We’re very excited to announce the return of our Sustainable Sympathy Course for 2025. Returning too is award winning willow coffin weaver Sophia of Woven Farewell Coffins! Sophia began working with willow as part of her own bereavement support in 2012. Six years on and one epiphany later, Woven Farewell Coffins was born. Making coffins combines Sophias passion for willow, ecological practices and support of family-centric funerals.
You will have the opportunity to weave your own willow coffin lid as part of this course. Taking away your coffin lid will give you a great backdrop / prop for your future sympathy designs. Sophia talks knowledgeably about the industry as well as showing you how she weaves a coffin, you can experience this too.
You will of course also learn and create foam free floral designs. Using moss, twine and willow we encourage you to explore the benefits of using sustainable sympathy techniques. You will have the opportunity to work with both flowers and planted material, adding depth to your portfolio as well as to your skill set. We advise you on the most suitable arrangements for both formal and informal services. We explain in detail the best way to approach the business side of sympathy flowers covering; funeral director collaboration the do and don’ts, working with a grieving family, costing and quotation and how to market your sustainable sympathy business.
We have a finished willow casket created by Sophia here in school for you to dress and take those all important portfolio images. Your work will be shot by our professional photographer in order that we capture the beauty of your flowers amongst the backdrop of Levens Hall.
During your three days here with us you will create a large casket piece, a hand tied sheaf, a large wreath and a basket design. We will demonstrate a garland and how to attach this to a woven coffin.
Only British flowers and foliage supplied by local Cumbrian and British growers will be used on this course.
This course is not restricted to experienced florists, we welcome anyone wanting to learn a more sustainable method of sympathy flower designs.
Course Price – £1550
Deposit payment – £500
A deposit of £500 is required to secure your place, the balance payment is taken 8 weeks prior to the course start date.
For information on places to stay during your course please visit Recommended Accommodation.
Please read our Payments, Cancellations & Refunds Policy prior to booking.
