Special Branch Baskets reviews

Donald Spy reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"Excellent tuition. Very good food and drink. All were made to feel very welcome."

Janet Dyson reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"Very welcoming organisers, nice venue, tasty food and expert tuition. I felt the course leader Jane really took the time to get to know the group individually, and her instruction was friendly and pitched at just the right level. Clare was a great host, and happy to help with any query. I am really chuffed with my basket, and have been inspired to carry on learning and exploring this craft. I would definitely book on another course with them."

Special Branch Baskets responded:

"Thank you for your kind response Janet. We are so glad that you enjoyed our course and the wonderful setting of Alyth as a venue. Jane"

Patricia Macalpine reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"This is the third time I have been on this course so that speaks for itself. I've always taken the residential option which is great value and we are looked after by a brilliant team. Jane, as ever, an excellent tutor willing to adapt to our abilities and always encouraging. My friend and I are hoping to return at some time in the future and tackle rush work."

Special Branch Baskets responded:

"Always lovely to have you and Maureen as part of our class. thank you for returning to Alyth for our courses. Jane"

Carol-Ann Craig reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"This is a fantastic course. I learnt so much and Jane is an excellent teacher. I really hope that I can attend another course - think she has got me hooked! Thank you."

Patricia Macalpine reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"I notice all the reviews have five stars and they are well deserved. This has been an excellent course with a brilliant teacher. As a beginner and lacking confidence, Jane helped me produce a beautiful basket. She was aware of what the students were doing and would be at your side immediately if she thought you were struggling. She always found something to praise and built up confidence. Her course, combined with the accommodation, catering and friendliness supplied by Vanora's Cottages made it an excellent weekend. It was so good that I am returning to the next course held by Alyth Craft Tourism."

Marita reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"I'm really glad I came all the way from Germany to attend Jane's course: I had a wonderful time with everyone on the course and Jane was a great teacher."

Denise Brown reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"Recently completed the residential course and had a fantastic time. From the wonderful welcome on arrival, I knew it was going to be good! The accommodation was cosy and warm, and the food was amazing (the warm pancakes were my downfall). Jane is an absolute master at her craft and she led us through the stages with humour and amazing patience. The group were great fun and we really got into the spirit of it - all producing beautiful baskets by the end. We also got the opportunity to have a go in a coracle on tranquil Loch Clunie, which I would highly recommend...unforgettable! All in all, a super well-organised course run by an enthusiastic expert. I’m already pencilled in for Jane’s coracle making one!"

Claire Ash reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"I enjoyed a fantastic course with Jane.... excellent tuition with amazing patience. As an absolute beginner I was amazed at my results!! Would certainly do another course."

Julie Curran reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"Attending Jane's recent hedgerow basketry course was a fantastic experience. As a complete beginner, I proudly finished a beautiful log basket at the end of the three days with the expert, patient, knowledgeable and entertaining guidance of Jane. We were made to feel very much at home by Clare and Olivia, who provided wonderful home baking and lunches. I can't praise the course highly enough and would wholeheartedly recommend it. I look forward to doing similar courses with Special Branch in the future."

Louise Haigh reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"I am happy to leave Jane and this wonderful course a glowing review. We were incredibly well- taught and well-looked after throughout our three days together. Jane is inspiring in her love for her craft and her wonderful skills. She passes on her knowledge in a quietly authoritative way which gives an inexperienced beginner, such as myself, great confidence and pleasure in what we were doing. I was amazed at the fantastic quality, artistry and aesthetic charm of the baskets we were all able to produce by the end of this course. I am afraid I am gushing - but I feel the course more than deserved it!!"

Eirian reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"Really had a good time, learned many technical skills and the days were interesting and educational. The setting was lovely and Jane was a very good tutor, having expertise in the subject taught."

Tony Carter reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"I attended a two day course on basket making at Off The Rails in Ladybank. A lovely venue and Jane is a very good course leader. I had a relaxed weekend with my own basket at the end of it. Highly recommended."

Fraser Mitchell reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"Jane enthusiastically led a one day course on making fruit bowls and other works. I was delighted by the finished product and by Jane's knowledge and passion for the subject. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest...no prior skill/knowledge required."

Sharon Carson reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"i had a great weekend at Basket weaving. Jane was so patient & passionate with us all. The atmosphere was contagious. For my first time i was impressed, I would be interested to book another course ."

Kim reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"This was a great course and I’m really pleased with my completed basket. I had previously attended a one day workshop with Jane so still very much a beginner. Jane does great demonstrations and explanations of what to do so you get the techniques right and she also provides plenty of one-to-one help. I would definitely recommend Jane’s workshops."

Jacki reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"I attended a 2 day basket making workshop at Off the Rails Arthouse in Ladybank. We were a group of 7, some complete beginners and some with a previous workshop under their belt. Jane taught via a combination of demonstrations and one to one tutoring. Thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, and very pleased with my basket. Would recommend!"

Lesley Evans reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"An excellent course tailored to two levels of ability: beginners and those with previous experience. The tutor ‘s instructions and demonstrations were clear and repeated for each student as required individually. Everyone took home a completed basket, each one individual in materials, details and design."

Andrew Lear reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"Jane is a good teacher and has lots of patience! I am very pleased with the resulting fruit basket I made....looking to go on another course with her soon..."

Kaska reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"I absolutely loved learning with Jane. As an absolute beginner I was amazed to have created such wonderful work under Jane's guidance. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone wanting an introduction to working with willow!"

Helena reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"Jane is a great teacher. Providing really clear instructions, plenty of help when needed. I really enjoyed myself."