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Close‑up of hands trimming willow rods during coffin weaving workshop, showcasing skills and technique

Learn the art of willow casket weaving in Chicago

16th - 20th September 2026

Five-day immersive course teaching traditional willow casket weaving techniques

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Designed for those interested
in eco-friendly funeral options, community involvement, and traditional, meaningful craft connected to end-of-life care. 

This course offers a grounded, beautiful way to create something that holds both love and release.

Blending craft, care,
and community for a deeply meaningful learning experience.

Over five days, in a beautiful setting just six miles outside the city of Chicago in North Riverside, this intimate willow casket‑making course offers just six participants the chance to learn in a calm, spacious setting with exceptionally high tutor support.

 

You’ll be guided step‑by‑step through the full process of weaving a natural, biodegradable casket, gaining confidence through close attention and hands‑on practice.

 

Using willow grown locally in Wisconsin by Tiffany who is also assisting the course.

16th - 20th September 2026

North Riverside, IL
9am – 5pm daily • limited to 6 participants

Investment: $3,500

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Your teachers

Sophia Campbell‑Shaw teaching willow coffin weaving in Devon

Sophia Campbell-Shaw

Founder, Woven Farewell

Course Lead Tutor

Sophia began learning basketry as part of her bereavement support in 2012.

Six years on, in combination with another bereavement, her firstborn and a "life's too fleeting not to do what we love!" epiphany, Woven Farewell Coffins was born.

Tiffany Noelle Johnson

Founder of We Too Shall Pass

Course Assistant & Local Host

Tiffany Noelle Johnson is the founder of We Too Shall Pass, where she guides individuals and families through life’s most tender thresholds with clarity, compassion, and deep presence.

 

As an educator, she supports people to reclaim knowledge, agency, and confidence around death, grief, and meaningful ritual. Her work as a death doula centres on emotional support, practical planning, and gentle companionship for both the dying and their loved ones.

 

Tiffany is also a skilled willow casket maker, crafting biodegradable vessels that honour the earth and are woven using willow from her willow farm. She is also cofounder of Wally’s Hearth, an emerging nonprofit home for the dying rooted in dignity, comfort, and community care.

 

Through all her roles, she weaves together craft, care, and community to help others meet endings with dignity and connection.

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Five Days of Hands-On Making

9am start · Lunch 1–2pm · Finish 5pm

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Day 3
Beginning the Lid

  • Introduction to lid structure and how it relates to the finished casket

  • Preparing the frame and beginning the first stages of lid weaving

  • Techniques for maintaining strength, alignment, and clean edges

  • Fixing the hemp rope handles

  • Continuing and deepening the understanding and rhythm of the waling and french randing

  • Folding down the uprights to form the rod border

Day 2
Weaving the Sides
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Day 5
Finishing Touches

  • Plaiting around the lid and adding decorative or structural finishes

  • Attaching fixtures and ensuring the full piece is secure and well‑balanced

  • If time allows, lining the casket and discussing approaches to natural interiors

  • Closing reflections and gentle tidy‑down

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Day 1
Introduction & Beginning the Sides

  • Welcome, orientation, and an introduction to willow as a material

  • Overview of the casket form, structure, and the weaving approach we’ll follow

  • Preparing materials and setting up workstations

  • Beginning the base layout and starting to build the sides - learning traditional  basketry weaves such as waling and french randing

  • Continuing the lid weave with hands‑on support and refinement

  • Adjusting tension, shaping, and finishing details

  • Ensuring a snug, well‑fitting lid that complements the body of the casket

Day 4
Working on the Lid
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Sophia is an exceptional teacher.

 

"The five‑day willow coffin course was one of the most meaningful learning experiences I’ve ever had. She creates such a calm, supportive atmosphere, and the small group size meant I always felt guided and never rushed.  I left Woven Farewell Coffins workshop feeling very honoured. Honoured by nature, ecological conservation and the passing of life."

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Investment & Booking

Each place costs $3,500, with a non-refundable deposit of $800 required to secure your spot.

The remaining $2700 balance is due after 60 days of deposit payment.

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Payment plans can be available on request.

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What's included:

  • Five full days of expert-led tuition (two tutors for six students)

  • All materials, including sustainably grown Wisconsin willow

  • Your completed willow casket to take home

  • A supportive, intimate learning environment

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Cancellation Policy

Frequently asked questions

Cancellation Policy

A non‑refundable deposit of $800 is required to secure your place on the course. If you choose to cancel your booking, the deposit cannot be refunded, as places are extremely limited and preparation begins well in advance.

 

If we must cancel a course due to our own illness or severe weather conditions, we will offer an alternative date or course within the current course calendar. If the alternative is not suitable for you, we will provide a full refund of all fees paid, including the deposit.

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