To book, head over to: Central Scotland School of Craft.

Join master basket weaver Anna Liebmann for an Irish Skib Basket workshop as you learn to two weave over two welcoming and sociable days, developing core weaving skills through this elegant and practical form.

Working with soaked, flexible willow, you’ll begin by constructing the characteristic wheel like base before building up the shallow, open structure that gives the Skib its strength and balance. Throughout the process Anna will guide you through essential techniques including shaping, maintaining even tension and finishing a clean, durable border. The natural hues of different willow varieties allow subtle pattern to emerge within the weaving, helping you understand how structure and decoration work hand in hand. As your basket grows, you’ll gain a clear understanding of the principles that underpin many traditional basket forms, equipping you with skills you can carry into future projects.

Flat, wide and beautifully rhythmic in structure, the Skib is one of Ireland’s most recognisable baskets, with deep roots in rural domestic life. Traditionally woven from locally grown willow, it was used for straining and serving freshly cooked potatoes, often placed at the centre of the household meal before being washed and hung on the wall to dry, where its bold graphic pattern became part of the home itself. Known in different regions as a ciseog or sciob, the form reflects how closely basketry developed in response to local materials, landscape and daily routines.

This workshop is suitable for both beginners and improvers. If you are new to willow weaving, the Skib offers an excellent introduction to rhythmical weaving and structural making. For those with experience, it provides an opportunity to refine technique and deepen understanding of historic forms. Willow weaving is a physical activity and does require a reasonable degree of hand strength.

By the end of the weekend you’ll leave with a finished Irish Skib basket and the confidence to continue weaving independently, along with knowledge of suitable materials and an appreciation of how this enduring everyday object continues to inspire contemporary makers.

• All tools and materials are included in the Willow Basketry Summer School cost, but you are welcome to bring your own materials to try weaving with

• Tea and coffee are provided but participants should bring their own lunch and utensils

• All of our classes are suitable for over 16s, younger crafters may be accommodated if accompanied by a participating adult but please contact us before booking

• If the workshop you were looking at is fully booked drop us an email and we’ll add you to the waiting list. We will add extra dates to our most popular workshops too, join the mailing list to be the first to know

• All of our workshops are held at our accessible workshop at Craft Central, High Street, Dunblane, FK15 0EE.

• Deposit payments are available on this course. 50% deposit secures your space, and the remaining balance is due three weeks before the course commences.

• If you need to cancel or reschedule your workshop we need at least three weeks notice. Please read our cancellation policy before booking