Willow bark pouch (Ōtautahi)

Learn to harvest, prepare, and weave willow bark in this workshop. Create a durable handmade pouch and gain the skills to continue willow-bark weaving at home.
Wooden tool in a willow bark pouch on a wooden surface
Wooden tool in a willow bark pouch on a wooden surface

Location

Canterbury WEA Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch, New Zealand

Duration:

4h
$130.00 NZD per person
$130.00 NZD
About This Experience
  • Sunday 30 August: 9.30am-1.30pm
  • Saturday 21 November: 10am-2pm

Learn about the process of harvesting and preparing willow bark for weaving, then make a small, durable pouch ideal for holding secateurs or other tools. You’ll explore how to process the bark before weaving it into a strong, functional form using traditional techniques. Once dry, willow bark becomes stiff, robust, and long-lasting — a beautiful natural material that can serve you for many years. You’ll leave with a practical handmade pouch and the confidence to continue experimenting with willow bark weaving at home.

Please note

  • All materials and tools will be provided
  • Gloves – Please bring close-fitting garden grip type gloves, as they help with grip and protection. Loose or baggy gloves can be a hazard.
  • Footwear – Closed-in footwear is essential.
  • Optional – Please bring secateurs if you have them.
  • Food & Drink – Bring a water bottle to keep hydrated, and any food or snacks you may need over the course of the workshop. To observe tikanga, we ask that no food or hot drinks are consumed in the work space, a separate area will be available for breaks.
  • This workshop is for adults aged 18 and over who can work safely without direct supervision with very sharp hand tools, or for young people aged 16–17 who can meet the same safety requirements and attend with a supervising adult. Please note that if a young person attends, two workshop places must be purchased (one for the young person and one for the accompanying adult).

Cancellation

Bookings are non-refundable. If for any reason (this includes illness, travel delays, and injuries) you need to cancel your workshop, you will receive a refund minus a $30 administration fee. This is provided you contact us at least 14 full days before your booking.

Please see our Cancellation Policy for more details.

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We are grateful to be able to offer this workshop because of support from Creative New Zealand.

Your Host

Host image

Diana Duncan

Having studied fashion design and worked in clothing repairs and alterations, Diana has always enjoyed creative design and problem-solving. Her desire to tread lightly on the earth and conserve its resources found a natural home in the materials she grows and forages for her weaving practice. In recent years, Diana has focused on willow growing and weaving. In 2026, Diana will be teaching her new willow-bark pouch workshop, frame basket, and wreath, hosting monthly basket-making sessions, and continuing to lead the group that cares for our basket-willow coppice. swampcitybasketry