Rattan Basket Weaving Workshop

Learn the soothing art of working with rattan at this weaving class in Hackney Wick.



4 hours Class size 1 to 6 guests    

  £115 (£20 per class surcharge applies for private classes)
London Activities
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Craft
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Textiles
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Weaving Experience Gifts
If you're looking for new things to try in London, why not give basket weaving a go? In this 4-hour workshop, you'll learn how to weave your very own rattan basket, plant pot or fruit bowl. You'll master the traditional art of rattan weaving, creating a beautiful, handcrafted item to proudly display in your home.
Don't worry if you've never tried basket weaving before - this beginner-friendly class is designed to welcome crafters of all levels. You'll be guided through each step of the process, ensuring you feel confident and supported as you explore this timeless craft.
As you settle into the cosy atmosphere of our Hackney Wick studio, you'll be introduced to the natural, tactile world of rattan. You'll learn about this versatile material and the various techniques used to shape it into functional and attractive forms.
By the end of the class, you'll have acquired a new skill that connects you to generations of artisans. More than just a fun activity, this workshop offers a chance to slow down, engage your senses, and create something truly unique with your own hands.
You'll leave not only with a beautiful, handmade basket but also with a sense of accomplishment and a newfound appreciation for this age-old craft.

Please note: Public dates for this class require at least 2 guests to run. In the unlikely event that we don't reach this number, we may cancel the session; if that happens, we'll inform you and let you choose between a refund or reschedule, so please watch your email/SMS one day prior to the class.

Upcoming dates for Rattan Basket Weaving Workshop

Times are London time. Dates and prices as of 9 Oct 2026, 10:25pm; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

4 upcoming dates between 12 Dec 2026 and 27 Mar 2027.

  • Sat 12 Dec 2026, 10:30am-2:30pm
  • Sat 9 Jan 2027, 10:30am-2:30pm
  • Sun 14 Feb 2027, 10:30am-2:30pm
  • Sat 27 Mar 2027, 1:30pm-5:30pm
What you'll get
  • All materials and tools needed for the workshop
  • A completed handcrafted rattan basket, plant pot, or fruit bowl to take home
Read more details   
Suitable for

This class is perfect for beginners - no prior experience is needed.

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, birthday or hen do.

This experience would also be a fun gift for her, gift for mum, Xmas gift or gift for couples.

Location

Homerton

Exact location is masked for privacy. You'll automatically get the specific address after booking.

Your teacher can also travel within 3 miles of Homerton, to a venue of your choice for a private class.

Rattan Basket Weaving Workshop location
Verified reviews


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Recent reviews of Rattan Basket Weaving Workshop

  • 5/5 from Entalina Huynh, attended Sep 2026: I booked a private workshop with Elena combining weaving onto my ceramic bowl. Elena was very thorough & patient in guiding me with the rattan techniques. The workshop was very enjoyable, I learnt so much. I would highly recommend this private workshop where you can book for a group of people, which is lovely if you have a creative group of friends. Thank you for being a wonderful teacher Elena. I love my little bowl.
  • 5/5 from Emma Martin, attended Apr 2026: My mother and I had a wonderful day weaving our basket. Elena was an excellent teacher. She was so welcoming with great clear advice and techniques. We went home feeling very proud of our creations and excited to try more. The studio and area are very cool, there are lots to do around there after the class. Highly recommend.
  • 5/5 from Sarah Halpin, attended Apr 2026: Such a lovely and relaxing workshop, thank you Elena.
  • 5/5 from Lucas, attended Mar 2026: Loved this class with Elena. There were 5 which was a really nice number to make it sociable but allowing lots of attention and coaching from Elena with each of us. The time flew by but was enough to create something of our choice and of character. Would highly recommend as an affordable yet engrossing and rewarding experience. Elena's personal touch and engagement was lovely and really enriched the whole experience. Thank you!
  • 5/5 from Chris Theodorou, attended Mar 2026: Therapeutic, Highly recommend many thanks
  • 5/5 from Chris Cheung, attended Jan 2026: The class was excellent, I really enjoyed learning to weave my own plant pot. Elena the instructor was friendly, attentive and very experienced in basket weaving. I would highly recommend this class and Elena. The only issue I had was finding the venue maybe it would be beneficial to provide future participants more detailed and clearer information of the route from the Hackney Wick station.
  • 5/5 from Alixandria Wolfe, attended Jan 2026: This workshop was really lovely. Elena is super informative around the basic techniques you need to know create a great basket. She’s patient and really makes sure everyone’s will have a great piece at the end. 10 out of 10, highly recommend!
  • 5/5 from Audrey Hutt, attended May 2025: An enjoyable workshop in good surroundings everyone came out with high quality results from the accomplished tutor!
  • 5/5 from Daniel Mariño, attended May 2025: Elena is an excellent teacher! Kind, patient and very knowledgeable. We highly recommend this workshop.
  • 5/5 from Lucy Proszynska, attended Mar 2025: Great teacher and a good amount of time to properly learn
  • 5/5 from Susan Moses, attended Mar 2025: Great teacher - loved my basket!
  • 5/5 from Gemma Adley, attended Feb 2025: Elena was fantastic, her instructions were clear, she was very patient and knew just when to step in and help hands on and when to give you tips to make improvements for yourself. We're so impressed with what we managed to make in just a few hours as complete beginners. A great way to spend a Sunday morning. Thank you Elena!
  • 5/5 from Li-Ann Chong, attended Jan 2025: Elena was an amazing teacher and our little group had a wonderful time learning from her. She was patient and keen for us to succeed. Rattan is a beautiful material to work with and it wasn’t too difficult for us beginners. We came away with pieces we were very glad to have made!
Your teacher

Elena Vela Rey
Elena Vela Rey

5.0 (13)
female Women-owned

MY CRAFT JOURNEY
Hi, I’m Elena, the artist and designer behind Vela Studio. My practice brings together contemporary art, traditional craft and design, with a focus on basketry, sculptural weaving and natural materials.
My journey with craft began in 2017, when I left my career as an Art Director in Madrid to travel across Asia. During that year, I learned basketry and traditional making techniques from craftspeople in Malaysia, Cambodia, Bali, and Laos, and, more recently, explored local fibres and weaving traditions during an artist residency in Guatemala.
I later studied Art & Contemporary Craft at West Dean College, West Sussex, where I developed my techniques and began exploring more sculptural and experimental forms of weaving. I’m now continuing this exploration through an MA in Textiles at the Royal College of Art.
Vela Studio grew from this journey — bringing together everything I love about materials, making, experimentation and sharing that knowledge with others.
MY APPROACH
My work sits between basketry, sculpture and textile art. Rattan is the material I return to most, often combining it with wool, raffia, grasses, esparto grass, rope, ceramics and other natural or unexpected materials.
I’m interested in taking traditional techniques beyond their expected forms — when a basket becomes sculpture, weaving moves into space, or different materials come together to create something new.
That same spirit runs through my workshops: learn the technique, understand the material, then make it your own.
MY EXPERIENCE
For the past four years, I’ve taught basketry and creative workshops to complete beginners, artists and designers, as well as private groups and companies.
My background spans 17+ years in art direction and design, almost a decade exploring basketry and craft through travel and study, and formal training at West Dean College. I’m currently continuing my practice through an MA in Textiles at the Royal College of Art.
WHY I LOVE TEACHING
What I love most about teaching is seeing people move from “I don’t know how to do this” to making something completely their own.
My workshops give you the foundations of a technique, alongside the freedom to experiment with materials, colour, texture and form. It’s not about making something perfect or identical to everyone else’s.
It’s about slowing down, working with your hands and discovering what happens when you give yourself permission to explore.
No previous experience is needed — just curiosity.
London Activities
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Craft
•
Textiles
•
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class 0 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 1 production london London London GB london