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.
Courses, kits & gifts
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"I had my very first experience with Willow weaving on a day course recently, which was so enjoyable. I loved being in a small group with like minded "students", the setting in an art studio was perfect and inspiring. Marianna made my first journey with the new craft light and easy to follow with a depth of knowledge to present. I never thought i would be able to produce an entire basket in a day. Back home my family was super impressed. I slept extremely well that night and felt grounded the next morning in such a pleasant way, which i hadn't been for a while.
Thank you Marianna "
"I joined Marianne at King John’s Nursery with my daughter. Not my first workshop with Marianne but, as always, I learned so much with her expert tuition and endless patience in just one day and left with a beautiful foraging basket and many new skills. It was my daughter’s first basket weaving workshop and she thoroughly enjoyed the day. She is obviously a natural as her basket was wonderful. We will both be back! "
Crafty Basketry responded:
"I'm so glad to hear that, even after three or four workshops, there is still plenty to learn and I can still excite you with new techniques. And now it sounds like your daughter has caught the bug as well! Both your baskets were very even and dense, so will be very useful for storing anything and beautiful eye catchers. Your daughter being a natural, perhaps she'd like to join you, trying her hand at scalloming too, like you will be during your next workshop. Until then, I wish you a wonderfully relaxed festive period and a Merry Christmas."
"I had the most marvellous day! Marianne is a brilliant teacher—she guided us through the whole process with calmness, humour, and a wealth of knowledge. Always encouraging and ready with a helpful hand when needed, she ensured that each and every one of us went home holding a beautiful basket we'd made ourselves. I can highly recommend this course and will definitely be back!"
Crafty Basketry responded:
"Thank you so much for your wonderful recommendation, Imke. Ganz toll, deine empfehlung! Vielen dank! It was such a pleasure to teach you and your friend and be reminded again that there is more out there, on the other side of the Northsea, ha, ha! I can't wait now to visit Germany again and taste all those delicious "kuchen." Hopefully I'll see you both again in the spring, when I'll be teaching obelisks and cloches for your garden. Wishing you and Miriam a Wonderful and Merry Christmas."
"My husband and I had a wonderful time on the 1 day course with Marianne. The setting was beautiful and very peaceful(a little chilly so do make sure you have plenty of layers!). Marianne was very kind and attentive to our needs. She was so patient as she explained and re-explained instructions as needed. She was a wonderful hostess, providing snacks and hot drinks throughout the day. We came away at the end feeling very accomplished and thrilled with what we had made. So lovely to learn a new skill - basket weaving is a wonderful way to completely switch off and give your mind a break from your worries. Highly recommend and hope to return for another session. Thank you Marianne. "
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