Jenny Lewis

A number of Association Members turned up to learn the art of skep-making with Bryce Reynard, an expert skep-maker, on a cold Sunday in November.

Bryce had laid out all the materials he uses and explained the traditional materials and methods used to make skeps, along with many examples of skeps, baskets, cut-comb container holders, honey-jar holders and even a three-tiered afternoon tea cake stand.

Starting to make a skep was probably the most difficult part but Bryce patiently helped us.  We started to make what resembled coasters, which then developed into dish plates, then shallow bowls, and eventually  the skeps began to take shape.

The schedule was from 10am to 4pm and some of us worked at a relaxed pace while others went at it feverishly to get the skeps completed before time was called.  Needless to say, we all purchased a needle and took a sheaf of long straw away with us to finish the skeps later …

Overall a fantastic day was had by all and we certainly enjoyed learning a new skill from someone with a huge depth of knowledge on the subject.

Jenny Lewis