Phantastic Baskets at Phantasie Organics

Posted on Monday, 05 October 2009 05:01PM by Geoff Forrest

I met Ralph Currie and Fi Porteous, two outstanding wood carvers, at the Royal Highland Show this year.  After listening to some outrageous stories and witnessing some fine woodworking it was suggested I might run a basketmaking course for them. Over the weekend of 19th and 20th September we held a beginners basket making course at Phantasie Organics, East Linton. Being a creative bunch they soon mastered the round bases and started making more and more adventurous designs. ‘I want to make an amphora shape’, is not a request I am used to on courses but that is exactly what Louisa did. Day two saw some wonderful bowl shaped baskets along with a visit to Ralph’s willow coppice and arboretum.