Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent
Description
These courses are for absolute beginners and for people who've made a basket or two. Teenagers from the age of 12 are also able to take part. What do I make? Examples of what you could make are a small fruit bowl, bread basket, or tray with two handles, just to give you an idea of size. It's a great day to spend with friends, but also really refreshing to share with like-minded people you've not met before. Basket weaving is very therapeutic, as you are using head, heart and hands, bringing body and mind back in sync. Is this something for me? Over the years, people with disabilities, or who were thought to be lesser abled 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 to see whether it's for you. Locations: 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. The Art Barn at the Cowshed Workshop is a large but cosy, open-fronted barn, where we are dry when it rains, yet to you hear all the birds sing and the wind blow. Please contact me via the 'message the tutor' button for a more tailored experience. Please note: Courses will only take place with 4 or more participants a week in advance of the course.
What's included in the price?
All materials, use of tools (if you don't like using your own) and teas, coffees and cakes are included. I ask people to bring lunch. There will be fruit for when we get peckish.
Duration
8 hours
Cancellation policy
Strict - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 8 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Marianne, your tutor, is a full-time basketmaker with a workshop on the border between East Sussex and Kent, She has been weaving baskets since 2006 and will teach you the ancient, professional basketry techniques at your own pace, while focusing on the mindful and therapeutic elements of weaving with natural materials in tranquil surroundings. The method is now often applied to contemporary baskets. She teaches weaving with willow, hedgerow, rattan and, on the rare occasion, rush. What to expect? A relaxed time, immersing yourself in being creative with natural materials in a tranquil setting; An obelisk and cloche made out of different varieties of locally grown, sustainable 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 plant support is made from locally grown, 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. 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
- Hearing impaired
- Limited mobility
- Learning difficulties (SEN)
- Romantic
- Suitable for beginners
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Easter
- Stag dos
- Father's Day
- Intermediate level
- Hen dos
- UK Holiday
- Accommodation offered
- School holiday workshops & activities
- Overseas Holiday
- Parking provided
FAQs
You are indeed an improver, if you've made a few baskets, but would like to drill into the finer detail of, for instance, specific soaking times verses weather conditions, different borders you'd like to get your brain around, playing with different weaving techniques for the sides of a basket, learning to scallom, fitch the right way, try a different handle or base/slab. If you have certain sides of basketmaking that you'd like to focus on during a course, then please let me know beforehand what these are, and I will put you in a group with students of the same level.
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.
