Crafty Basketry reviews

Hilary Roome reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Penhurst Retreat Centre, East Sussex

"Marianne is a very good teacher - clear instructions, patient and inspiring. I came away with a beautiful basket which I feel proud of. I gained knowledge and skills to be used again, I hope."

Beverly Eksteen reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Penhurst Retreat Centre, East Sussex

"I had a wonderful day in Winchelsea making a basket. Marianne is a kind, gentle and very patient teacher. It was a fun social day and coming away with a beautiful basket was a huge bonus. 😍 I will definitely be attending the next course in Winchelsea. Thank you Marianne "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks so much for your amazing review, Beverly! So great to hear you had a wonderful day! On to the next one, which looks like 15th October in Tenterden, as the next Winchelsea one will be on 9th December. I will be in touch. Thank you!"

Chris reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"I spent a day with Marianne last Sunday at the Cowshed Workshop and made an obelisk, plant stand and a dragonfly! Marianne is a kind, patient teacher who explains really well and I came home with 3 things that I am really proud of. A fun day in beautiful surroundings, learning an ancient skill."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you very much for your review, Chris. So wonderful to hear that you're loving your items. They look so amazing. Especially the cloche! Lovely. Great to meet your friends. You were a lovely bunch. Hope to see you again sometime. Many thanks and best wishes, Marianne"

Ann Bridges reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Penhurst Retreat Centre, East Sussex

"Being disabled I did wonder how I would cope with weaving a basket but yes, I managed with the guidance and help of Marianne to end up with a rather nice basket. She did suggest that perhaps in the future using a softer medium might be easier for me and I look forward to the challenge. Thank you Marianne for all your patience, you are an excellent teacher, "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review and compliments, Ann! So good to hear that the course exceeded expectations. Your strength of character and shear determination got you through You were such a delight to have as a student! I look forward to teaching you again, then with either rush or rattan, which requires hardly any strength in the fingers. Thanks again very much. With best wishes, Marianne - Crafty Basketry"

Sara reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Penhurst Retreat Centre, East Sussex

"I had an absolutely fabulous day & Marianne is an excellent teacher. Calm and methodical with an immense amount of knowledge & her work is stunning. Many thanks - I’ll be back Sara ♥️💖❤️"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review and compliments, Sara! Your very creative personality and love for the craft was so super to see! Thank you again for your purchases. I hope your baskets have found pride of place now. Look forward to having you join another of my courses in the not too distant future. Many thanks again and best wishes, Marianne - Crafty Basketry"

Jane brown reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Supports (Obelisk or Cloche) - Afternoon Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"Really enjoyable, relaxing and creative afternoon. Marianne is an excellent tutor "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"That's wonderful to hear, Jane! Your daughter seemed to really have fun as well. Super! Look forward to seeing you at a next workshop, perhaps this time with your son as well. Thank you very much and all the very best. Marianne"

Theo reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at The Robertsbridge Club

"An excellent day in the most lovely setting. Marianne is a wonderful host and tutor. "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Theo! Look forward to seeing you again sometime. "

Jan reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"Marianne is an amazing teacher! She demonstrates techniques slowly and clearly, explaining each step as it is reached. She is endlessly patient and shares her vast knowledge of her subject generously. The pace was matched well to our beginner level, and Marianne gave us plenty of encouragement. Everyone in our group was making something different and it speaks volumes that we all left thrilled with our finished baskets. Cannot recommend her classes highly enough."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Jan! It's super to hear that you had the perfect day. Look forward to seeing you again. All the very best, Marianne."

Rachel Holmes reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Supports (Obelisk and / or Cloche) - Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

"I had THE most wonderful and relaxing morning of weaving with Marianne. She is so relaxed and knowledgeable and can facilitate different levels of learners at the same time. The pace was so relaxed and the setting was beautiful. We all made wonderful garden obelisks and had a lovely time chatting and making new friends along the way. I am really looking forward to booking onto a course with Marianne again soon."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"This is such good news, Rachel! Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We both learnt a lot, as you informed me of valuable info too. Was great to have you on board and look forward to seeing you again soon. Many thanks. Marianne."

Shirley reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Supports (Obelisk or Cloche) - Morning Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"We had a lovely day. We made our obelisk under a large tree on a bright sunny day. With excellent instruction we both went home with a useful garden support and a feeling of achievement. "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"And you looked like you were having a great time, even Lucy! Was great to have you both, Shirley and thank you for your review and the 5 stars! So fantastic to hear. All the very best, Marianne"

anjali martin reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket-weaving for Beginners - Day Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

"Such fun, dexterity, tranquility, peace, serenity, a lovely view and some beautiful plant supports to take home as our party bag. As Marianne advocates, there are many dimensions to this craft."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you for your 5-star review, Anjali. Great to hear that you found it fun. You certainly worked hard and got some amazing plant supports. Happy planting!"

Clare reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket-weaving for Beginners - Day Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

"I enjoyed this course a lot - lovely studio and garden and Marianne was a great teacher. She gave us lots of individual help and made sure we all came away with a beautiful basket! "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for the 5-star review, Clare. Wonderful to hear that you enjoyed it so much. You made a lovely, sturdy basket and I will look forward to seeing it in situ. Many thanks and hope to see you again sometime."

Tracy Cuff reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket-weaving for Beginners - Day Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

"I thoroughly enjoyed Marianne’s basket weaving course, it was truly inspiring. She is a very good, patient teacher and as well as coming away with a lovely hand made basket by the end of the day I had a much needed calming experience. All of the attendees were fun, like minded people and a pleasure to spend the day with. Thank you."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"So good to hear and see that you were in the moment and experiencing the balancing out of yin and yang during the weaving process. So good for the soul, isn't it?! Look forward to having you on board again soon and wishing you the best of luck, being back in good old Blighty, and your new home. Namaste, Tracy. Marianne"

Charlotte reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"Such a lovely course. Marianne is great and you can learn so much! I did a two day course and came away with my backpack basket and a mini round basket. Would definitely recommend."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks so much for your review and recommendation, Charlotte. Much appreciated. Lovely to meet your family when you popped by my stall at Penshurst Place the other day. Hope to see you again soon for another, perhaps very different course. "

Adrienne reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"Bought as a gift for my Mum. She really enjoyed it and felt a huge sense of achievement with the finished product. Very well run course and beautiful location. Long day for her but then she is almost 80 ! "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Dear Adrienne, Thank you very much for your 5-star review. I think straight back to you, who bought the right present for your Mum. You were spot on. She really loved creating something with her hands and being in a group and out of the blue met a very good friend and colleague there too! Please thank your Mum for the compliments. Much appreciated. Thank you very much, Adrienne. All the very best to you and your Mum, Marianne"

Phillida Lamon reviewed: Crafty Basketry's | Weaving Willow Ornaments | Half-day PRIVATE COURSE at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"A huge Thank You to Marianne for taking on board my ladies from Switzerland 🇨🇭 on their Visit Kent tour. We had a fantastic evening learning the basic techniques of Willow weaving and couldn’t believe how good the finished products were! Marianne is simply a lovely person to do such an activity with! Calm, reassuring, patient and attentive. It was endearing to witness her attachment to the environment and the Cowshed / workshop was the perfect place to make our willow plates/ trays and bird feeders. All the best Marianne … Merci mille fois! Phillida, Jacky, Béatrice, Elisabeth, Michèle & Danielle"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, ladies! I had a lovely time with you. You were such fun and such a well-matched group! Wonderful to hear you had a lovely time working with willow for the first time. I hope the remainder of your tour was fabulous too and you're now safely home, having made fantastic memories. All the very best, Marianne"

Catherine reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"I booked this course to do with a friend and it was a fantastic day. The location is so relaxing and the animals you can see bring a great sense of calm. They are behind a fence so do not impede on your basket making activities. Marianne provided very patient guidance and tuition for this novice basket maker. There was plenty of willow to choose from and a selection of tools was provided. I would highly recommend."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Hello Catherine, Thank you very much for your review and recommendation. That's wonderful, to hear you had such a great time! I hope to see you again with your Mum. Will be great to create lasting memories while having fun. Thanks very much and all the best, Marianne"

Lucinda reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Penhurst Retreat Centre, East Sussex

"A fantastic day basket making with the wonderful Marianne, her teaching style is so relaxed, but informative. The day flew by and I came home with a beautiful willow basket. Cannot wait to take part in the course. Thank you Marianne x p.s Penshurst Place is stunning & my course buddies were a hoot too "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"I'm so delighted to hear that you had such a fantastic day, Lucinda. Thank you very much for that. If the day flew by, then we need to do it again and make sure it won't whiz by so quickly, ha, ha! I'm looking at new dates for Penhurst Retreat Centre. Will be in touch soon. All the very best!"

Samantha reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Penhurst Retreat Centre, East Sussex

"This was the third course we have taken with Marianne of Crafty Basketry. - that should speak for itself, but this was another magical day! Amazing, tranquil setting, great company, and fantastic Basketry at the end of the day. The time went so quickly we forgot about lunch until after 2pm! Marianne is an amazing teacher, patient, very knowledgeable and full of encouragement. Cannot recommend these days enough, being able to switch off from daily life and just enjoy being creative. We'll be back again for more! Thank you Marianne 😊 "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"It's always such a delight and pure fun to have you both on board, Samantha. So great to hear that you had a fab time again. It's starting to get tricky, thinking of new, original projects for you, but I love a challenge. Thanks so much for your recommendation and taking part and believing in me! Means the world to me. See you again soon. Mxx"

Alan Saunders reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Supports (Obelisk or Cloche) - Morning Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"Lovely location, a very pleasant way to spend a day and come away with a fabulous sculptural basket. Marianne gave very clear and helpful instruction and was very helpful when correcting my mistakes. I would highly recommend her course to anyone who wants to make baskets, and to have a very nice time in peaceful rural setting."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Hello Alan, Thank you so much for your review of the course. It's super to hear you enjoyed it. Great to see you not only learnt a new craft but applied the techniques in such an artistic way. I'm looking to make some furniture out of metal and willow, so would be great to work on a collab with you. Thanks very much, Alan and speak to you soon. Wish best wishes, Marianne Crafty Basketry"

Krissy Pope reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Hedgerow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden

"I had an absolutely wonderful day!! Marianne is not only a very kind patient and welcoming person she is an incredible talent and a compliment to basket weaving! The day was very well thought out learning about the history as well as how to grow willow and the varieties to full on one to one help and instructions, Tea Coffee Cake and Fruit and examples of her work with an option to purchase. Marianne sent us all photos and videos taken during the day with a thoughtful email and after care email with instructions on how to make a basket through to suppliers and how to soak the willow, and what terminology meant. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND- I learnt ALOT and I will be using my new found skill within my own small business and I will be definitely coming back not only to hone skills and continue to learn and improve but also to Marianne in support of her exquisite talent for the craft!! "

Deanna reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Day Weaving Autumn or Christmas Wreaths and other Decorations in Etchingham

"My friend and myself had a great day making a wreath, some stars and an angel! Marianne is a lovely teacher, patient, kind, friendly and very knowledgable. "

elizabeth mavor reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Day Weaving Autumn or Christmas Wreaths and other Decorations in Etchingham

"Marianne was so patient teaching us to weave. We learned at our own pace and produced glorious wreaths that can be used again and again. And gave us the written instructions so we can use our new skills on other projects. Thank you. "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks very much for your review and the lovely photo of the wreath on your front door, Liz! It looks stunning! So good to hear that you're going to use your pond and try different projects soon. Have fun!"

Julia Venning reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Weaving Christmas Wreaths and / or other Decorations at Tenterden

"Marianne’s relaxed style of teaching turns the course into a lovely experience. I can definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys being creative. I’m absolutely thrilled with my wreath! "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Hello Julia, thank you very much for your review and recommendation! So good to hear you loved it. Hope your daughter did too. Hope to see you again in the new year. All the best."

Karen reviewed: Crafty Basketry's willow basket making for beginners - Day course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"I had a lovely day creating a basket at this workshop which was gifted to me by my daughter. It was my first go at basket making and I learned so much from Marianne, who was knowledgeable and professional as well as patient and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. The venue was lovely and rustic, though several warm layers were required! Everyone was very pleased with what they created. Some made wreaths, angels and stars which were all amazing. I would definitely recommend the course and will be booking another one with some friends in the future. "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Hello Karen, Thanks very much for your recommendation, which means the world to me! Will be great to meet your friends and for you to be creative together and make memories. See you again soon. All the best, Marianne"