JOIN US ON 19TH AND 20TH JULY AT BROOMLEY GRANGE OUTDOOR RESIDENTIAL AND ACTIVITY CENTRE, NORTHUMBERLAND FOR A TWO-DAY ASH BASKET MAKING WORKSHOP!
Daniel Sams is a craft tutor, basket maker and coppice worker based in the North East of England. He has over 30 years experience of woodwork and he has been working with wood since childhood. He aims to create products that are beautiful and unique using ethically and locally sourced natural materials. A strong admirer of American Ash Pack Baskets he decided to pursue the art of making Ash splint baskets, and is dedicated to sharing the skills and knowledge of this craft.
ABOUT ASH SPLINT BASKETRY
The technique of weaving baskets out of strips of wood from the Ash tree is common in the North Eastern United States. In the past, strips of the Black Ash tree were used to make tough containers that could hold up to the demanding needs of the trappers, hunters and farmers of the Adirondack mountains. Today, Ash can still be used to create durable containers suitable for the needs of modern lifestyles whilst minimising plastic use and providing a real link to the past. In the UK Dan uses wood splints from Fraxinus Excelsior, the Ash Tree commonly available in the UK.
Splint basketry involves the process of pounding the Ash to make splints. This crushes the spring growth between the denser summer growth rings these are then lifted carefully off the log in long strips. The splints are then shaved smooth with a sharp knife and cut into the required widths for weaving. The splints that come off the log are of naturally varying thickness, and these different thicknesses are used in different parts of the basket.
DAY 1 - SATURDAY 19th JULY 2025
Time: 10:00-16:00
On the first day you will learn how to select your chosen Ash logs, how to bash the logs to lift the splints and then prepare the splints for weaving.
DAY 2 - SUNDAY 20th JULY 2025
Time: 10:00-16:00
On the second day you will weave a hexagonal weave Ash splint basket. If there is any time left at the end, you can practice with bashing logs and lifting splints to take home with you.
FURTHER DETAILS
This will be a labour intensive workshop and participants need to have good hand eye coordination and dexterity as we will be working with sharp tools. We will do our best to ensure that all risks are avoided but participants are responsible for their own safety when using sharp tools and equipment.
Lunch on both days will be provided, cooked over a fire pit, and refreshments (water, tea, coffee, juice) will be provided on both days.
This workshop will take place outdoors where possible so please dress for all types of weather conditions and make sure you bring hats and sunscreen to protect from the heat.
ACCOMODATION
Camping is provided at £12 per person per night which is paid separately. Please indicate on the booking form if you require camping and you will be contacted to arrange this
For details on Camping at Broomley Grange, please visit:
www.broomleygrange.co.uk/accommodation--camping.html
HOW TO BOOK
Tickets cost £175 pp
Tickets can be purchased via the Shop section of my website: www.daniel-sams.com
There are a maximum of 6 places available.
Please specify when booking if you will require camping. You will be contacted separately to make payment for camping.
Also check out other Workshops in Horsley, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Horsley.
