Crafty Basketry reviews

Jane reviewed: Crafty Basketry's basket making for beginners with Rattan or Stripped Willow - 2-day Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend course learning how to make a basket with Marianne. She is an excellent teacher, full of passion for her craft and making you feel at ease from the start. A lovely countryside location to spend a relaxing, creative weekend. I can not believe how beautiful my very own basket is and it has been much admired! Marianne has also provided useful follow up information if we want to pursue this mindful hobby at home. However I think I will book another course and bring my husband along next time!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"What a wonderful review, Jane! Thank you very much! Two-day courses are always such fun for me too, as I can share all the ins and outs of the craft with eager learners like yourself, who then end up with the most impressive baskets. I'm so proud of what you achieved, as you combined and made good use of some lovely coloured willow. So nice to hear that you've now enthused your husband to come along with you next time. Perhaps you could weave a lampshade, while he creates two plant supports. A win-win, ha, ha! I'll look forward to working with you both towards another amazing result. Thanks again, Jane."

Rachel reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Support (Obelisk or Cloche) at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden - Morning Course

"Lovely course making a willow obelisk in a beautiful setting. Marianne is keeping this craft alive and sharing her passion. I loved my obelisk ! "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks very much for your 5-star review, Rachel! I hope your plant support found a great place in your garden and things are beginning to grow up it now. I trust the notes I sent round were self-explanatory and you'll make a few more while following them. Have a great gardening year and hope to see you again sometime, and perhaps try your hand at making a lampshade, or even a basket. You were great fun, having you around on the course. All the best for now, Marianne"

Sue Cottrell reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Support (Obelisk or Cloche) at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden - Morning Course

"19/04/24 I completed the day course on making a basket. I found the course quite challenging for me but Marianne was patient and supportive throughout the day. She has an abundance of knowledge about the craft and I learnt a lot about the processes involved. I am happy that I managed to complete a basket. Thank you Marianne for all your support."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Sue! It was lovely to have you on board. You're so modest, as you made a massive basket; great size and shape and I love the colours. Well done, you! I hope you'll have a lot of pleasure, using your basket over the years."

Donna Young reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"I recently completed a one day basket weaving course with Marianne at the Cow Shed in Tenterden. I have to say, it was a full on day but so enjoyable! Basket weaving is quite hard work but Marianne was so friendly, patient and encouraging that I managed to keep going, and produce a basket that I was very proud of for my first attempt. Thank you Marianne for sharing your fantastic skills and for being such a wonderful teacher. I certainly would like to come back to try making something else as it's so satisfying when you finally achieve the finished object. "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review! It was a pleasure to show you all the ins and outs, Donna. I'm living the life, teaching people like you; so enthusiastic and eager to learn. Basket weaving is one of the more difficult projects, as it's a long process and it's quite particular, as the tensions need to be right to hold things and be strong. I think you may like the process of weaving a lampshade or plant support, as it's more playful. Lampshades can be made as an artform and won't need to be strong. You already know the main techniques, so it should be an enjoyable challenge. Look forward to working with you again soon."

Moyna Edmondson reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"This was without doubt the most rewarding, fulfilling and glorious way to spend a weekend. I did Marianne’s two day course and I wish I could have stayed two weeks. She is so patient and careful in how she guides you, just enough support to encourage self belief but on hand if you need more. I love my basket, so proud!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Moyna! What a wonderful review! So fantastic to hear that you wished it could've continued for longer. For me, it was just so amazing to see you enjoying yourself as much as I always do, weaving a basket. So can I challenge you to make a log basket next time? Or would you like to go for something a bit more playful and arty like a lampshade? So chuffed with your review! Thank you very much and see you again soon, I'm sure."

Peter Gillson reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"Marianne was a good teacher, explaining everything in a clear and enthusiastic way. It was a fun and educational day, both my wife and I came away with baskets we are proud of. We both recommend the course."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you very much for your 5-star review, Peter! I felt so flattered to hear that you planned your holiday in England around my Crafty Basketry course in Tenterden and not the other way around! You each made a great, sturdy basket to last you a lifetime. I hope you will have lots of fun, doing many more amazing craft courses in the future, now that you're both retired. Have fun and live life to the full!"

Debbie J reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Supports (Obelisk and / or Cloche) - Day Course in Winchelsea

"I can highly recommend the course with Marianne. I felt a huge sense of achievement with the plant support and cloche which I made. The day flew by, was great fun and I learnt so much. Marianne was so patient and supportive every step of the way."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Oh Debbie, I'm over the moon with your review and recommendation! Thank you so very much! It's always so good to hear that I'm getting it right. It means so much to me that people have the best experience and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I hope to see you again sometime, perhaps for a lampshade course? All the best for now, Marianne"

Claudia Carla Blunden reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Supports (Obelisk and Cloche) at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden - Day Course

"A great day focusing on a traditional art form in lovely surroundings with friendly people. You would be surprised what you can achieve with expert and encouraging tuition"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Claudia! Was so nice to have you on board again. I'm running out of ideas of what to challenge you with next, but perhaps a Harlequin tree would be an interesting project for you? Thank you very much and see you soon. All the best for now, Marianne"

Jane reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Supports (Obelisk or Cloche) - Morning Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

"Really enjoyed making my willow obelisk! Lovely weather meant that we could work outside in the sunshine. Nice small group, helpful instruction and a great creation to take home!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks for your review, Jane, and looking forward to teaching you how to weave a basket next. I will send you some dates of upcoming Lewes courses now. Thanks again very much. "

Kate Morton reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"We had the most wonderfully relaxing day with Marianne, making a basket that, even though I say so myself, looked remarkably good! Marianne made the day most enjoyable, with just the right amount of help when needed and there was lots of chatter and laughter. A very positive experience and I will do it again. "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review and recommendation, Kate! Fabulous basket you made with actually very little help from me. You picked up the techniques quite easily and were a joy to have on the course. Look forward to the next one with you. May I challenge you with the making of a lampshade, perhaps? :D"

Margarita South reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"wonderful course where I made my first but not last basket. Great venue, materials and teacher. Looking forward to doing more . Highly recommend ."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"So delighted with your recommendation, Margarita! Thank you very much. It was such fun, having you on board, so I'm looking forward to the next time at the Cowshed for perhaps a lampshade? I will bring different materials for you to try then too. Thanks again very much. All the best for now, Marianne"

Mandy Dietsch reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"A friend and I took part in this course last week and it was a thoroughly enjoyable day from start to finish. Marianne was a great tutor, explaining all about the history of basket making and the tools and materials involved. She was extremely patient even when I asked her to show me something for the umpteenth time! It was a very therapeutic day, concentrating on nothing but learning a new skill in beautiful surroundings was a real tonic. And at the end of it I went home with a lovely basket that I'll be proud to show off. Oh - and the cake provided was delicious! Thank you Marianne for a great experience "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Mandy! So chuffed with it! What a surprise to see you again, after all those years. You're still great company and so is your friend. I thought you both picked up the techniques so easily; you were both a pleasure to work with, so I hope to see you again very soon. All the very best for now. Marianne"

Jayne Carroll reviewed: Crafty Basketry's | Weaving Willow Plant Supports or Other | Day Private Course at Downe Village Hall

"Loved my Basket Weaving course, it was my birthday so a great way to celebrate, doing something for myself and having a basket at the end to remember it by. A fun day learning new techniques and having fun with friends. "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Great to hear you had a lovely time, Jayne! I'm looking forward to planning the next private course with you in rural Downe's characterful Village Hall."

Hilary reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Basket Weaving for Beginners - Day Course in Winchelsea

"Marianne is a very skilled basket weaver and glad to pass the traditional skills on. I enjoyed her course very much and she is a kind and patient teacher. I'm delighted with the basket I made with her help, which will last me decades."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Hilary! With each course you took part in, you set yourself a tremendous challenge; as an example, not to just make a basket, but to make an oval foraging basket in a day. The message in your email I'm also very grateful for, where you say: "I so enjoyed Marianne's basket-weaving one day workshops that I have now done three! Marianne is very patient and knowledgeable. She took the time to ensure I went home with 3 beautiful strong baskets that I'll love using forever! I now have the skills to try a simple one on my own and I've already made a Catalan platter." Hopefully our paths will cross again this new year, perhaps for a plant support course. All the very best for now! Marianne - Crafty Basketry"

Cathy reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Beginners Morning Course - Weaving an Autumn or Christmas Wreath, Tenterden

"I attended the course in Tenderden last weekend. Marianne was so helpful and showed a lot of patience with me! I am so proud of the wreath that I made and cannot believe that, in just three hours, I achieved this. I would highly recommend this course."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for this lovely review, Cathy! It was such a pleasure to have you there, beavering away! You were one of those who this just comes natural to, Cathy. It seems to be in your veins. Wonderful! I hope to see you again sometime and show you some more tricks of the trade. All the best for now. Have a wonderful Christmas and a Healthy, Creative and Exciting 2024. Marianne x"

Kate reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Lampshade - Day Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

"I found the willow lampshade course extremely relaxing and it was nice to have a finished object at the end of it all, though for me it was all about the process, the meditative, creative flow of weaving, which is like medicine for the soul. The time flew, and Marianne was on hand to help when I needed it."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your great review, Kate! So good to hear how you found it and that it had the same meditative effect on you as it always has on me. Great that you're already looking for your next course with me! See you again soon with more interesting techniques for you to soak up. "

Carrie French reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"Thoroughly enjoyed my first experience of making a basket thanks to Marianne's great teaching skills and patience. She is a very talented basket maker and looked after us very well. "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Carrie! Wonderful to hear your positive feedback. Would be great to see you again sometime. Perhaps for a wreath-weaving course on 16th December at the Cowshed, or for a plant support course in the New Year. All the very best for now, Marianne. "

Laura Ogilvie reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"Not my first course with Marianne. Once you have spent a day with her careful instructions, you will leave with an amazing creation. It is always a fun day with like minded people and gorgeous materials supplied. I thoroughly recommend spending a day with her learning about the wonderful world of basketry."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so very much for the smashing recommendation, Laura! It means the world to me, that I can create a special day for each individual participant and it's so wonderful to hear that it's appreciated! Hopefully see you again soon for perhaps a session weaving with hedgerow?"

Sharon R reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at The Robertsbridge Club

"Marianne's day course exceeded my expectations. She is a great teacher, with a relaxed and friendly style. We all made beautiful baskets that we are proud of and had fun in the process. The day flew by! In fact, I loved it so much, I have already booked on another of Marianne's workshops!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"So nice to see more of you, Sharon, and work towards another lovely basket! Thank you very much for your review. See you on Friday!"

Sue reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"The basket weaving day with Marianne at the cowshed was brilliant. Marianne was a great teacher, she provided a relaxed learning environment that was fun as well as being productive. I made the most awesome basket. Thank you"

Sally Pitman reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"What a fantastic day and I can highly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn a new craft, or improve, whilst spending a day surrounded by all things natural. Marianne is so patient (needed to be with me!), incredibly knowledgeable in her art and thoroughly explained everything before we started. She was on hand constantly to guide me through all the various stages, but left room for my artistic interpretation - and then got me back on track. Really looking forward to another day in November and building on what I've already learnt. Thank you Marianne!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Hello Sally, Thank you so much for your recommendation! Wonderful to hear you enjoyed yourself. You did look like you loved being creative again. Can't wait to see your lampshade in situ. Will be great to have you on board again in November. All the best for now, Marianne"

Peter Buckley reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket-weaving for Beginners - Day Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

"I recently had the pleasure of taking this basket weaving course, and it exceeded all my expectations! From start to finish, it was a delightful journey into the world of this age-old craft. The instructor's passion and expertise were evident in every step, making learning enjoyable and accessible. The materials provided were top-notch, and the pace of the course was just right, accommodating those who were working slower than others. I was amazed at how quickly I was able to create a beautiful, functional basket. The camaraderie among fellow participants added to the overall experience, making it not just an educational opportunity but also a chance to connect with like-minded individuals. This basket weaving course has ignited a new hobby for me, and I can't wait to take the next step. Highly recommended!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much, Peter, for your super review and recommendation. I'm blown away by it. So good to hear that you enjoyed the day so much that you'd like to make basket weaving a new hobby. Should you need any help or have any questions, then you have my number. Would be great to assist you along the way. Hope to see you again, at one of my advanced courses perhaps. Happy weaving!"

Judith Alcock reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket-weaving for Beginners - Day Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

"It was a very enjoyable day course and Marianne our tutor explained the techniques of basketry very clearly. She was kind and patient and helped us when we needed it. I made a nice basket which can be used to put fruit or other items in. "

Susie Smith reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"I had a very happy two days with Marianne teaching us basketry at St John’s Nursery. She is a wonderful instructor and so patient and helpful. She is extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic and encourages you every step of the way. I left with a basket I am delighted with and very happy to show off! "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Hello Susie, So wonderful to receive your super review! Thank you very much. Hope to have you on board another time. You and your daughter were a great team."

Celia Langrish reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Penhurst Retreat Centre, East Sussex

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Willow Weaving day at Winchelsea and was thrilled to come away with a basket. Marianne is an excellent teacher and carefully explained all the different steps and we all ended up making something slightly different. I would love to carry on and plan to go on more courses."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"What a super review, Celia! Thank you very much! May I just say that you were the perfect student? You picked up the new techniques so easily that it didn't take much effort on my part to teach you. Wonderful to hear that you'd like to do another project, as I'd like to challenge you a little next time; new techniques and shape. I think you'll love it! Hope to see you again soon."