In this two day residential you will spend the first day weaving your pretty, round willow basket then on the second day you will make Natural soaps and beeswax balms to go into it. (Vegan option*)
Price is for two people in own accommodation. We do have one, one person option.
Date: Saturday 10th October 2026 10.30am to 1pm Sunday 11th October 2026.
Day One
Arrive at 11 am to spend the day with a small group of others learning to weave English willow into a basket that will last years. During this day you will discover two types of basket weave. A pairing weave for the base on the morning, then after lunch (bring a packed lunch) you will learn to weave using three-rod wale.
At the end of the basket weaving day, each learner gets 1:1 time with Di to learn how to finish off your basket with a fancy plaited effect border.
On the evening a pizza will be provided for you to cook on the wood fired pizza ovens as you chill around the covered fire circle.
Each couple (be it two friends, mother and daughter, sisters, brothers, couples etc.) will get their own tipi to stay in overnight. The tipis are made from wood and have wood burning stoves. Bedding and towels are provided.
There is a small off-grid shower and a proper loo.
A free on-site car park is available.
Day Two
We start at 9.30am on the Sunday morning with soap making, where you will make five bars of soap. All natural. You will create your own blends of botanicals, minerals and essential oils to create a selection of soaps to your own taste.
After morning break, guests return to the workshop to make a range of three lip, cheek and natural balms. Vegan options for the beeswax balms are available.
The final part of the weekend involves pinching some hay off our two sheep; Fred and Vera - to line your baskets before popping your natural toiletries inside!
You will leave with a Filled Gift Basket Hamper 100% Natural and 100% Made By You!
This course is aimed to inspired you to go natural and hand-made with gift giving going forward and Di will be on hand with any questions after the course.
What's provided...
Willow and tools
All materials and tools for soap and balm making
Pizza
Overnight private tipi with logs, fire lighters, and candles.
Bedding
Towels
Shower gel, kitchen kit (washing up stuff)
Refreshments - hot drinks and snackbars
What to bring to our Gift Basket residential...
Two packed lunches
A fun attitude
Cosy clothes
FREE GIFT: Book on our Gift Basket Retreat and Get My EBook 'How to Be More Self-Reliant, Naturally' for FREE (normally £9.99)
https://www.wildharvest.org/products/gift-basket-residential
You may also like the following events from Wild Harvest School of Self-Reliance:
- This April, 26th April, 11:30 am, Wild Medicine Day Course, Wild Harvest School, York - FULL in York
- This May, 3rd May, 11:30 am, Basket Weaving Day - York. FULL in York
- This May, 29th May, 11:00 am, Huntress Gatheress Retreat 2026 in York
Also check out other
Workshops in York.
