Description
Course Date: Sunday 31st May 2026
Location: King John’s Nursery, Sheepstreet Lane, Etchingham, TN19 7AZ
These workshops are for those who wish to improve their basketry skills. They are held in a tranquil setting with nature all around us to fully reconnect and rewind. Improver’s day workshops are £75, start at 14:00 and finish around 17:00. A time during which you can really drill down and nail those tricky borders and learn about easy tricks to use to get them spot on! The workshop, like all courses and workshops, is tailored to your interests and way of learning.
About your Teacher
Marianne is a full-time basketmaker and willow grower with a workshop on the border between East Sussex and Kent. She has been weaving since 2006 and initially started her journey with Alan Sage and has since attended several courses and workshops; last but not least a 5-day course with Benjamin Nauleau. She has been teaching basketry techniques on a professional level since 2018 and will teach you the ancient, professional basketry techniques at your own pace and with your needs in mind, while focusing on the mindful and therapeutic elements of weaving with Sussex and Kent-grown materials.
What can I Expect?
- A relaxed time, immersing yourself in being creative with natural materials in a tranquil setting;
- You will learn two ancient basket borders and a weaving technique of your choice made out of different varieties of local, Sussex grown basketry willow;
- The step-by-step, easy to follow guidance tailored to your learning needs from start to finish;
- Find out about cultivation and preparation of willow and hedgerow materials;
- What varieties are best for uprights;
- Learn how to use tools provided and what to use if you don’t have those tools at home;
- Made from 100% sustainable Kent and Sussex-grown materials, the ethical, eco-friendly way;
- Once woven, the borders can be used as wreath all year long and decorate with foliage and flowers; and
- All willow, use of tools (if you don’t like using your own), teas, coffees and fruit are included. I advise people to bring a packed lunch.
There is a maximum of six and a minimum of four participants per discipline.
It’s a fantastic and really refreshing time to share with like-minded people you’ve perhaps not met before.
Basket weaving is very therapeutic, as you are using head, heart and hands, bringing body and mind back in sync. Working in a group allows you to share experiences, bounce off ideas, so it’s also a great way to build new friendships. A breath of fresh air for both mind and spirit.
Is this for me?
You will have made a basket or two quite recently and are familiar with some of the techniques; how to weave the side of a basket using one or two techniques, how to weave the wailing and would like more practise weaving borders.
Locations
I try to organise the courses in creative and / or rural locations; on farms and in studios for instance. This way, we have the benefits of nature and inspiration around us to fully reconnect and rewild.
Please contact me for a more tailored experience.
Please note: A minimum of four delegates is required to run this course. Should bookings not reach the minimum number this course may be rescheduled. Please book your course two weeks before the course date to allow for the preparation to take place.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.