Im going to go again for the next one. Im just back from a days forging my own knife with everythingmac. Long day but was great fun. Back next week to finish it off but its looking good so far. Atb John
Gutted I missed this, been out of circulation for a while and would have been good to catch up with you all. Maybe next time.
Joan is running another couple of courses. I’ve booked up for April. "Willow Basket in a day” Mugdock Country Park Craigend Visitor Centre Craigallian Rd, Milngavie, Glasgow G62 8EL Sat 30th March 2019 Sat 27th April 2019 Participants will learn to weave a small traditional willow basket in a lovely setting the Osprey Room by our resident teacher Joan Campbell Price £55 and that includes material and plenty of notes. Beginners-Advanced training. 10am – 4pm pm
Had a very enjoyable time learning to make my first basket at Mugdock. Joan is such a great teacher and spends time with everyone in the small class. SWMBO was also there and we are both quite pleased with the final results. Need to source some rods now to make another.
Looks sound I think basketry is one of those very practical, but incredibly satisfying kind of skills/crafts. Joan is good, isn't she ? very clear and gets round everyone on the course in good order, and with encouragement too The site at Mugdock is good too. M
Any tips on the best place to get willow rods 'locally'? We are in Ayrshire but are through to Edinburgh and Arbroath regularly. There seems to be a place down near Newton Stewart which is not too far. Alex
We used to be able to cut at Carmunnock...and I think that's still possible. You might contact Glasgow City Countryside Ranger Service and ask ? https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=32313&p=0 Other than that, individual teachers sometimes have extra and will sell on, and the Scottish Basketmaking Circle is a good place to start looking for names and contacts. It's easy enough to grow. I grow it against a high fence and just coppice every year, leaving one stool for two years for really thick stuff. Quite attractive in the garden too, if you have room. M
