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) (PayPal Pay in 3 available)
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.
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 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
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Your teacher

Elena Vela Rey
Elena Vela Rey

5.0 (12)
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
•
Craft
•
Textiles
•
Weaving Experience Gifts

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class 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 1 production london London London GB london