The Oval Tray Course and Kit

This was a fun project! I struggled a bit with the reeds. Perhaps I didn’t soak them long enough? Ended up used at least three quarters of them for the one basket. Maybe I should have filled the bag back up with water? Regardless, I am so happy with the results and will definitely try another project!!

Hi Team, the reason for my low rating is disappointing quality of the willow. We have soaked the branches as instructed and then some and the willow quality was medium to low. Most branches did not withstand the banding and maneuvering. Some branches did well but most of the broke off way too soon. The weaving time therefore was very frustrating. The recorded training was great and very helpful. Only the quality of the material was not. We made four baskets but wasted a lot of material as it would break prematurely. Same branch would bend well in one spot but in another was too brittle and break.

The oval tray course and kit led me through my first time weaving willow. As per the very good instructions both written and on video: Soak your willow for the appropriate amount of time! Haha. I got excited a couple days early and had some struggles with pliability. But even with some of my broken pieces, the kit comes with enough material to make two full size oval trays. The videos are excellent. It’s the next best thing to in-person instruction.