Grass Baskets
An immersive day in the woods making a beautiful, fragrant, sturdy basket from wild grass. Once you’ve made your basket, you’ll start eyeing up grass verges in a whole new way.
September 19 (Saturday)
10.30am – 5pm
£145
Venue Open air woodland setting in a 70 acre ancient woodland on a family-run working farm: peaceful and beautiful Dernwood Farm Nr Heathfield, East Sussex, UK.
Grass baskets is one of my most popular courses. People love the mellow atmosphere that grass basket-making creates. It’s an ancient technique with a long tradition worldwide.
‘Weekend’ Offer
Book Wild Grass Baskets and Rush & Wild Rose Baskets together for £275
What you’ll learn
On the day we’ll gather wild grasses on site.
We’ll look at which are best for basketmaking and why.
You’ll learn how and when to harvest wild grasses sustainably, and how to process them for baskets.
Ruby will teach how to start the basket and stitch the coils, forming and shaping your basket as you go.
We’ll look at different stitches, stitching materials and tools.
There will be sample baskets showing lids and various fixtures.
To inspire you further, there’ll also be examples of coiled baskets made from other easy-to-forage plants.
You’ll leave with the knowledge and inspiration to continue making coiled baskets at home.
Bone / wooden needles will be available for you to use to make your basket the way our Stone Age ancestors would have. Handmade by Ruby, these can also be purchased on the day, as an optional extra.
What’s included
A simple but hearty and delicious organic vegetarian lunch is provided, cooked on the camp fire. We’ll also have a kettle on the fire, with teas, biscuits and fresh fruit available all day.
I aim to offer you a satisfying learning experience as well as an enjoyable time away from it all.
To support you in getting the most from the day, we’ll connect to the woodland surroundings through a short and simple, guided mindfulness-based practice.
The grass basket-making day was so relaxed yet focused. Clear modelling with space to crack on and explore, with Ruby’s supportive skills and knowledge on tap. Richard S, London
Accommodation: camping is available at the farm venue and full details about this will be sent to you when you book on the course. The farm also has glamping options, including cosy bell tents and cabins with wood-burners. The cost of accommodation is not included in the course. Read more about onsite and offsite accommodation options.
Follow-on course: Pine Needle Baskets, Grass Foraging Baskets
Any questions? please have a look at the FAQ page
See you in the woods!
Featured in the Guardian lifestyle section. National Geographic & Toyota put Native Hands in their top 125 UK adventures.
