Description
Course Date: Saturday 2nd + Sunday 3rd May 2026
Location: Cowshed Workshop, Brook Farm Oast, Reader’s Bridge Road, St. Michaels, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6TH
These courses are for absolute beginners. They are held in a tranquil setting with nature all around us to fully reconnect and rewind. This two-day course starts at 09:30 and finish around 16:00.
About Marianne, 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 screen-free experience, working on your connection with nature with a calm focus, where you grow in confidence throughout the weekend;
- Get stuck in with this real, tangible skill, immersing yourself in being creative, rewilding in a tranquil setting;
- A bean-shaped foraging basket with curve for the hip, or backpack of ca. 60cms in height (with oak bark tanned leather strap at an additional charge of £20-£23 each) or shopping basket with willow handle over the top, or log basket in the round or oval made out of different varieties of sustainably grown Sussex basketry willow;
- Step-by-step, easy to follow guidance tailored to your needs from the start of your base until the finished product;
- You will learn ancient basketry techniques, with different side weaving techniques and borders to choose from;
- Choose the materials you’d like to weave with and feel and learn the differences between them;
- Reconnect with nature and find out about cultivation and preparation of different willows and hedgerow materials;
- Learn how to use tools provided and what to use if you don’t have those tools at home;
- Your lovely basket is made from 100% sustainable basketry willow (and hedgerow), the ethical, eco-friendly way; and
- All materials, 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 course. Should the minimum not have been reached, then you will be emailed.
It’s a fantastic time to spend with friends, but also really refreshing to share with like-minded people of more or less the same calibre you may or may not have met before. New friendships are often forged!
Basket weaving is very therapeutic, as you are most probably aware, 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, get new inspiration. Truly refreshing for both mind and spirit.
Is this for me?
Over the years, many people with arthritis or other disability were still able to weave a basket and the former even found it nourishing their joints. Those lacking in confidence saw their old views of themselves diminish over the weekend. Basket weaving is very methodical, with clear stages and lots of repetition, giving you time to really get to grips with techniques, getting in the zone. Not quite sure how you learn? I will show you in different ways for you to find out what works best for you.
Locations
I try to organise the courses in rural locations; on farms for instance. This way, we have the benefits of nature 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.
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