In-person course
in St. Michael's, Tenterden Maker & location details

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

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Description

Get immersed in nature around you while weaving an obelisk or two cloches and learning age-old basketry techniques. Go for a tailored course and experience it with friends. Great for body and soul! These courses are for absolute beginners and for people who’ve worked with willow or other natural materials before. I try to organise the workshops in rural locations; on farms for instance, as then we have the full benefit of nature around us to fully reconnect and rewind. It’s a great day to spend with friends, but also really refreshing to do amongst like-minded people you’ve not met before. It also opens your eyes to the variety of ways in which to apply your new skills. Working with natural materials is very therapeutic, as you are using head, heart and hands, bringing body and mind back in sync. Over the years, people with disabilities, or who were thought to be lesser abled were still able to take part. Not quite sure about your abilities, then just get in touch and I will assess to see whether it’s for you. Please contact me for a more tailored experience.

What's included in the price?

The obelisk course will include learning about cultivation and preparation of willow, its many uses and will teach you some ancient basketry techniques. All materials, use of tools 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

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Crafty Basketry

with Craft Courses since 2021

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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
  • Hearing impaired
  • Vision impaired
  • Limited mobility
  • Learning difficulties (SEN)
  • Stag dos
  • UK Holiday
  • Hen dos
  • Overseas Holiday
  • Accommodation offered
  • School holiday workshops & activities
  • Parking provided
  • Easter
  • Suitable for beginners
  • Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
  • Father's Day
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FAQs

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

Readers Bridge Farm Oast, Readers Bridge Road, St. Michaels, St. Michael's, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6TH