Wreath for all Seasons – Afternoon Course in Etchingham | 11.07.25

Description

Course Date: Friday July 11, 2025

Location: King John’s Nursery, Sheepstreet Lane, Etchingham, TN19 7AZ

These courses are for absolute beginners and improvers. They are held in a tranquil setting with nature all around us to fully reconnect and rewind. Afternoon courses start at 14:00 and finish around 16:30.

Would you like to challenge yourself, making a different type of wreath this year? This course is a lovely way to get you into weaving with natural materials, it’s not that difficult and you can use the techniques you’ll use for other projects as well. How exciting is that?!

These courses are for absolute beginners. Children as young as 12 can take part too. Groups are small – up to 6 participants per discipline – so you get all the attention you may need.

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 we make

You will be shown how to make a wreath of 30cm, 40cm or 50cm. It’s a great day to spend with friends, but also really refreshing to share with like-minded people you’ve not met before, with some festive nibbles for when we get peckish and a glass of mulled wine or juice. You’re guaranteed to be in a festive spirit and delighted with your designs at the end of it.

Weaving and creating is very therapeutic and immensely relaxing, as you are using head, heart and hands, bringing body and mind back in sync. You will be able to completely reground and reconnect with nature.

What can I expect?

A relaxed time, immersing yourself in being creative with natural materials in a tranquil setting;
A wreath made out of flexible, slender Sussex basketry willow and foliage, as well as your own;
Step-by-step, easy to follow guidance at your own pace from start to finish;
Learn ancient basketry techniques used by professional basketmakers and explore ways of adopting these to other projects;
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 specific basketry tools at home;
Your lovely item(s) is/are yours to take home and made from 100% sustainable materials, the ethical, eco-friendly way; and
All willow as well as some foliage, use of tools, teas, coffees, mulled wine/juice and mince pies are included.

Is this something for me?

Over the years, people with disabilities, or who were thought to be lesser abled were still able to weave a basket. Not quite sure about your abilities or whether your wrists will manage, then just get in touch and I will assess whether it’s for you.

Locations

I try to organise the courses in creative and / or rural locations; on farms and in art 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.11

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.