Willow Swift Weaving Workshop with Christiane Gunzi

During this workshop, you’ll learn how to shape and weave natural English willow into charming swift bird forms. Using willow grown on the Somerset Levels, you’ll be guided through handling and preparing the rods, constructing the bird’s frame, and applying a simple traditional weave to complete your design. Along the way, you’ll also discover how and where willow grows, how it’s harvested and prepared, and explore the rich heritage of traditional basketmaking.

You’ll leave with a beautiful handmade willow bird and the confidence to explore more creative weaving projects.

Places are limited, so be sure to book in advance. Your ticket includes entry in to the Garden.

About Christiane Gunzi:

Christiane Gunzi has been making baskets for 20 years and teaching basketry for 10 years. Based in East Sussex, she creates traditional and contemporary pieces from willow, rush, birch and other natural materials. Trained at City Lit in London with a City & Guilds Level 3 in Basketry, she is inspired by the patterns and textures found in nature and often works with materials foraged near her home.

Christiane runs friendly basket-weaving workshops in Sussex for beginners and improvers, and her work has been exhibited across London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. She is a member of The Basketmakers’ Association and The Basketry Collective, and since Summer 2023 has taught willow on the two year Basketry Course and one year Advanced Basketry Course at City Lit College, Covent Garden.