Marianne has been a basketmaker since 2006 and teaches the age-old techniques now applied to contemporary baskets She teaches weaving with willow, hedgerow, rattan and rush.
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
Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Supports (Obelisk and / or Cloche) - Day Course in Winchelsea
"I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend course learning how to make a basket with Marianne. She is an excellent teacher, full of passion for her craft and making you feel at ease from the start. A lovely countryside location to spend a relaxing, creative weekend. I can not believe how beautiful my very own basket is and it has been much admired! Marianne has also provided useful follow up information if we want to pursue this mindful hobby at home. However I think I will book another course and bring my husband along next time!"
Crafty Basketry responded:
"What a wonderful review, Jane! Thank you very much! Two-day courses are always such fun for me too, as I can share all the ins and outs of the craft with eager learners like yourself, who then end up with the most impressive baskets. I'm so proud of what you achieved, as you combined and made good use of some lovely coloured willow. So nice to hear that you've now enthused your husband to come along with you next time. Perhaps you could weave a lampshade, while he creates two plant supports. A win-win, ha, ha! I'll look forward to working with you both towards another amazing result. Thanks again, Jane."
"Lovely course making a willow obelisk in a beautiful setting.
Marianne is keeping this craft alive and sharing her passion.
I loved my obelisk ! "
Crafty Basketry responded:
"Thanks very much for your 5-star review, Rachel! I hope your plant support found a great place in your garden and things are beginning to grow up it now. I trust the notes I sent round were self-explanatory and you'll make a few more while following them. Have a great gardening year and hope to see you again sometime, and perhaps try your hand at making a lampshade, or even a basket. You were great fun, having you around on the course. All the best for now, Marianne"
"19/04/24
I completed the day course on making a basket. I found the course quite challenging for me but Marianne was patient and supportive throughout the day. She has an abundance of knowledge about the craft and I learnt a lot about the processes involved. I am happy that I managed to complete a basket. Thank you Marianne for all your support."
Crafty Basketry responded:
"Thank you so much for your review, Sue! It was lovely to have you on board. You're so modest, as you made a massive basket; great size and shape and I love the colours. Well done, you! I hope you'll have a lot of pleasure, using your basket over the years."
"I recently completed a one day basket weaving course with Marianne at the Cow Shed in Tenterden. I have to say, it was a full on day but so enjoyable! Basket weaving is quite hard work but Marianne was so friendly, patient and encouraging that I managed to keep going, and produce a basket that I was very proud of for my first attempt. Thank you Marianne for sharing your fantastic skills and for being such a wonderful teacher. I certainly would like to come back to try making something else as it's so satisfying when you finally achieve the finished object. "
Crafty Basketry responded:
"Thank you so much for your review! It was a pleasure to show you all the ins and outs, Donna. I'm living the life, teaching people like you; so enthusiastic and eager to learn. Basket weaving is one of the more difficult projects, as it's a long process and it's quite particular, as the tensions need to be right to hold things and be strong.
I think you may like the process of weaving a lampshade or plant support, as it's more playful. Lampshades can be made as an artform and won't need to be strong. You already know the main techniques, so it should be an enjoyable challenge. Look forward to working with you again soon."
Our website uses cookies to give you the best user experience. By using the site you are consenting to our use of cookies. You can find out more, or manage your cookie settings in our Privacy Policy