Rush Basketry - June 8th

We will be learning how to weave a simple basket from British bulrush. Our ancestors have been working with rush for thousands of years, the earliest archaeological evidence of this dates back to Ancient Egypt. No doubt our ancestors on the British Isles would have been working with it too, however examples of early basketry very rarely survive in our climate. Rush is both strong and pliable, which makes it a wonderful natural weaving materal. This workshop is suitable for beginners. You will be guided step by step through the process from raw material to finished basket. Groups are small to allow for individual attention where needed. 

 

Molly's approach to teaching ancestral crafts encourages slowing down and reconnecting with nature and intuition.  At the beginning of the day we will work with some simple mindfulness based techniques to ground us in our surroundings. Weather permitting we will be working outdoors in the ancient woodland at New Coghurst. Our ancestors would largely have worked outdoors in settings like this, and would have been deeply connected to the land and the natural material associated with their craft. In order to truly immerse ourselves in the experience of this ancient practice, connecting into this awareness and respect for nature and its gifts is just as (if not more important) than learning a new practical skill.