Welcome to Willowtwisters
Willowtwisters was established in 2001 by Sara Holmes.
Sara works from Surrey and West Sussex. 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.
From Pirbright in Surrey and soon Plaistow in West Sussex, Willowtwisters run 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
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:
Forest school
If you have attended one of our willow sculpture courses you may well have been helped by Hanna, Sara’s daughter. As well as a competant willow crafter Hanna is also a practising Forest School Leader. Hanna offers Forset School sessions in and around Surrey and West Sussex.
Forest Schools are fun and educational. Many people are now becoming aware of the benefits of nature based play and how exploring & discovering with nature can encourage development across all areas of the Early Years and National Curricula.
Children who participate in Forest Schools on a regular basis are generally observed to be happier and more content with themselves . Getting mucky, cooking wild food on a fire and lighting the fire together helps children to learn skills and crafts that encourage confidence as part of their developement. Growing in competance they become better equipped at making decisions, taking calculated risks and problem solving.
Forest School is not only beneficial for the children but it is also provides a valuable insight for teachers. Being able to observe your class in a different setting allows you the teacher to gain a new perspective and understanding of your class.
“We must teach our children to smell the earth, to taste the rain, to touch the wind, to see things grow, to hear the sun rise and night fall – to care.” – John Cleal.
OUR VIDEOS
SCULPTING AND CRAFTING WITH WILLOW – SCULPTING A WILLOW DEER
INTERESTED IN HEARING ABOUT OUR LIVE WORKSHOPS? ONLINE SCHOOL?
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TESTIMONIALS
