Wendling Workshops
A Few Notes Before You Book
Workshops are intentionally small—typically 5–6 students—so each participant receives individual guidance.
For full-day classes, lunch is served at Heleny’s home next to the studio. It is simple and homemade—usually soup, salad, and fresh bread—and is included in the workshop fee.
You’ll receive an email from Heleny 2–3 days before your workshop with details on what to expect, what to bring, and what’s planned for lunch.
Beginner and returning students are welcome.
Cancellation + Access
Payment is required to reserve your spot. If plans change, you may cancel up to 14 days before the workshop for a 50% refund.
Workshops require a minimum of 3 students. If a class does not meet this minimum, it may be canceled and all participants will receive a full refund.
If cost is a barrier, please get in touch. A small number of reduced-rate spaces may be available.
Upcoming Workshops
A sturdy handwoven willow tray suited for breakfast and light meals adapted from Jenny Crisp a notable British weaver.
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This full day workshop focuses on building a willow breakfast tray adapted from Jenny Crisp a notable British weaver.
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Modified Catalan base
Tools will be provided:
Bodkin
Knife
Secateurs and clips
Measuring tape
Rapping irons
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Full Day Workshop: Saturday, April 4, 2026 9:30am- 4:30 pm
Vegetarian lunch included.
Cost: $125 + $15 materials
Class Size: 5 students
Payment is required to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the workshop start to receive a 50% refund.
This workshop is inspired by the Coddiwomplers of Norfolk, England—a wonderful and whimsical group of willow weavers known for their playful creations. They weave leaves, insects, hats, hearts, bunting, and many other imaginative forms from willow. Their willow leaves in particular are beautifully distinctive.
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Swallows are a classic form in basketry, and in this workshop we’ll explore the joyful side of willow weaving by creating birds and leaves of our own. These small sculptural pieces are expressive, light, and full of character.
Join me for a relaxed Sunday session of whimsical making as we shape willow into swallows and leaves—simple forms that celebrate movement, imagination, and the versatility of this remarkable material.
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Various techniques
Tools will be provided:
Bodkin
Knife
Secateurs and clips
Measuring tape
Rapping irons
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Half Day Workshop: Sunday, April 26, 2026 9:30am- 1 pm
Cost: $85
Class Size: 5 students
Payment is required to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the workshop start to receive a 50% refund.
Learn to make a tall handwoven willow garden obelisk designed to support climbing plants.
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Learn to make a tall handwoven willow garden obelisk designed to support climbing plants.
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Various techniques
Tools will be provided:
Bodkin
Knife
Secateurs and clips
Measuring tape
Rapping irons
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Full Day Workshop: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 9:30am- 4:30 pm
Vegetarian lunch included.
Cost: $125 plus $15 for materials
Class Size: 5 students
Payment is required to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the workshop start to receive a 50% refund.
SOLD OUT
Learn to make a tall handwoven willow garden obelisk designed to support climbing plants.
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Learn to make a tall handwoven willow garden obelisk designed to support climbing plants.
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Various techniques
Tools will be provided:
Bodkin
Knife
Secateurs and clips
Measuring tape
Rapping irons
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Full Day Workshop: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 9:30am- 4:30 pm
Vegetarian lunch included.
Cost: $125 plus $15 for materials
Class Size: 5 students
Payment is required to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the workshop start to receive a 50% refund.
What can you do with a pile of willow sticks?
In this relaxed, hands-on workshop, you’ll explore what’s possible together.
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In this half day hands-on parent and child workshop we might weave a flower—a buttercup, or something entirely your own.
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Working with willow you may create:
A fish—a minnow, a trout, maybe even a shark.
A leaf—thin and delicate, or full and sturdy.Or a bird—a long-winged swallow, or a small, round chickadee.
There’s no single outcome. The materials lead, and each pair finds their own way.
The weaving requires patience and a bit of persistence—working as a pair makes all the difference.
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Half Day Workshop
Sunday, May 23, 2026
9:30 AM – 1:00 PM (3.5 hours)Cost: $90 per pair (one adult and one child)
Ages 11+ (child must be accompanied by an adult)
Limited to 4 pairs
Payment is required to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the workshop start to receive a 50% refund.
Get ready to weave larger handled baskets with a border.
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A 2 day hands-on workshop focused on weaving large baskets with handles.
Day 1: base and put in the uprights
Day 2: side weave, border and handle. -
Various techniques
Tools will be provided:
Bodkin
Knife
Secateurs and clips
Measuring tape
Rapping irons
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2 Day Workshop: June 6 + 7, 2026 9:30am- 4:30 pm
Vegetarian lunch included.
Cost: $240 plus $25 for materials
Class Size: 5 students
Payment is required to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the workshop start to receive a 50% refund.
A traditional Irish willow basket with a long, practical history. Originally used to drain and serve potatoes, the skib is defined by its shallow form and the natural variation of willow in the base.
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Today, it works just as well as a serving tray, a shallow dish for fruit or vegetables, or for everyday use in the home. An enjoyable and approachable basket for both beginners or advanced students.
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Traditional skib construction
Working with different willow tones in the base
Shaping shallow forms
Tools will be provided:
Bodkin
Knife
Secateurs and clips
Measuring tape
Rapping irons
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1-Day Workshop: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Vegetarian lunch included.
Cost: $170 (includes materials and a vegetarian lunch served at Heleny’s home next to the studio)
Class Size: 6 students
Payment is required to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the workshop start to receive a 50% refund.
A traditional Irish willow basket with a long, practical history. Originally used to drain and serve potatoes, the skib is defined by its shallow form and the natural variation of willow in the base.
-
Today, it works just as well as a serving tray, a shallow dish for fruit or vegetables, or for everyday use in the home. An enjoyable and approachable basket for both beginners or advanced students.
-
Traditional skib construction
Working with different willow tones in the base
Shaping shallow forms
Tools will be provided:
Bodkin
Knife
Secateurs and clips
Measuring tape
Rapping irons
-
1-Day Workshop: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Vegetarian lunch included.
Cost: $170 (includes materials and a vegetarian lunch served at Heleny’s home next to the studio)
Class Size: 6 students
Payment is required to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the workshop start to receive a 50% refund.
Design and weave your own willow wall basket—made for everyday use. Hang it for plants, gather fruit and vegetables, or keep gloves and mittens by the door.
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This is an excellent class for beginners, and for those who want to strengthen their base-making skills. There is always room to refine the slath.
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Setting a strong base
Twining
Three-rod wale
Packing
Track border
Tools will be provided:
Bodkin
Knife
Secateurs and clips
Measuring tape
Rapping irons
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1-Day Workshop: Wednesday, August, 19 2026
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Vegetarian lunch included.
Cost: $170 (includes materials and a vegetarian lunch served at Heleny’s home next to the studio)
Class Size: 6 students
No experience needed. This is a good place to start and we love working with beginners.
Payment is required to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the workshop start to receive a 50% refund.
Design and weave your own willow wall basket—made for everyday use. Hang it for plants, gather fruit and vegetables, or keep gloves and mittens by the door.
-
This is an excellent class for beginners, and for those who want to strengthen their base-making skills. There is always room to refine the slath.
-
Setting a strong base
Twining
Three-rod wale
Packing
Track border
Tools will be provided:
Bodkin
Knife
Secateurs and clips
Measuring tape
Rapping irons
-
1-Day Workshop: Wednesday, August, 19 2026
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Vegetarian lunch included.
Cost: $170 (includes materials and a vegetarian lunch served at Heleny’s home next to the studio)
Class Size: 6 students
No experience needed. This is a good place to start and we love working with beginners.
Payment is required to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the workshop start to receive a 50% refund.
Design and weave your own willow wall basket—made for everyday use. Hang it for plants, gather fruit and vegetables, or keep gloves and mittens by the door.
-
This is an excellent class for beginners, and for those who want to strengthen their base-making skills. There is always room to refine the slath.
-
Setting a strong base
Twining
Three-rod wale
Packing
Track border
Tools will be provided:
Bodkin
Knife
Secateurs and clips
Measuring tape
Rapping irons
-
1-Day Workshop: Wednesday, August, 19 2026
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Vegetarian lunch included.
Cost: $170 (includes materials and a vegetarian lunch served at Heleny’s home next to the studio)
Class Size: 6 students
No experience needed. This is a good place to start and we love working with beginners.
Payment is required to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the workshop start to receive a 50% refund.
What Students Have Made
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