BA Spring School 2026: Basketry Basics for Beginners – Louise Brown

Tickets available from 10am Saturday 10th January 2026

Spring School at Harrogate Ladies’ College offers four full days to immerse yourself in basketry with top-class tutors. There is also plenty of opportunity to relax and get to know fellow basketmakers from all around the UK and beyond.

Both residential (single-occupancy room, shared bathroom, all meals) and non-residential (includes lunches and Sunday evening meal) options are available. In 2026 the ticket prices are:

• Residential: £645
• Non-residential: £380

Only one ticket is available per BA member, and material costs are payable directly to tutors at the end of the week.

By purchasing a ticket you are agreeing to the cancellation policy as detailed in the Basketmakers’ Associations Terms and Conditions

Course description

This is an introduction to weaving with willow for those with no, or very limited, experience.  At the end of the course  you will have a good grounding in where to source willow, how to prepare it for weaving, what tools are required and how to use them, and, of course, a range of weaving skills which are essential for working with willow.  These techniques will allow you to recreate a round basket at home – as long as you take plenty of notes and photographs throughout the course to remind you what we covered!

You will go home with a couple of practice  items: a fish and a flower and, at least two completed round baskets: a small tool basket and a round shopper.

Suitability: beginners

Estimated cost of materials: £45 payable directly to the tutor

Your tutor

Louise came to basketry in her late thirties as a hobby and it has now become a full-time job.  She no longer makes to sell, but makes to teach, as she discovered teaching is something she has a passion for and is good at.

She runs a comprehensive range of basketmaking classes outside Winchester which includes her 12 month Beginners’ Basketmaking Course where complete beginners gain the foundation, skills and knowledge which allows them to become confident, competent and independent makers.

Her teaching style is patient and student-focussed. Students tell her they like her clear and easy to follow instructions and explanations and her endless patience!  Each participant is monitored to make sure they are capable of achieving the task in hand, without fear of falling behind the group, and the result is immense pride in their newly acquired skills and workmanship.

Louise has been chair of the Basketmakers’ Association for last 2 years.