Description
Course Date: Saturday 18 + Sunday 19 October 2025
Location: Cowshed Workshop, Brook Farm Oast, Reader’s Bridge Road, St. Michaels, Tenterden Kent TN30 6TH
These courses are for people who regularly weave baskets and would like to improve their techniques and skill set. They are held in a tranquil setting with nature all around us to fully reconnect and rewind. During this full-on two-day course, we start 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 teaching basketry techniques on a professional level since 2018 and will teach you the ancient, professional basketry techniques at your own pace, while focusing on the mindful and therapeutic elements of weaving with natural materials.
What can I Expect?
- Getting stuck in, immersing yourself in being creative, rewild with natural materials in a tranquil setting;
- A log basket of ca. 60cms or shopping basket with handle over the top made out of different varieties of sustainably grown Sussex basketry willow;
- The step-by-step, easy to follow guidance from the start of your base until the finished product;
- You will learn techniques that are new to you, 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 willow 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 materials, the ethical, eco-friendly way; and
- All willow or rattan, 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 you’ve 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. Truly refreshing for both mind and spirit.
Is this for me?
You will have woven a few baskets of differing sizes and are ready to move onto oval work, or have made an oval basket, but would like to find out some handy tips before weaving another, then this is for you. Would you like to try out another border, but also very much like to get your head around the different side weaves; French and English randing, the zig-zag, Irish twist? Or is it handles that you’re struggling with and would like a step-by-step guide of those? Yes, then this is your kinda course!
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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