Castletown Heritage Centre in Caithness are hosting a series of Tim Johnson Basketry Workshops this April 2012. Please find details below of each of the workshops:

Friday 13th April 2012 – Introduction to Rush Weaving
Using locally gathered materials, participants will learn about selection and preparation of soft plant materials including grasses, rushes and mosses. Traditional plaiting and twining techniques will be explored and participants will make a variety of functional and decorative table mats and coasters. Taking inspiration from a recently completed exhibition project Tim will also teach some new techniques inspired by baskets from Uganda. nice imags of Tims rush mats click link , go to blog page and scroll down: http://www.timjohnsonartist.com/

Saturday & Sunday 14th & 15th April 2012 – Rush Basketmaking
Soft materials like rushes, grasses and Iris leaves can be used to create a wide variety of baskets inspired by ancient techniques from all over the world. Workshop participants will learn a variety of braiding and twining techniques whilst making a variety of functional baskets. There will also be opportunity to work on small sculpture projects combining rush weaving with found objects from the local environment.

Friday 20th April 2012 – Introduction to Willow Weaving
Using locally harvested willow, workshop participants will have the opportunity to choose one or two styles of tray or platter to weave including the Catalan tension tray, Spanish Zarzo platter or a boat shaped basket using techniques adapted from the Isle of Wight Shrimp pot making tradition. This workshop will act as a refresher for those who have worked with willow before or provide an opportunity to learn some new techniques and ideas.

Saturday & Sunday 21st & 22nd April 2012 – Willow Basketmaking
Over this two day workshop participants will make a functional willow basket that can be used for beach-combing, gathering mushrooms or day to day shopping. Based on a traditional frame basket design this basket is ideal for using the variety of sizes of willow available when harvesting your own or wild materials. There will also be opportunity to combine other local materials like grasses and rushes with the willow creating contrast and texture in the weaving.

Find out more about Tim Johnson here: http://www.timjohnsonartist.com/

Contact Castletown Heritage to book your place on the workshops.
Website: www.castletownheritage.co.uk

 Costs:

• £30 for a one day workshop
• £60 for the weekend workshops
• This includes all materials and lunch.
• 50% non-returnable deposit at time of booking.
• Cheques payable to Castletown Heritage Society.
• Payment can also be made through Paypal.by arrangement with the treasurer.

Source: Joanne B Kaar