13 - 18 JUNE 2025
WILLOW BASKETRY
WITH MAI HVID JORGEnSON
Ancient craft for modern life
“Willow is a fantastic material; natural, perishable, and it can be processed with simple tools. The joy of weaving is what I try to pass on to others when I teach.”
- Mai Hvid Jorgensen
Discover the art of willow basketry in this immersive five-day course led by Mai Hvid Jorgensen, a master weaver with a passion for arts and crafts. Working with natural willow, you will explore the interplay between rhythm and technique, uncovering how these elements shape strong and functional basketry. Willow, a versatile and sustainable material, has been used in basketry for centuries due to its flexibility and strength.
Focusing on small-scale creations, the course is designed to encourage experimentation and creativity. You’ll learn to manipulate willow into various structures, each showcasing a unique balance of form and strength. Techniques will be introduced progressively, allowing each participant to work at their own pace. Regardless of prior skill, the course adapts to your capacities and encourages personal growth through hands-on practice.
Mai’s passion for teaching and sharing techniques of one of the oldest crafts makes her a perfect fit for Cerdeira. She believes in the power of hands-on learning and creating a supportive environment where participants can rediscover timeless traditions with a modern approach.
Set in the inspiring and natural environment of our village, this course invites you to reconnect with traditional crafts and embrace the creative process. By the end of the week, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of basketry techniques and unique creations to take home.
Mai Hvid Jorgensen fell in love with basketry in 1997. She lives in the forest south of Koege, in Denmark, where she grows her own willow, harvesting and using locally sourced materials. Mai specializes in creating functional baskets designed for modern homes, blending traditional techniques with contemporary needs. In 2002, she founded her own business, Skovens Pileflet.
Throughout the year, Mai shares her love for the craft by leading workshops across Europe, passing on her expertise and enthusiasm for making. She also participates in fairs and markets. Her approach to teaching is deeply rooted in a respect for traditional skills, quality craftsmanship, and connection to nature, making her a perfect fit for Cerdeira.
Know more about Mai’s work here.
BASKETRY COURSE details
COURSE PROGRAM:
Request the full program by email to artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com
SCHEDULE:
June 13th:
from 3 pm: Accommodation and check-in of participants
5 pm: Reception at the studio and presentation of the group and trainers
7:30 pm: Welcome dinner at Casa das Artes
June 14th-18th:
course from 10 am to 6 pm, with a two-hour lunch break
June 19th:
Until 11 am: check-out from accommodation
CONDITIONS:
Deadline for enrollment: 13th April 2025.
Special discount for our community members for registrations until March 22th, 2025
THE COURSE FEE INCLUDES:
Training 5-6 hours a day, spoken in English and Portuguese;
Lunch during the course, from June 14th to 18th;
Free accommodation at the hostel during the course (6 nights)*;
All the materials needed for the course;
Welcome dinner on the first day of the course;
*The hostel is equipped with two dormitories (female/masculine), a kitchen, two shared bathrooms. The booking includes towels and linen.
ACCOMMODATION UPGRADES AVAILABLE:
Upgrade to 6 nights in a standard schist house shared by 2 participants and breakfast at an additional cost of 420€/per participant. Includes shared room, equipped kitchen, towels, and bed linen.
Upgrade to 6 nights in a standard schist house for single occupancy by 1 participant and breakfast, with an additional cost of 600€/per participant. Includes single room, equipped kitchen, towels, and bed linen.
Please note that all accommodation options have limited availability and will be booked according to the order of registration and payment. For more information, contact artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com.
ENROLLMENTS AND MORE INFO:
artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com
+351 913 989 281*
*(call to national mobile network)
CANCELLATION POLICY FOR COURSES AND WORKSHOPS
You may withdraw within 14 days of registration, paying the correspondent transfer fees. Following the EU consumer protection legislation, payments are not refunded past 14 days of registration. The payment will be fully reimbursed if the training cannot be held because of insufficient students.
Suppose the training is canceled by Cerdeira - Home For Creativity for reasons of significant force such as a pandemic, civil disorder, a natural catastrophe, medical or family issues of the teacher, and others beyond our control. In that case, Cerdeira will offer a voucher for a different workshop of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years.
PAYMENT INSTALLMENT OPTIONS
You can pay for the course in up to 5 monthly installments, depending on the course. Payments are automatically deducted from your chosen payment method starting from the date you submit your registration form. Please be aware that additional costs for this service apply, depending on the selected installment plan. At checkout, after selecting your preferred option, make sure to review the total amount to be paid before completing your registration. Please note that if installment payments are not fulfilled within the established timeframe, your registration will be canceled without a refund of the amounts already paid.
If you have any questions, contact us at artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com.
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