Ose (hen) basket two-day willow weaving

A new course for 2026.

Make an Ose basket with Rachel Evans of Wheatcroft Willow.

This ancient design of frame basket was developed and used by the basket makers in the Western Scottish Highlands and Islands for many years.

Its old use was for carrying a broody hen from one croft to another hence its alternative name, the hen basket. Ose comes from osier or willow.

You will join pre-made and dried hoops by weaving with beautiful and colourful Staffordshire and Somerset willow to create this style of basket.

Using frame basket techniques, you will shape and add ribs as you weave and control the shape to make a beautifully curvy Ose basket.

Suitable for beginners with guidance, but improvers will love this basket, especially if they are interested in improving their frame basket techniques.

Full payment for each course is required when booking (please do contact us if this is a problem).  You can change the date or cancel your place up to 30 days before the course starts but there is a £25 charge. The full course fee is non-refundable after this time, however we will always try to fill the cancelled place. If we can fill your place, we are of course happy to transfer you to another course.

Please note there are no dogs allowed on site and while we give you full safety briefings all courses are attended at your own risk.

All courses are for 18 years and over.