Crafty Basketry reviews

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

"Marianne's challenge this time was to accommodate all the ideas that we ambitious students brought with us! One aspired to use the willows brought in her car; the second wanted to make a square tray; and another wanted to make a basket big enough for logs; and one more did follow the given pattern to produce a wonderful wreath and willow angel. In fact, these ARE all things we will now have the courage to take on, having made pretty reasonable (easier) pieces after a day's excellent training from Marianne! Time was 'of the essence', so to make sure our various baskets were complete by the end of the session, Marianne gave them each a few minutes of her expertise - cheating in fact, but we love it! A super day all in all. Thank you! "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you for your recommendation, Kate. Your rustic tray looks beautiful, with the reds and little twig details. Fantastic to hear you had a super day. You were a fab student! Thank you for sharing your experience."

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

"Marianne the instructor was extremely patient, kind and informative. I left feeling that I had learnt a great deal about the craft of weaving and with my Xmas wreath that will take pride of place on my front door. I will strongly recommend Marianne's course to friends and family."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks so much for your recommendation, Lorraine! You were such a fun, cheerful, uplifting and enthusiastic student to have on board. I could see you were in your element, and the wreath with its stylish decoration and angel showed that. Hope to see you again next year, then with daughter. "

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

"Such an enjoyable day with a very patient teacher. I ended up making a small basket alongside others who made trays and wreaths. The setting was perfect inside the old barn at St. John’s nursery in Etchingham. The rain lashed down the entire day yet this only seemed to add to the calm atmosphere inside. Many giggles were had by all (mostly by me as I quickly realised that I was absolutely not a natural weaver!). Marianne was a wonderful tutor who has a real passion and skill for her art. I would thoroughly recommend spending a day or two basket making, it’s the first time I’ve sat and learnt a new skill in a long time. "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks so much for recommending my courses, Claire. Weather, learning a new craft, losing concentration because of the banter - you took it all in your stride and came away with a delightful basket! Well done, and look forward to seeing you again next year for day 2."

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

"A wonderful course, very informative. I definitely feel I learnt techniques that can be further enhanced with practice. Marianne’s knowledge and nurturing mentoring encouraged me to produce a wonderful basket 🧺 "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks so much, Pauline, for this wonderful review and sharing your bread recipe with us! Will try it out the minute the new kitchen is in. Was lovely to have you on board. You really lapped up the knowledge and this was visible in the quality of your basket. Beautiful! "

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

"What a brilliant day this was! Marianne is an excellent teacher as well as being a master of her craft. It was a joy to learn from her - she was very supportive, inspiring, and patient. I was thrilled to have made a basket to come home with although the day seemed to fly by! The open barn and surroundings made for a really lovely work space too. I very much look forward to doing more basketry now!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much, Veronica! Your feedback means so much to me. Thank you also for the photo of your basket with the windfall apples. When a basket is used, it looks even more beautiful, especially with colourful apples. Will be great to see you again in a few weeks' time during the wreath-weaving course. I'll look forward to that! Thanks again! Marianne - Crafty Basketry"

Snezana Floyer reviewed: Crafty Basketry's basket weaving for beginners - Day course, Groombridge

"I thoroughly enjoyed Marianne’s basket weaving course yesterday. Marianne is a very talented and comprehensive tutor. She explains everything very well and is both conscientious and thorough. She is also extremely helpful and keen to ensure that we are all well looked after and encouraged for our efforts. The day sped by in a most idyllic and comfortable setting. I look forward to attending more of Marianne’s courses. They are outstanding and can be thoroughly recommended. "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much, Snezana, for your super review and recommendation. It means the world to me that you and anyone taking part has the best experience, so it's just wonderful to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed it. Look forward to having you again soon for, perhaps, a wreath-making course?"

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

"Loved this course. I did it for my dad's birthday and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Marianne showed endless patience and an abundance of knowledge. Love my new basket and I fully plan to keep basket weaving. The only thing that would have improved my experience would be a slightly smaller class size. Otherwise a wonderful day in a beautiful setting."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks so much for the lovely review and constructive feedback, Esme. So great to hear that you'd like to keep on basket weaving! Let's keep the craft alive!? Thanks very much. Marianne"

Gilly Cowan reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Support (Obelisk or Cloche) - Morning Course, Uckfield

"I did two half days and had made an Obelisk and Cloche by the end of them! It was a wonderful way to spend that time. Very calming with Marianne's gentle and clear instruction and very good knowledge and love of the materials we were using. I have completely fallen under the spell of Willow, so thank you Marianne. I can highly recommend these courses which work on a number of levels. As you are so focused on what you are doing, by the end of it you feel tired but energised at the same time. I don't think it was just the tea, cake and biscuits, which were delicious too! I slept really well both nights. Both the Obelisk and Cloche are in use in the garden. A big thank you for opening the door to this lovely craft. I will definitely keep going and I look forward to more courses and more understanding."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Gilly! It's been such a delight, having you on my courses, as you've been picking up the techniques so easily and it was so pleasing to see how you were immersing yourself into the whole experience! I'm really looking forward to welcoming you to the basket-weaving course soon and hopefully your friend is then able to come along too. Even more fun! See you soon. With best wishes, Marianne Crafty Basketry"

Nicky Crummett reviewed: Crafty Basketry's basket weaving for beginners - Day course, Groombridge

"I did this course with my husband and we had a brilliant time. We both produced a lovely basket which we will treasure. The course was held in a beautiful and peaceful setting near Ashdown Forest. Marianne gave us lots of information on basketry throughout the day and sent us instructions should we wish to try another on our own. She has a methodical, relaxed teaching style and endless patience. Marianne supplied all the tea and coffee we could drink as well as biscuits and fruit. She also took some photos and videos of us which she shared with us. This is a really nice thing to do as a memento of our day. I thoroughly recommend this course and am sure you will be delighted with what you can achieve."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Hello Nicky, Thank you so much for your thorough review and recommendation. It means the world to me, that you both had a memorable, relaxed time and you made such lovely baskets to show for it! Now you know the main techniques, I hope you will try and make a basket together, in your own garden. Let me know how you get on and do call if you feel you're stuck. Hope to see you and Martin again sometime soon. All the best, Marianne Crafty Basketry"

Richard Gibbs reviewed: Crafty Basketry's basket weaving for beginners - Day course, Groombridge

"I had a brilliant day taking part in a basket weaving course with Marianne at the location on Ashdown Forest . It was an activity I had always been interested in trying and was bought as a present by my son. She was an informative and extremely patient teacher explaining thoroughly the techniques used in the creation of basket weaving. It enabled me to fulfill my ambition of creating a willow structure that will be truly unique in my home."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review! Hope to see you again with your friends, as discussed. All the best, Marianne Crafty Basketry"

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

"Did this course on 1 June. It was brilliant. Marianne is so patient and helpful and made it fun too. Can't believe I actually made a proper basket!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"And what a basket it was! Amazing design! So great to have you on board again, Kate. On to the next one? Perhaps something contemporary this time? Wishing you all the best in the meantime. Marianne x"

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

"I absolutely loved our day making baskets! Marianne is a lovely lady and a great teacher. It was a joy to see the basket take shape over the day and to go home with a functioning and beautiful basket was the icing on the cake. I was out the next day harvesting Elder Flowers with it! Thanks for a truly relaxing and inspiring day Marianne, love Dee x."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks so much for your review, Dee. Great to hear that you had a use for it the next day and that you loved making it so much. Those techniques you can use making all kinds of items, so once you've found a willow patch to harvest from, then have fun experimenting! Hope to see you again soon. With best wishes, Marianne Crafty Basketry"

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

"Just finished our second course with Marianne, a full day this time as a half day last time wasn't long enough! We made a basket, a fruit bowl and a drsgonfly this time. Great instruction, a relaxing, enjoyable day with a lovely bunch of people. Thank you Marianne, we'll be back again soon. Samantha & Kate xx"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"You're becoming fanatics! So nice to see how your skills are growing as you're adapting different techniques in different ways. You now also know what it's like to work with stripped willow, after the lovely fruit bowl you made. Looking forward to seeing the photos of your items in situ. Thank you for your lovely message. Really looking forward to showing you further new and different items to make with perhaps rattan this time. I'll make sure you'll become addicted, ha, ha. All the best for now, Marianne xx"

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

"What a lovely day! Highly recommended! Making willow obelisk structures in peaceful countryside surroundings. Truly the best medicine for the soul! I will be back! Basket weaving next! Thank you! ?"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Hi Marianne, Thank you so much for recommending my course and you're even going to take part again! This time with your Mum in July! Wonderful! If she picks it up as easily as you did, then you'll end up with beautiful baskets. Look forward to meeting your Mum once over from Norway. With best wishes, Marianne x"

Amanda Sayward reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Support (Obelisk or Cloche) - Morning Course, Uckfield

"Thoroughly enjoyed this workshop making an amazing obelisk. I would definitely recommend this to friends. Marianne was very informative with easy to follow instructions. I can’t wait to return for another workshop, maybe a basket next time."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Amanda. It was such a pleasure to have you and your sister and Mum on board. What fun was that! Your Mum was fantastic, taking it all in her stride, at 79 (and looking 67!). Would be great to see you all again at a basket-weaving course soon. Perhaps after your niece's wedding. With best wishes, Marianne"

sara king reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Support (Obelisk or Cloche) - Morning Course, Uckfield

"I attended Marianne's workshop at The Cowshed this Sunday and what a fantastic afternoon. Marianne was brilliant at explaining how to work with the willow to enhance our structures. She was patient, calm and was there to help when we needed advice. Along with a supply of coffee and cake.. yum I have recommended this course to all my girlfriends who were amazed an my beautiful obelisk which has pride of place in my garden. Thank you so much Marianne. x"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Sara. It was such a pleasure to meet you at long last, as we'd been trying to find a date that would suit you and you're such a busy lady, ha, ha! Your enthusiasm oozed out of you and that was lovely to see. I feel we have a lot in common and have the feeling that we might be organising events together. Would be great to see more of you in the not too distant future. Have a great summer! Al the best, Marianne x"

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

"I had a wonderful day learning how to make a basket, Marianne is a very knowledgeable teacher that has a relaxed, helpful and encouraging approach. The venue was also lovely and added to the relaxed atmosphere of the day. I came away feeling proud of my basket and wanting to do it again. I would recommend without hesitation. Thank you Marianne"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks very much for your review and recommendation, Hayley! So great to hear that you had a great time, making a basket with your Mum and so nice to see that you've both now signed up for another session together, making another basket but with different techniques this time. I will also bring in some different types of basketry willow for you to get a feel for to show you the different effects you can achieve with them. Look forward to seeing you again soon. Many thanks and best wishes, Marianne"

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

"My daughter and I had an absolutely fabulous day with Marianne in the beautiful setting of King Johns Nursery weaving our baskets. We learnt so much through Marianne's careful and considered instruction. She brings a wealth of experience to the course and her passion and enthusiasm are infectious! We both came away with useful and well made baskets which seemed unlikely at the start of the day and we both continue to reflect on the day fondly. Thank you Marianne"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"What a lovely review you wrote here, Helen! Thank you so much for that! I'm glad my tailored instructions worked for you. However, I won't take credit for the result, as that was down to your interpreting the instructions correctly and following them precisely, hence the fantastic result for a first basket! Well done to both of you, as they look amazing and you were such great students! Would love to teach you some more interesting techniques (I'm thinking perhaps a handle or two next time), so who knows, our paths may cross again. Many thanks and best wishes, Helen. Marianne"

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

"I’ve wanted to try willow weaving for a long time and this 1-day workshop was a perfect introduction. Marianne is the most patient and helpful teacher you could wish for. We were all beginners yet she made time for all of us with humour and care. I had a really lovely day out with my friend. It was quite challenging at times - I’m already booked on to my next course though!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for the review of your basketry course, Debbie. So good to hear what you thought of it and that you'd had a lovely day. Looking forward to the next course we'll be doing and new things I will be teaching you then. Thanks again and see you soon. With best wishes, Marianne"

Daniel Constantin Mocrei reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Hedgerow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden

"I absolutely loved this course and it was worth the money. Marianne was a fantastic guide, explaining everything and helping when needed. It is not easy though - be warned! BUT definitely worth the effort and we all took away some beautiful and completely different baskets. Marianne was really sensitive at pitching things at the right level for each individual. The day is long and requires concentration but such a lovely skill to learn. I would absolutely recommend this course. I will be booking on the next one for sure. Emma"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks so much for your recommendation, Emma. It means so much to me, especially with your Occupational Health background. You know the importance of therapeutic occupation, first hand. Glad to pick up from your email that the length of the day was fine for you. Look forward to seeing you again soon at the next course. Thanks again very much. With best wishes, Marianne Angeloni-van Niekerken Crafty Basketry"

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

"The weekend course with Marianne at Cowshed was a pleasure right from the beginning, with a warm and friendly welcome in a magical environment. Marianne is a calm and caring teacher, overflowing with enthusiasm for her craft and very much wanting to share her knowledge and experience. Somehow she was able to be there for all of us, patiently assisting at the right moment and in the right way. Although there are a lot of stages to learn, and the thumbs have to get used to working hard, it was a relaxing atmosphere in which we shared that particular kind of rippling conversation that happens when all are engaged physically and mentally. I’ve always felts that baskets are low priced…and now I really know they are, and have a deepened appreciation for the skill and time needed to make them. We all came away happy with the baskets we had created, and each of us looking forward to making the next one!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Hi Judith, Thank you so much for your review. You were a lovely, charming student and it was great to get to know you a little better. I think we all made new friends that day, didn't we?! Hope to see you again soon at one of my other courses and in your shop of course, "Made" in Hastings. All the very best, Marianne Crafty Basketry"

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

"A super day in a lovely venue....quite a challenge at times but Marianne is THE most patient person with a very kind, calm manner! Very rewarding to come home with something usable at the end of the day...would thoroughly recommend. I have a much greater appreciation of traditional skills having had a go myself!!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks so much for your recommendation and kind words. It's good to hear that you had a super day at King John's Nursery in Etchingham, my first time at that location. Just your kind of place, a nursery! Hope to see you again soon. Perhaps at the Farmer's Market at Ashburnham Place. Thanks again very much, All the very best, Marianne Angeloni-van Niekerken Crafty Basketry"

Sasha Lean-Vercoe reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Hedgerow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden

"What a fantastic day! So pleased to have done the one day basket weaving course with Crafty Baskets. I would like to reiterate Helenas prefect review above, Marianne was very patient, relaxed and has a wonderful manner of teaching, keeping you on track and encouraging your own style. Along with her knowledge of basketmaking, its history, process and plants made it a fascinating day. The Cowshed Workshop was also an inspiring location and it added to the tranquil and mediative process. I am thrilled to bits with my basket and ready for the next course! Thank you so much Marianne"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Oh Sasha, I'm blown away by your review of the course you attended! Thank you so much. It makes me super happy to hear that. Look forward to meeting and catching up with you on Tuesday at your first plant support course. With best wishes, Marianne Angeloni-van Niekerken Crafty Basketry"

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

"I had a great time at the basket weaving course with Marianne. The tuition was excellent and i came away with a basket I was really proud of. Would definitely recommend for basket weavers of all skills."

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

"Brilliant course, beautiful location and a very patient Marianne! So pleased to have made my first ever basket and looking forward to the next one :-)"