TOAST | Willow Weaving with Julie Gurr

Just a stone’s throw away from her Hastings home, Julie weaves sculptural yet practical baskets in her former oast house workshop, using several varieties of willow.

During this workshop, Julie will guide you through the process of creating a woven platter using willow cuttings and traditional basket-making techniques from the Catalan-speaking regions of Spain. You will also be able to learn about the growing and preparation of willow, from the planting of the willow cuttings to harvesting and soaking. All are welcome, as no previous willow weaving experience is required.

Materials & Equipment Required:

• 1 x bundle of 3-5ft willow rods (60 rods per bundle) (available from World of Willow: https://www.worldofwillow.co.uk/details.aspx?p=152&c=22&cp=) - if sourcing from elsewhere you will need 60 buff or white willow rods (i.e. willow with the bark stripped off).

• Bath for soaking willow or a soaking bag (available from World of Willow) https://www.worldofwillow.co.uk/details.aspx?p=147),
• Something to weigh down willow underwater, cloth or towel big enough to wrap all the willow up in.
• The willow needs to be soaked and mellowed before the workshop. Soak your willow in water for 1.5 hours the evening before the class and then wrap in a damp cloth and put somewhere cool where it wont dry out overnight and until the class starts.
• Sharp wood cutters e.g. Julie recommends secateurs or wood cutters available from Mary Butcher (marybutcherbaskets@gmail.com) - these are small woodcutters made originally for bonsai work.
• Scissors
• 1m length of string
• 1m length of ribbon or decorative cord/thread for tying handles

To take part:

• Join Zoom Webinar via the link in your confirmation email.
• Your microphone and webcam will be disabled for the duration of the event although there will be an opportunity to ask questions during the event using the Q&A function. Further instructions will be provided during the event.
• The workshop will be available to view on-demand for 30 days following the live event.

Julie Gurr was taught traditional basketry by makers in England, Scotland and Ireland. She now enjoys exploring techniques from different cultures and incorporating them into her contemporary work. Based in a former oast house, just a stone’s throw away from her Hastings home, Julie weaves sculptural yet practical baskets using several different varieties of willow. It was through working on nature conservation projects in Scotland over 20 years ago that Julie came across willow weaving. Drawn to the versatility, her intrigue led her to learn the craft from master weavers in Glasgow and Galway, before eventually setting up her own basketry business. From the planting of the willow cuttings to the harvesting and soaking, Julie’s process requires year-round organisation and planning to ensure the final crop is ready to weave with. She takes her inspiration from her coastal surroundings and uses traditional techniques from different cultures such as a Japanese open weave, most commonly used with vines. Each final basket by Julie is favoured for its sustainable properties, whilst utilising the warm, natural colours of willow.

IG: @juliegurrwillowweaver

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

TOAST is a unique lifestyle brand renowned for its thoughtful, contemporary design and commitment to traditional textiles and craftsmanship. The TOAST Creative Residency is a three day programme of talks, workshops and live demonstrations that aims to bring together a like minded community of creative individuals. The programme, inspired by our seasonal campaign Rewilding, is open to all and aims to connect individuals and foster thought.

The annual TOAST Creative Residency brings together a community of creative individuals. This year, we are hosting our first blended Creative Residency, with a three-day programme of engaging talks, workshops and live demonstrations hosted both online and in person. The programme, inspired by our seasonal campaign titled Rewilding, is open to all to connect individuals and foster thought.

We know that this changing landscape is extremely difficult for makers and creatives alike. We would like to show our support for the craft community by collecting donations for Crafts Council UK. These donations will help to fund Young Craft Citizens - a programme of workshops, paid opportunities and creative and professional advice for young people from all backgrounds interested in shaping the future of craft, design and making in the UK.