Just finished this rush tote bag sample. I’m teaching a class in September. Yes I know, it’s February, but I prefer to have lessons planned out well in advance.

After selecting, cleaning and cutting the rushes to the correct length a check weave base is made to fit a pre-prepared mold. This must be tied onto the mold to hold it in place.

The sides were woven with a mixture of pairing, waling and checkweave. At the top of the mold I put on a simple pull down border before adding rope handles.

I worked with a smashing group of people today that belong to the Norfolk Smallholders Training Group. Some of them drove a huge distances to join the workshop. So thank you to you all for being so enthusiastic and working so hard.

We took the basket in stages, one step at a time from the slath to the border and handle. It was wonderful to see some initial skepticism transform into delight with the finished basket.

My next workshop at the Butterfly art and craft studio in Essex is on March 23rd. We will be making hanging platters and bird feeders. You can book to do one or the other or both if the mood takes you.

They are both really good projects for beginners, very simple but effective looking pieces to hang in the garden or the house.

Contact Art and Craft days for more information on http://www.artandcraftdays.co.uk

Or call Brian and Julie on

01245 233459

A St Brigid’s cross made today for a local Irish chap to send home to his nan.

St Brigid is one of Ireland’s patron saints. Her name is apparently derived from the noun ‘brigh’ meaning power, strength, vigour and virtue. She was known for her generosity, a gift I know I could develop.

Thanks to all the wonderful ladies who made baskets with me today at the Butterfly Arts and Crafts studio. They did a fabulous job and all went home with baskets to be proud of.

Thanks also to Brian and Julie who run the studio. They are so hospitable and the lunch was fantastic as usual.

Lovely to meet Louise and her friends and family this morning at the Butterfly Arts Studio in Essex.

The group surprised Louise with a willow weaving start to her hen party. They made 17 hearts between them and decorated them with a mixture of blue and white flowers to tie in with Louise’s wedding colours.

Brian and Julie from the studio then served up a delicious afternoon tea, thoroughly earned by everyone.