BASKETRY WORKSHOPS
Join us at Whitchurch Silk Mill, Hampshire, to make your own willow bread basket to take home with you on Saturday 23rd January 2027.
Claire Gaudion is a basket maker of Guernsey fishing baskets. Following generations of fishermen in Guernsey, Claire is working to preserving this unique Guernsey heritage craft.
The willow bread basket is a unique frame basket inspired by the Guernsey fishing courge. It is a design originally commissioned by Michelin star restaurant, Vraic, Guernsey, to serve their bread.
The basket measures approximately L 46 x W 15 x H 13cm
The workshop will start at 09:30 and finish 16:30.
Lunch and refreshments are included: tea & coffee throughout the day, plus a selection of sandwiches, crisps and a slice of cake.
All basketry materials and tools will be provided.
There are 8 places available on each course, allowing for plenty of attention for each participant.
Making these baskets involves working with willow and a selection of hand held tools, and strong hands. That said, it is suitable for beginners or those with willow weaving experience.
Guernsey Basket Workshop at Makers Barn, Petworth
Guernsey Basketry and Ormering Retreat
MEET CLAIRE
Claire Gaudion has been sharing her expertise of Guernsey basket making with beginners and professional basket makers for over ten years. Drawing on twenty-five years of making as well as knowledge inherited through her family lineage, Claire is dedicated to preserving the techniques, stories and artistry of this distinctive living craft tradition.
Lovely words
“Thank you so much for such fabulous teaching and such an enjoyable course. Your patience and cheerfulness are second to none and I really appreciated your generosity in sharing even the most subtle of your tips and so clearly explaining the finest details.”
Linda L.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop with Claire, where she taught the heritage basket ponier à cou. Her knowledge and enthusiasm really shone through, and her patient, encouraging teaching style was greatly appreciated.”
Angela F.“I was both astonished & delighted to create (and complete) from scratch, a delightful ponier à cou in only 2 days. All the way through the course Claire was attentive and helpful and full of the historical facts about this very Guernsey specific craft. I enjoyed myself enormously and have a beautiful & practical basket as a wonderful reminder. I would suggest these courses are suitable for all levels and that you can go at a different pace from your colleagues and still get superb results.”
Rachael L.