Welcome to Willowtwisters

Willowtwisters was established in 2001 by Sara Holmes.

Sara works from Pirbright in Surrey. She is one of a small number of self taught pioneers of willow as a sculpture medium and is now an expert in her field.  She works on private and public commissions and runs courses and workshops in person and online. She continues to develop her art using natures resources. Her long connection with the natural environment is where she draws her ideas and inspiration.

Sara runs courses in willow sculpture throughout the year. Many students have travelled long distances to attend Sara’s courses, some as far as Italy, Romania and France, staying in local B&B’s. Sara has also developed some very successful online courses taking willow sculpture to many students all over the world. 

 

 “I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from you and take away more of an insight into this wonderful art.”

Catherine  

 

What is Willow Sculpture?

Willow is a truly wonderful, natural material to use creatively. It is very versatile and can be used to create many beautiful things from baskets and decorative craft to sculpture. 
As a medium to create sculpture, Sara’s self-taught techniques have been developed over many years. They do not follow a prescribed set of rules as they use a combination of free weaving, sewing and binding skills to build and sculpt layers of willow creating the density and form of any desired shape. 
A gallery of Sara’s work shows what can be achieved with this beautiful, natural material with practise and experience.  
For gallery & commissions:

Workshops and courses

Set in picturesque, countryside in Surrey and West Sussex, Willowtwisters workshops offer an informal and relaxed atmosphere.  Students will spend an enjoyable day or two days of expert tuition from a skilled practising artist.  They will then take home their very own willow sculpture to adorn their outside or inside space.  

“Fabulous day yesterday at willow sculpture day… my friend and I loved it and proudly took home our sculptures… everyone should have a go… great fun… great lunch… thank you”

Gaby

 “Fantastic day with Sara and Hanna yesterday with lovely people all learning about this craft. Our group were amazed by what we were able to do with zero knowledge of this superb material, as we wove our way towards our finished sculptures. But it was the gentle praise, encouragement and guidance from Sara and Hanna that was the magic key to the success of our day. Take up this craft! You won’t be disappointed. Thank you guys for a most worthwhile day”

Angie

discus willow sculpture
“Such a fun day as always. My friends are already talking about who they can bring next year!”

Vicky

 

 

ONLINE COURSES IN WILLOW SCULPTURE

Sara has developed a range of online courses which have been accessed by students from all over the world!  Her online students have achieved some amazing results with students creating some wonderful sculptures. Do not think for a moment that an online course from Willowtwisters is in anyway inferior to a live course. Sara has devoted many hours to each one to ensure that no details of her techniques have been left out. 
The benefits of her online courses include:
  • CLEAR, CONCISE VIDEO TUTORIALS
  • LIFETIME ACCESS
  • WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN SPACE
  • PAUSE AND REWIND!
  • EXTENSIVE, DETAILED AND COMPREHENSIVE VIDEO TUTORIALS
  • DOWNLOADABLE WORKBOOKS
  • ONLINE SUPPORT-ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE SOCIAL MEDIA GROUP 
 
To book an online course:
OUR VIDEOS

SCULPTING AND CRAFTING WITH WILLOW – SCULPTING A WILLOW DEER

INTERESTED IN HEARING ABOUT OUR LIVE WORKSHOPS? ONLINE SCHOOL?

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