Connect with the seasonal plants around you through exploration of the art of weaving.
This two hour guided workshop will take you on an introductory foraging walk of local surroundings, and instruct you in the practice of weaving. You will create a number of textile art pieces that reflect the environment and season you are in.
Watch this reel to see what the workshop looks and feels like.
Note: this is a shorter two hour evening session. If you would like a longer workshop, see Sunday 24th May in Hackney Wick or Sunday 19th July in Walthamstow.
Images: 1. Freshly foraged materials from nature, including branches, grasses and flowers; 2. Weaving options including a freehand weave, cardboard loom, branch loom, and experimental branch loom.
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Time: 2 hour session
Cost: £20 (plus, see pay it forward + bring-a-friend tickets)
Date: Wednesday 24th June 2026. 6pm-8pm.
Location: Meet at Mile End underground station. Session will be led in Mile End Park.
Group size: maximum 8 -
⇾ What weaving is
⇾ Appropriate materials and equipment for this practice
⇾ Techniques involved in weaving, and specifically those using nature’s materials
⇾ Seasonal plant signs and introduction to plants found within and around the session area
⇾ Foraging best practice and safety considerations -
⇾ Guidance on the art and function of weaving
⇾ All finished works are yours to keep
⇾ All required loaned tools and additional materials (snips, secateurs, loom, sundry materials, gloves)
⇾ An insight and built connection with the local environment and seasonal planting
⇾ A follow-up PDF guide with all covered information and additional resources
Images: A couple of workshops held along the Parkland Walk and into Queen’s Wood (Highgate) in 2022, highlighting the variety of nature’s materials to forage and weave in cardboard and branch looms.
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Meeting at Mile End underground station, we’ll take a stroll north through Mile End Park where we'll find our session spot. This essentially takes as long as the group dynamic prefers, but I benchmark around one hour to give opportunity to truly notice and reflect on the surroundings. In situ, you’ll first be introduced to foraging guidelines and best practice.
We’ll come to a place where some time will be spent introducing you to weaving and appropriate materials.
You will then have the remainder of the time to explore and forage materials for your woven nature creations. There will be opportunity to create various freestyle options, all shown by instruction, and dependent on your wants for the session. All works are yours to keep. Materials will be provided, and inspiration will be given to help you in presenting and storing your work.
Once the session has finished, we’ll part ways so we won’t finish where we started. As we're heading north, you can either backtrack and return to Mile End station, or catch a bus elsewhere. If you are cycling and would prefer to have your bike close to the finish, please email me and I can give you detailed location information.
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Please note, this is not a fabric weaving session. We will be using materials on offer by nature, for instance grass stems and leaves, to build up a woven piece, but it will not be functional in the usual textile sense.
You will be guided through various weaving options, including a technique to create your own looms, and then the time is yours to use in exploration, with on-hand support.We will cover:
⇾ A simple cardboard loom
⇾ Branch frame loom
⇾ Freehand weaving (on sticks, rocks, card) -
You will receive a confirmation email with location details and reminders of all of this information.
*I operate a Pay-It-Forward model. This means that you can purchase an additional ticket to support someone on low income or referred through an art therapy route. You can simply purchase a ‘pay-it-forward’ ticket, or make a donation that will be used towards a full ticket cost for future use by someone.
Images: An example of a branch loom, example of how to start off a freehand weave, a spontaneous branch loom, and a traditional wooden lap loom weave using nature’s materials.
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This session does involve walking to the main session location, however, the route will be accessible for wheelchair users. There could be some uneven ground due to the towpath and park paths.
The usual gathering place offers picnic bench seating and a grassy park. I’ll have a blanket with me to put on the ground.
Dexterity is required to get the most out of weaving, however, there are weave options with wider spacing to aid in the movement so support can be given.
Foraging does require dexterity and some bending or reaching. I will be available to guide and give support with this, along with providing tools i.e. snips. If you have specific hand tools you like to use for gardening, please bring them along. I will endeavour to find suitable spots that will support your enjoyment of the practice of foraging.
Gardening gloves will be provided to allow you to forage safely. They are cotton and rubber. I’ll also have nitrile gloves. If you have your own, or have specific textile allergies, please do bring them to aid in your comfort.
The session will be completed in English. If you are hearing impaired, you are welcome to attend; I will be able to practically show you the art and can give you a handout on the instructions, though please note it will be difficult when walking to and from the session to provide personal support due to the narrowness of paths and giving overall group support.
This session is aimed at adults, due to the focus required (13+ year old teenagers are welcome). If you would like to bring your child along, please email first to check capacity.
We will be operating outdoors. Some shelter under trees could be found, but please be aware that it is your responsibility to dress appropriately for the weather - whether rainy or sunny. See below section on ‘cancellations’.
If you have any concerns or requirements upfront, please email hello@stephaniesteele.co.uk
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⇾ I am DBS certified.
⇾ I am emergency outdoor first aid trained and will carry a first aid kit.
⇾ Toilets will be available during our foraging bit and close to the main area.
⇾ We won’t finish where we start, but guidance can be given to help you orient yourself! -
Weather: If the weather is due to be stormy, then I will email to give updates on required clothing or cancellation. Unfortunately this is a case-by-case basis, but I will aim to give you two days notice. You can then choose to book onto a new date, I’ll create a session especially for the group, or you can receive a full refund.
Personal: If you are unable to attend for personal reasons, please respect that I am a sole business owner and give at least two days notice. If you do not cancel with good reason in time, you will not be eligible for a refund.
Covid: If you contract Covid-19 and have a positive lateral flow or PCR, I can provide a full refund (minus booking fees). Please still give notice as this helps me book up the slot.
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It’s tricky to provide a ticket cost that appears valuable but also covers realistic costs. Your payment covers materials (around £4 per person), payment processing fees, and my labour both in facilitating the session and all time beforehand prepping materials, which in this case is around £7 per hour per person.
If the cost is inaccessible to you (honestly, I get it) please do reach out on hello@stephaniesteele.co.uk as I operate a pay-it-forward model and can discretionarily provide a free or discounted spot.
Images: A workshop in September 2023, with foraging along the River Lea towpath, and many branch loom variations made showcasing the array of plants in late summer.
Find more images on Instagram.