A two day workshop learning from Judy Simmonds how to create this beautiful french willow basket. This agricultural basket from the Dordogne region can take a lifetime to master and now Sarah know’s why!

Needing to be made with willow material in peak condition, demanding extreme finger strength and dexterity, requiring alot of determination and being in perpetual motion whilst making, creating this basket could be either utterly frustrating or with much practice stunningly medatitive and vital.

When teaching Sarah emphasises getting in tune with the material, exploring willow’s intrinsic nature. It’s all about connecting to strength, flow, flexibility, holding power with the willow and finding our balance. Two days learning the very beginnings of the Perigold has given Sarah a glimpse into how this basket is so in tune with the willow, how the very nature of willow belongs with this basket. In skilled, soulful hands this sculptural looking basket offers such functional and aesthetic appeal, it’s an eternal gift to the weaver. It may just take a lifetime to achieve making a stunning, proficient Perigord basket, but it would be a lifetime well spent. 2023.