I had an amazing time learning to make Baskets with Heike Kahle of Baurnafea Studio at Tinahely Farm. Not only was the setting, food and teacher fabulous, the group of 5 women were absolutely lovely and we talked about everything from fashion to politics. The day flew and I’m delighted with the basket i created!

We used a selection of willow supplied by our teacher. By boiling the willow with and without bark the suppliers of the willow are able to achieve a variety of shades. Heike grows her own willow, which she uses with and without bark and orders boiled willows from Somerset. Unfortunately there are no suppliers of boiled willow in Ireland.

Early Days!

Making the base.

The completed base.

Inserting the uprights.

Tying in the uprights to creat the shape.

Time for a well-earned break. Morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea was included in the cost of the course. It included delicious scones with jam and cream, Quiche, soup, salad, orange cake, chocolate biscuit cake and lots of lovely coffee and tea!

And a snoop around the lovely farm shop, which included everything from food to vintage clothes!

Making the bucket. The weight is to help hold the basket down when you’re weaving in the willow.

We had a choice of a curved basket or bucket-shaped one. Here are two of my classmates making their bucket-shaped baskets.

Ta dah! The finished article, which I’m so, so proud of. Thanks Heike. Another basket making course is scheduled for May 6th 2016 and I’d highly recommend it.

For the seamstress (what’s the male version of this word?) amongst your there’s a great doll making course on March 5th 2016. This is a great place to do any course. The staff is so polite, the food is fab and the farm shop is a treasure trove of goodies.

E