During this 4-day workshop you will learn techniques for weaving an organic, three-dimensional form using river rush. The process will involve crafting a small hip-pouch style basket over a hollow wax mould (prepared by Elizabeth ahead of the workshop), building a form and shaping and opening, exploring different pairing techniques, incorporating other soft plant materials such as sedge and sweetcorn husk, making and attaching a hinged lid and making a fastening and belt loops.

River rush is a beautiful, malleable and versatile material that has been used for basketry and other crafts for many centuries. The rush used during this workshop has been sustainably hand harvested and sorted on the Somerset levels, where it grows in abundance. Rush is a fantastic material for learning soft basketry techniques, and you will leave this workshop equipped with skills not only for rush work, but for weaving with other leaf and bark type materials. 

This longer workshop is an opportunity to really drop in with the weaving process, and with how materials and craft can bring us closer to ourselves and the land we are working on.This retreat is aimed at people with some existing basket making experience.

Cost - 465 Euros

Please book directly through the De Ratelaar website: https://mandenmakerijderatelaar.be/product/rush-workshop-with-elizabeth-crawford/