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

X

Description

These courses are for absolute beginners and for people who've made a basket or two. Children as young as 12 can take part too. Groups are small - up to 8 participants - so you get all the attention you need. They are held in a tranquil setting with nature all around us to fully reconnect and rewind. What can I Expect? • A relaxed time, immersing yourself in being creative with natural materials in a tranquil setting; • A basket made out of different varieties of Somerset basketry willow; • The step-by-step, easy to follow guidance from the start of your base until the finished product; • You will learn ancient basketry techniques and explore other projects with the same use of techniques; • Find out about cultivation and preparation of willow and hedgerow materials; • Learn how to use tools provided and what to use if you don’t have those tools at home; • Your lovely basket is made from 100% sustainable materials, the ethical, eco-friendly way; and • All willow, use of tools (if you don't like using your own), teas, coffees and fruit are included. I advise people to bring a packed lunch. It's a fantastic time to spend with friends, but also really refreshing to share with like-minded people you've not met before. Basket weaving is very therapeutic and immensely relaxing, as you are using head, heart and hands, bringing body and mind back in sync. Working in a group allows you to share experiences, bounce off ideas, so it's also a great way to build new friendships. Truly refreshing for both mind and spirit. Is this something for me? Over the years, people with disabilities, or who had thought to be lesser able-bodied were still able to weave a basket. Not quite sure about your abilities or whether your wrists will manage, then just get in touch and I will assess whether it's for you. The craft can be challenging for the mind, but once you're in the rhythm of it, you can do anything. Location I try to organise the workshops in rural locations, as then we have the full benefits of nature around us to fully reconnect and rewind. Please contact me for a more tailored experience. Please note: A minimum of five delegates is required to run this course. Should bookings not reach the minimum number this course may be rescheduled. Please book your course two weeks before the course date to allow for the preparation to take place.

What's included in the price?

All willow, use of tools (if you don't like using your own), teas, coffees and fruit are included. I advise people to bring a packed lunch.

Duration

8 hours

Cancellation policy

Strict - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 8 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Avatar

Crafty Basketry

with Craft Courses since 2021

Message the tutor

Marianne has been a basketmaker since 2006 and teaches the age-old techniques now applied to contemporary baskets She teaches weaving with willow, hedgerow, rattan and rush. The locations are usually on smallholdings and forest school areas in Kent and East Sussex to fully experience the grounding power of nature. Classes are small, giving you all the guidance you need to create your very own design.

Suitable for

  • Adults
  • Seniors
  • Teenagers
  • Children
  • Wheelchair users
  • Hearing impaired
  • Vision impaired
  • Limited mobility
  • Learning difficulties (SEN)
  • Stag dos
  • Mother's Day
  • Tutor can travel
  • Hen dos
  • Overseas Holiday
  • School holiday workshops & activities
  • UK Holiday
  • Parking provided
  • Public transport
  • Suitable for beginners
  • Easter
  • Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
  • Corporate days out & team building
  • Father's Day
platinum badge
What does this mean?
Message the tutor

FAQs

Hire rates of some of the venues can be much higher than others. Other venues may add an additional charge per student, not discriminating between half or full-day students. To still be able to teach in the area you live in and to keep you from having to come to me, I had to revert to putting those prices up a little.

All materials, use of tools, teas, coffees and sometimes mince pies, nibbles and mulled wine are included in the price.

I do advise people to bring a packed lunch, although at some venues they can provide lunch. Please get in touch, if you'd like to find out more about a certain course and the lunch that can be provided.

Yes, I teach children from the age of 8, usually, but have noticed that home-taught children adapt much more easily to weaving with natural materials then children who have followed the mainstream route. Please get in touch and we can discuss your wishes.

Yes, happy to do this! Let me know in what area you live and whether you have a venue in mind (it's not always easy for me to find a venue that is the right size with kitchenette, toilets and outside space) and I will arrange a course there. It'll take me about 3 months to arrange this and have a fully-booked course, so why not get in touch now and we'll discuss what you have in mind.

I advise people to share a car where they can. However, if it's just you, there should be ample spaces to choose from, should you arrive in time; half an hour before the course start time.

Not all venues have spaces for disabled, but please let me know in advance and I will make sure you will be able to park as close to the front door as possible.

If you wish, you could bring bodkins, secateurs, knife and wrapping tool, but I will provide you with all the tools you need for what you'll be making.

From the age of 8, they should be able to make small projects. From the age of 12, they should be able to weave a basket. However, please get in touch to find out whether your child is ready for it yet.

People on the spectrum will be very capable of weaving baskets, as they understand the rhythm, patterns and the methodical way of working. Are you struggling with (pre-)menopause, or early onset of dementia, then you may struggle and perhaps trying a shorter course instead of weaving a basket would be a safer option for you.

For most other mental health issues, weaving a basket, being with like-minded people from varying backgrounds and in nature is very beneficial. It can give those a sense of freedom and joy, as well as confidence of getting out and about and self esteem, having achieved making a basket from scratch.

I intend to add dates once a course is nearly fully booked. Please get in touch, if you have a date in mind that is 3 months in advance, or if you'd like to organise a private course for friends or family.

Venue

Winchelsea New Hall, Rectory Lane, WINCHELSEA, East Sussex, TN36 4AA