Willow Weaving - Winter Obelisk, Stars and Wreaths (UC09G48B)

Danny Manning (tutor) images of items achievable on the day

Course overview

An intensive, fun and festive one-day workshop using locally grown and prepared willow to create an obelisk for your garden. Obelisks can be used all the year-round to support plants, and can also be decorated as an outdoor or indoor Christmas tree. It is an enjoyable social day with items to take home, and an opportunity for budding gardeners to learn more about constructing willow supports for your garden.
All materials supplied.
Where Uckfield College, Downsview Crescent, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3DJ.
When Saturday, 10:00am - 4:00pm on 12th November 2022 for 1 day.

Registration is from 9:30 am, ACRES staff will welcome you and offer a complimentary drink.
The closing date for enrolment on this course is Friday 4th November 2022, to allow time for your materials to be prepared and ready for the course
Cost The full fee is £88.00.

What you already need to know

This course is suitable for absolute beginners or those with some experience.

What you will learn

Willow weaving is a craft, and each piece is unique to the crafter. You will be introduced to various willow weaving techniques with plenty of hints and tips on how to create structures further. At the end of the day, you will have a plant support of approximately 1.3 meters.

Danny will also demonstrate how to make a willow-weaved wreath and a decorative star, and you will have the opportunity to make these either during the class or at home.

How you will learn it

Danny likes to work with a range of natural materials - including willow and natural found woodland materials.

Bring to the first session



Everything is included but if you have any favourite finds, decorations or bright *garden stems* you'd like to add to your wreath then bring them along!
*Dogwood / Cornus alba Siberica, Holly stems, mistletoe etc.*

Please bring a packed lunch as food is not provided at the venue. Tea, coffee and biscuits are available for purchase during breaks.

To avoid unnecessary cost please do not purchase any materials until you are certain that your course will run. Course decisions are normally made a week prior to the course start date. Course decisions are normally made a week prior to the course start date.

Extra study or practice

This is a one-day workshop.
You may wish to take the skills you've learnt and have a go at willow weaving items for your garden.

How to enrol

You can enrol by phoning ACRES' House on 01825 761820 on Monday to Friday between 9:30 am and 4 pm. Alternatively, to register your interest in a course please email adultlearning@acres.org.uk with the course title and your contact details and a member of the team will call you back to enrol you on your chosen course.

Previous students say

"Tutor was very patient and demonstrated each stage clearly. I was worried I wouldn't be able to do it but he showed me what to do and I am delighted with what I have made."
"I think this is the start of a new obsession for me. Thank you for a great day."
"The day went so fast, I am so pleased I came."

Next steps within this subject with ACRES

Danny teaches a range of different willow sculpture days. Visit the ACRES website to see when the next one is.

Future steps beyond ACRES

Find out more about Danny's artwork, projects and upcoming workshops outside of ACRES on https://www.axisweb.org/p/dannymanning/

An accredited sculpture or gardening course at Plumpton College (www.plumpton.ac.uk)
City Literary Institute in London offer a willow basketry course with a qualification. (www.citylit.ac.uk)

Find out about other courses with the National Careers Service for opportunities to extend your skills and knowledge.

Further information

For information about further courses, please consult your tutor, the ACRES brochure, the ACRES website at www.acreslearning.org.uk or telephone our office on 01825 761820.