17th August – September 21st 2026.

Blanefield, Stirlingshire.

This 6-week course with Max Johnson will give you a thorough grounding in the basic skills of basketry, allowing time to repeat these skills in different projects to begin to embed knowledge and muscle memory.

You’ll weave three baskets of varying sizes and complexity over the 3 weeks: a berry picking basket, bread/fruit basket and a shopping basket (all pictured) – these will last you a lifetime!

As an optional add-on I can also give you ‘homework’ willow so you can repeat what we wove in class at home (£25 extra per basket, so £75 total for the course). Previous students have really valued this, as repetition is a great way to ingrain what you learn in the class. Videos (either my own or from YouTube) will be sent out to assist you with homework. Payment for homework is arranged nearer the beginning of the course.

£250. Monday evenings (6-8.30pm). TO BOOK and for more information visit Max Johnson’s website. The price of this course includes tools and materials, but you may want to purchase a bodkin and rapping iron to assist with homework, although it is possible to manage without.

Also- Saturday August 15th – Weave a Berry Basket – just in time for wild berry season! This is a one-day class which serves as a perfect introduction to the craft for complete beginners, while also offering opportunities to further develop skills for those who’ve woven before. We’ll cover the fundamental skills of round willow basketry, such as pairing, waling, randing, trac borders and very simple ‘pegged’ handles. All tools and materials are provided.
£100. TO BOOK