Crafty Basketry

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

"My daughter and I just completed a really fun day of basket making with Marianne and are now the proud owners of two really lovely bespoke baskets. Marianne, was a great teacher and helped each of us at different stages to successfully undertake all aspects of the weaving. She createsda calm and stress free workshop and I look forward to booking on another one soon."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"So wonderful to hear that you had a great time, Lally, and would like to weave more! Perhaps a lampshade next time, or a 2-day course to weave a larger basket. Would be great to hear Milly's thoughts on her experience during the course too. See you again soon. I'll send you the dates once I've formalised things."

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

"The tuition from Marianne was first class. She clearly explained and showed us all the required weaving techniques and very useful tips. Marianne gave us a comprehensive introduction and her amazingly beautiful sample baskets on display gave us good ideas of what to aspire to make. The pace of the tuition was just right and Marianne has patience galore to help us navigate complex techniques. It was extremely rewarding to complete the day with our own basket creations which consisted of different bands of natural willow colour with a variety of newly learnt weaves. It was a very enjoyable day in a homely environment with an excellent teacher."

Rebecca Stewart reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Weaving Christmas Wreaths and / or other Decorations at Tenterden

"What an incredible course, in the most glorious setting! Highly recommended. I created the most beautiful woven wreath and feel those skills are something that I will use again and again. A craft that’s tactile and allows you to loose yourself in nature. Marianne was an incredible guide, who taught us the skills as we worked. There was no lost practice time from the moment we walked in to the moment we left with our treasured wreaths."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review and recommendation, Rebecca, Would be great, if you could use it in a forest school setting. With your DIY background, it'll be easy to apply the skills to a whole manner of items. Have fun!"

Hannah TW reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Weaving Christmas Wreaths and / or other Decorations at Tenterden

"I loved this course! I did the mornings making of a wreath and had a great time. It was very relaxing, I found that I had completely zoned out and was just thinking about what I was doing and making, which as a mum of 3, was very enjoyable. Marianne was a great teacher, she let us go at our own pace, showed us how to create as we went along and was full of knowledge and passion. I absolutely love my wreath and I’m looking forward to redecorating it seasonally as I have mine indoors. I would highly recommend this course, I had never done anything like it before, although I am very crafty, and it was very beginner friendly. Marianne helped us choose which willow to use and told us why and had also bought along some foliage so we could decorate afterwards. Nothing felt rushed at any point, it was just fabulous! The setting we were at was also stunning which was an added bonus. Thanks so much Marianne!! "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks so much for your review, Hannah. Super, to hear that you were fully immersed in it all. As a mum, it's good to get your own space from time to time. Was also really nice for you and Rebecca to have some time without the kids wanting all your attention. Hope you'll get more opportunities like this to be yourself. But for now, back to crocheting. I love your designs!"