Willow Reindeer Online Course

The sculpture that brings willow to life

Willow is a wonderfully expressive material. Its natural flexibility allows you to shape and build form, capturing the movement and character of a living creature and creating a sculpture that feels full of life. Over many years of working with willow, I’ve found great enjoyment in exploring what this natural material can do, and sculpture has become a particularly rewarding part of my practice.

The Willow Reindeer is an opportunity to explore this for yourself. In this step-by-step online course, I’ll guide you through making your own willow reindeer, from the first beginning rods to the finished sculpture. Along the way, we’ll explore the fundamental techniques of willow sculpture, learning how to build form, create shape and bring character to your work.

I’ve been teaching willow sculpture through in-person workshops for over a decade, and it’s always been a pleasure to share this process with others. I’m delighted to now bring that experience online, so I can guide you through the project wherever you are in the world. Drawing on my years of making and teaching with willow, I’ll share the techniques, practical knowledge and little insights that help you understand the process and develop confidence in your own work.

With over 2 hours of detailed 4k video tuition, you’ll be able to see each stage of the process clearly, understand how the techniques work and follow along at your own pace. You can pause the videos, practise as you go and return to individual lessons whenever you need to.

As you work through the project, you’ll begin to understand how willow can be used to create form and structure, and how small adjustments can change the shape and character of your sculpture. These are techniques you can take with you into your own creative projects, giving you the confidence to experiment, try new things and explore your own ideas.

The course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some experience of working with willow. You don’t need any previous sculpture experience, just a willingness to have a go. I’ll guide you through the process step by step, helping you build your skills as you go. And because willow is a natural material, no two sculptures will be exactly alike. Part of the pleasure is learning to work with the material and discovering the character that emerges.

Learning online doesn’t mean learning alone. Alongside the course, you’ll have the opportunity to join our monthly live Zoom Q&A sessions, where you can ask questions, share your progress and get help with any techniques or stages you’re finding tricky. It’s a chance to connect with others learning the craft and get a little extra guidance along the way.

The course is available wherever you are in the world, so you can learn from the comfort of your own home, fitting the lessons around your own time and pace. You’ll also have lifetime access to the course, allowing you to revisit the lessons whenever you want to refresh your skills or work through the project again.

Your reindeer can also be adapted into a beautiful willow deer, making this a project you can enjoy well beyond Christmas. Whether you create a festive companion for your home or a sculpture to enjoy in your garden throughout the year, I hope you’ll discover just how rewarding it can be to bring something to life with willow.