Introduction to English willow basket making- Weekend course

Helene reviewed: Introduction to English willow basket making- Weekend course

"I thoroughly enjoyed the willow basket making course with Jonathan and his mascot Willow who was adorable! Jonathan was an excellent teacher. He helped ensure each of us got the tuition we needed to do a good job and make two baskets we could use and enjoy. On day two he really helped us consolidate our knowledge so that we felt able to apply our skills outside of the weekend session. Nice touch on Jonathan’s part to bring homemade cake and make coffee. He made sure we had enough breaks to keep us fresh and able to keep focused on the projects. If there was one thing I would enhance in the class it would be to add a bit more history and background about the tradition of growing and harvesting willow in Norfolk and basket making in the area."

Karolina Fitzpatrick reviewed: Introduction to English willow basket making- Weekend course

"Very informative, relaxed and friendly course."

Paula and Martha reviewed: Introduction to English willow basket making- Weekend course

"My daughter and I enjoyed our basket making weekend. We left appreciating the skill, time and attention needed to make such baskets. However, Jonathan was most patient and scaffolded us all in the group very well. It was a friendly environment and we recommend the weekend. Tip -take more food than you normally eat as your brain works very hard! You definitely need a cushion or two also. Thank you Jonathan. It was a pleasant family memory for us both 😊"

Norfolk Hedge Baskets responded:

"Hi Paula thank you very much for your lovely review and thanks to you and Martha for making it such a lovely weekend. I hope you got a good insight into the work that is involved in every basket that is made thanks Jonathon"

Sally reviewed: Introduction to English willow basket making- Weekend course

"Really enjoyed the course, despite some ups and downs I’m chuffed with the end results…more physical than I imagined.. could have done with bringing an old cushion!"

Norfolk Hedge Baskets responded:

"Thank you Sally for taking the time to write such a kind review and for making the weekend so enjoyable, regards Jonathon"

Deborah Jarman reviewed: Introduction to English willow basket making- Weekend course

"Thank you Jonathon for a rewarding experience. You were very patient and helpful with everyone. If you are interested in doing a course making willow baskets , I would highly recommend this course with Jonathon."

Norfolk Hedge Baskets responded:

"Thanks so much Deborah for taking the time to write this lovely review. Well done this weekend and if you'd like to come again you'd be very welcome. Just book online. Regards and happy basket making, Jonathon"

Mary Hansford reviewed: Introduction to English willow basket making- Weekend course

"Had a fantastic weekend basket making with Jonathon, he had a great energy that was infectious and made everyone relaxed and open. I found his method of teaching really great as it can't be easy supporting a room of novices, but he managed it with ease and everyone was very happy with our end results. Can't wait to do some more."

Linda reviewed: Introduction to English willow basket making- Weekend course

"Had a lovely weekend basket weaving, with great group. Jonathon is very patient and gives really clear instruction, with lots of individual guidance and help. I came away with 2 baskets, and an appreciation of the work that goes into weaving baskets. I fully intend to 'have a go at home'. Thanks Jonathon (and Willow). "

Alison & Elaine reviewed: Introduction to English willow basket making- Weekend course

"An enjoyable two days spent making our willow baskets. Good venue, friendly tutor, well demonstrated, nice size group. Made two baskets each with different techniques. The homemade cake was delicious on both days. Thank you Jonathan and Willow the dog. "

Wendy Russell reviewed: Introduction to English willow basket making- Weekend course

"A thoroughly enjoyable weekend. Jonathan delivered a well-structured and accessible course and had infinite patience with anyone needing a little extra help, (such as myself who, being left handed, needed to apply many of the techniques he demonstrated in reverse). His teaching style was relaxed and friendly and the coffee and home made cakes were definitely welcome! Even as complete beginners we were able to take home two baskets which were worthy of being shown off. I would highly recommend the whole experience to anyone who would like to give basketmaking a try."

Hazel reviewed: Introduction to English willow basket making- Weekend course

"A brilliant two day workshop. Jonathan is an excellent teacher He gave us a demo of each stage then helped us all as we tried to remember what we'd been told, before moving onto the next stage. This was all in a very easy to understand way. Would highly recommend it."

VLM reviewed: Introduction to English willow basket making- Weekend course

"Great weekend, Jonathan was an excellent teacher and made everyone feel welcome. My daughters and I enjoyed it immensely. We produced 2 products which actually resembled baskets and learnt several techniques. I would reccomend this course to anyone who wishes to have a go at this craft."

Tamsin Robinson reviewed: Introduction to English willow basket making- Weekend course

"Warm welcome from both Jonathan and Willow. Supportive tutoring by Jonathan who demonstrated each step clearly and good pacing. He was approachable and willing to help whenever we got stuck though! I went with a friend both of us having never done willow weaving before. We had great fun in a small group where everybody was supportive. We now have a lovely unique small basket and bread basket that we can proudly show off these Anglo Saxon skills."

Norfolk Hedge Baskets responded:

"Thank you so much for your enthusiastic participation in making this a memorable weekend. Well done on your completed baskets and thank you for this review, regards Jonathon"

Debs reviewed: Introduction to English willow basket making- Weekend course

"Hi, the course was relaxing, challenging, fun, friendly and so so rewarding. I cant wait to do another one. Thank you everyone|"

Rach reviewed: Introduction to English willow basket making- Weekend course

"The weekend basket making course with Jonathan was absolutely brilliant. We had a ridiculously fun time learning how to weave our baskets. Jonathon was patient and kind and created such a cohesive atmosphere with a group of strangers. He gave us as much creative control as he could within our baskets, letting us explore how the different varieties of willow gave different results. The weekend felt so therapeutic and I left wanting to buy a huge bundle of willow to keep playing at home! I couldn’t recommend the course more. Absolutely wonderful. I can’t wait to come back and learn more."

Norfolk Hedge Baskets responded:

"Thank you so much Rach for your lovely review. I can't wait to see you again on the next course to make a log basket. You certainly have the skills to take this much further, Jonathon"

colin granger reviewed: Introduction to English willow basket making- Weekend course

"Wonderful course, Jonathon is a highly skilled craftsman, and first class communicator and teacher. The sessions were well paced, so even the slowest (me) !! could keep up and complete the two projects. If you want to just have a go at basket making ,or you are more experienced and want to learn more then I would recommend Jonathon as your first choice."

Norfolk Hedge Baskets responded:

"Thanks Colin, really appreciate the positive feedback. Congratulations of making two very fine baskets. Jonathon"

Emily Chittenden reviewed: Introduction to English willow basket making- Weekend course

"I enjoyed a weekend full of fun and learning and returned home with two lovely baskets. The pace was nice and relaxed with Jonathan providing clear guidance throughout. The homemade cake was much appreciated! Jonathan was always happy to assist but I would have found supporting diagrams helpful at times to illustrate some of the weaves/strokes for the numerous times I lost concentration; these would also allow for further home-learning. Thanks for a great weekend!"