Crafty Basketry

Contact name: Marianne van Niekerken

70
Total bookings

Rating

(106)

about 4 years
with CraftCourses

Maker's bio

Marianne, your tutor, is a full-time basketmaker with a workshop on the border between East Sussex and Kent, She has been weaving baskets since 2006 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 in tranquil surroundings. The method is now often applied to contemporary baskets. She teaches weaving with willow, hedgerow, rattan and, on the rare occasion, rush. What to expect? A relaxed time, immersing yourself in being creative with natural materials in a tranquil setting; An obelisk and cloche made out of different varieties of locally grown, sustainable basketry willow; The step-by-step, easy to follow guidance from the start of your base until the finished product; You will learn ancient basketry techniques and explore other projects with the same use of techniques; 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 plant support is made from locally grown, 100% sustainable materials, the ethical, eco-friendly way; and All willow, use of tools (if you don't like using your own), teas, coffees and fruit are included. The locations are usually on smallholdings and forest school areas in Kent and East Sussex to fully experience the grounding power of nature. Classes are small, giving you all the guidance you need to create your very own design.

Courses, kits & gifts

platinum award

ROBERTSBRIDGE

Crafty Basketry's | Weaving Willow Ornaments | Half-day PRIVATE COURSE at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

3 hours

Next date: 27th Aug 2025

6 places left

(1)

£340.00

platinum award

St. Michael's, Tenterden

Crafty Basketry's Hedgerow Basket Making for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden

8 hours

Next date: 3rd Aug 2025

6 places left

(14)

£130.00

platinum award

LEWES

Crafty Basketry's Hedgerow Basket-weaving for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

8 hours

Next date: 26th Oct 2025

6 places left

£110.00

platinum award

St. Michael's, Tenterden

Crafty Basketry's Lampshade - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

7 hours

Next date: 27th Aug 2025

6 places left

£130.00

platinum award

St. Michael's, Tenterden

Crafty Basketry's Weaving a Foraging Basket - Improver's Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

7½ hours

Next date: 27th Aug 2025

3 places left

£130.00

platinum award

Etchingham

Crafty Basketry's Weaving a Foraging Basket - Improver's Day Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

7½ hours

Next date: 10th Aug 2025

6 places left

£130.00

platinum award

LEWES

Crafty Basketry's Weaving a Foraging Basket - Improver's Day Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

7½ hours

Next date: 26th Oct 2025

6 places left

£120.00

platinum award

St. Michael's, Tenterden

Crafty Basketry's Weaving a Log Basket - 2-day Improver's Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

12 hours

Next date: 27th Aug 2025

3 places left

£195.00

platinum award

St. Michael's, Tenterden

Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

8 hours

Next date: 27th Aug 2025

3 places left

(30)

£130.00

platinum award

Etchingham

Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

8 hours

Next date: 10th Aug 2025

3 places left

(3)

£130.00

platinum award

LEWES

Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket-weaving for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

8 hours

Next date: 26th Oct 2025

6 places left

(7)

£110.00

platinum award

Etchingham

Crafty Basketry's Willow Lampshade - Day Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

7 hours

Next date: 10th Aug 2025

6 places left

£130.00

platinum award

LEWES

Crafty Basketry's Willow Lampshade - Day Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

6 hours

Next date: 26th Oct 2025

6 places left

(2)

£110.00

platinum award

Etchingham

Introduction to Basketry - Vessels Old and New - Day Course, Etchingham

6½ hours

Next date: 10th Aug 2025

6 places left

£130.00

platinum award

St. Michael's, Tenterden

Introduction to Basketry - Vessels Old and New - Full Day Course Tenterden

6½ hours

Next date: 27th Aug 2025

3 places left

£130.00

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

3 Jul 25'

Ann & Ian reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Support Course (Obelisk and Cloche) at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden

"Myself and my husband completed the full day course making a plant support & cloche each. The whole day was inspiring and so interesting… Marianne was really helpful, calm and very inspiring… a lovely teacher!! We were thrilled to take home our creations and have had so many complements on them in our garden !! Highly recommend the workshop. "

2 Jul 25'

Corrina Grffiths reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket-weaving for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

"Very good teacher, and very patient with my autistic husband. I enjoyed our day willow weaving baskets. I was pleased with the results and the teacher was hands on with help and seeing to pupils needs. "

16 May 25'

Alice reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"Marianne’s willow weaving course was absolutely wonderful, a very special day indeed. Situated in a very beautiful barn in Kent’s countryside, we made a medium sized beautiful basket. Marianne was very kind and made us feel so comfortable, with many a cup of tea. She showed us different types of weaving techniques and had an abundance of knowledge on processes and materials. Thank you Marianne. I would 100% recommend this craft course! "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your amazing review, Alice! It was such fun to get to know you and your Mum and weave with you, while talking about your plans for the coming year! Exciting times for you. I hope our paths will cross again one day, so I can catch up on your craft skill adventures."

14 May 25'

MELINDA reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"Another wonderful day spent with the marvellous Marianne. This is my second workshop and won’t be my last. Marianne is such a brilliant tutor and extremely patient. I am delighted with my basket and came away inspired. Thank you Marianne!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Such a super message to hear, Melinda! I love to inspire and weaving with natural materials lends itself so well for that. Thank you so much for your review and I'll look forward to seeing you again soon. Still so many projects to try your hand at. Exciting!"