Willow Bark Basket weaving with Julie of Pip Cottage

Name: Willow Bark Basket weaving with Julie of Pip Cottage
Start: 2026-04-25T09:30:00+01:00
End: 2026-04-25T17:00:00+01:00
Location: Exchange Street, BB1 7JN Blackburn, United Kingdom

Schedule

Sat Apr 25 2026 at 09:30 am to 05:00 pm

UTC+01:00

Location

Exchange Street, BB1 7JN Blackburn, United Kingdom | Blackburn, EN

Join basket maker Julie Livesey of Pip Cottage for an immersive day learning the ancient craft of basket making using willow bark.
In this workshop you will learn about willow sticks, how they should be harvested, and what to look for if you were to harvest them yourself.
There will then be a demonstration of how to peel willow before you have the opportunity to put what you have learnt to practice by peeling the bark of your own have a stick, and preparing for storage. This can then be taken home to dry and use at a later date.
Julie will be bringing some pre-dried willow bark and demo how to prep for weaving. You will then have a go and leave it to mellow in a cloth over lunch. In the afternoon the bark will be cut into strips and a demo on how to weave the basket with a bias plait will be done before you weave your very own.
All materials will be provided.
workshop time: 9.30-5pm
Suitable for age 14+ (all young people 16 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult)
Tickets are £95 (full price) for the day.
Concessionary (from £75)
We also have a bursary place (£45). Please get in touch for more details.
The Cafe will be open 10.30am- 4pm for teas, coffees and home made cakes.
Please use the accessible entrance to the rear of the building.
Crafting for well being
There are therapeutic benefits from crafting, including reducing stress & anxiety. When done socially the benefits are amplified. Sharing stories and knowledge, supporting each other and celebrating achievements, boosts confidence and self esteem, and creates a better sense of well being. There really is something special about creating alongside other people. When people come together to create, magic happens. Connections are made, and passions, interests and values are shared. A space is created where people can learn, be inspired, and gain fresh perspectives, from their work, and the world around them. They are spaces we can unwind and recharge!