Crafty Basketry reviews

Lally Freeborn reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket-weaving for Beginners - 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 - 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!"

Ranjit reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Basket Weaving for Beginners - Day Course in Winchelsea

"What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday. Downpour of rain outside and everyone cosy inside working on their creations. The atmosphere was very relaxed with everyone able to go at their own pace with support from Marianne as our projects came to life. This was my first time doing anything like this and I left the day with a nice, useful basket that I’m proud of. Thanks Marianne."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you for your great review, Ranjit. So nice to hear that you took the plunge and for your first creative experience, you chose one of my courses! I hope there will be many more craft projects flowing out of your hands and that some of them may be just as ground breaking as some of your surgical procedures are. Thanks again, Ranjit."

Harriet reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Basket Weaving for Beginners - Day Course in Winchelsea

"I did the one day basket course at King John's Nursery and couldn't have been happier. Despite the weather, we had an absolutely fantastic day in the barn, making our baskets. The class size was small, there was plenty of room for us all to manoeuvre, and I came away with something that I really love and am very proud of! I particularly appreciated how Marianne supported our creativity by allowing us to choose our own style of basket, try out different weaving structures and incorporate some hedgerow materials too. There was a really great choice of different willow to work with, and very clear explanations and information about how to source and prepare our own materials so that we can carry on making baskets after the course. She even followed up with written information, so I feel confident to have a go on my own now, but I will definitely be back for another course in the near future. Highly recommend! "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Hello Harriet, Over the moon with your review and recommendation! What can I say. Oh, I know! You were the easiest student to teach, as you picked up the techniques so quickly. Must be your knitting and math expert background. I hope you'll have lots more fun, weaving baskets, if not at another course, then just following my written notes and perhaps one day I can tempt you with new challenges / techniques. All the best for now, Marianne "

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

"Lovely course, Marianne provides a welcoming and lively atmosphere, her instructions are clear and she is endlessly patient! I enjoyed the Tenterden Cowshed, a real gem of a hideaway. Very happy with my basket, completed on the 2 day course."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"So chuffed with your 5-star review, Lynne! Thank you very much. It's wonderful to hear you've had such an enjoyable two days' weaving and chatting and learning. You were a super student! Hope to see you again soon, for perhaps the weaving of a lampshade or plant support or something useful. All the best for now. Marianne"

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

"Lovely afternoon spend in the most wonderful rural location learning how to weave a wreath. Great instruction and such a lovely atmosphere and ideal activity to calm the mind! Would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking at booking, "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review, Claire. I can feel a creative mother/daughter session developing in the not too distant future!!! In the meantime, why not try some hedgerow - birch, dogwood, hazel or willow or other - twist, involve your little one and add some berries and things and as by magic you'll have something amazingly lovely to hang on your front door. Have fun!"

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

"This was my first 2 day weaving course that I'd ever tried and am so pleased I took the plunge Marianne made me feel very welcome and she is a great tutor offering her expertise to help us make a basket we can be proud of. It was a peaceful setting where I was able to relax and get away from my normal life and indulge in some me time Marianne is very clever and has inspired me to want to do more weaving! So watch this space I will be back!! "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"So elated with your review, Clare! Thank you so much for sharing that with the world. Can't wait to see you back and challenge you with something new that you can then start applying to other projects. Can I tempt you with wreath weaving? ;D See you soon. All the best for now. Marianne"

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

"I had the best day spending time with friends while making a basket. Marianne is a fabulous teacher who has patience in spades or perhaps that should be basketfuls! All in a truly tranquil setting in deepest Kent. I highly recommend. My basket is super useful too - it is currently full of apples."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you for the super positive 5-star review, Madeleine! It does me great joy to hear you've had such a great time. I couldn't have wished for anything better. It sounded like you had a good time, catching up with friends, but I thought the whole group was great fun to spend time with, with some fantastic banter thrown in by some! Look forward to seeing a picture of your basket with the apple harvest. All the best for now, Marianne"

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

"I asked Marianne to do a basket making course at a friends house. 4 of us spent the most enjoyable day each of us making a beautiful basket. Marianne was so patient and made the day informative and fun. The 2 husbands had been sceptical but they thoroughly enjoyed it and were very proud of their baskets. I would love to do another course with her. Thank you ! "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks so much for your review, Jackie! On what felt like the first sunny day in months, we were in your friends' garden, underneath the fruit trees, weaving baskets. I couldn't have wished for a better atmosphere to teach you all about basketry and give you the best, most relaxing experience. Please thank your friends again for their hospitality, which knew no boundaries. I'd love to come and teach again. Perhaps something more playful like a lampshade or a few plant supports, or teach the grandchildren how to weave a humongous flower or enormous dragonfly. Wishing you a wonderful summer. "

Neryne Marx reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Basket Weaving for Beginners - Day Course in Winchelsea

"Thank you very much Marianne for an AMAZING day of basket weaving with you! You are a wonderful teacher, patient and thorough. The atmosphere was relaxed, and I've loved all the historical facts you gave us about basket weaving throughout the day. I cannot recommend you highly enough, and would love to book another lesson very soon "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"How wonderful to hear, that you had such an amazing time! Thanks so much for the recommendation. It was lovely to see you completely getting into the making of your super basket and what a size it became to be! May it always bring a smile upon your face when looking at it. Hopefully, it won't be the only basket you'll ever make. Have a great summer!"

Jane reviewed: Crafty Basketry's basket making for beginners with Rattan or Stripped Willow - 2-day Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"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."

Rachel reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Support (Obelisk or Cloche) at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden - Morning Course

"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"

Sue Cottrell reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Support (Obelisk or Cloche) at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden - Morning Course

"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."

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

"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."

Moyna Edmondson reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"This was without doubt the most rewarding, fulfilling and glorious way to spend a weekend. I did Marianne’s two day course and I wish I could have stayed two weeks. She is so patient and careful in how she guides you, just enough support to encourage self belief but on hand if you need more. I love my basket, so proud!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Moyna! What a wonderful review! So fantastic to hear that you wished it could've continued for longer. For me, it was just so amazing to see you enjoying yourself as much as I always do, weaving a basket. So can I challenge you to make a log basket next time? Or would you like to go for something a bit more playful and arty like a lampshade? So chuffed with your review! Thank you very much and see you again soon, I'm sure."

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

"Marianne was a good teacher, explaining everything in a clear and enthusiastic way. It was a fun and educational day, both my wife and I came away with baskets we are proud of. We both recommend the course."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you very much for your 5-star review, Peter! I felt so flattered to hear that you planned your holiday in England around my Crafty Basketry course in Tenterden and not the other way around! You each made a great, sturdy basket to last you a lifetime. I hope you will have lots of fun, doing many more amazing craft courses in the future, now that you're both retired. Have fun and live life to the full!"

Debbie J reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Supports (Obelisk and / or Cloche) - Day Course in Winchelsea

"I can highly recommend the course with Marianne. I felt a huge sense of achievement with the plant support and cloche which I made. The day flew by, was great fun and I learnt so much. Marianne was so patient and supportive every step of the way."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Oh Debbie, I'm over the moon with your review and recommendation! Thank you so very much! It's always so good to hear that I'm getting it right. It means so much to me that people have the best experience and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I hope to see you again sometime, perhaps for a lampshade course? All the best for now, Marianne"

Claudia Carla Blunden reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Supports (Obelisk and Cloche) at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden - Day Course

"A great day focusing on a traditional art form in lovely surroundings with friendly people. You would be surprised what you can achieve with expert and encouraging tuition"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Claudia! Was so nice to have you on board again. I'm running out of ideas of what to challenge you with next, but perhaps a Harlequin tree would be an interesting project for you? Thank you very much and see you soon. All the best for now, Marianne"

Jane reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Supports (Obelisk or Cloche) - Morning Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

"Really enjoyed making my willow obelisk! Lovely weather meant that we could work outside in the sunshine. Nice small group, helpful instruction and a great creation to take home!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks for your review, Jane, and looking forward to teaching you how to weave a basket next. I will send you some dates of upcoming Lewes courses now. Thanks again very much. "

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

"We had the most wonderfully relaxing day with Marianne, making a basket that, even though I say so myself, looked remarkably good! Marianne made the day most enjoyable, with just the right amount of help when needed and there was lots of chatter and laughter. A very positive experience and I will do it again. "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review and recommendation, Kate! Fabulous basket you made with actually very little help from me. You picked up the techniques quite easily and were a joy to have on the course. Look forward to the next one with you. May I challenge you with the making of a lampshade, perhaps? :D"

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

"wonderful course where I made my first but not last basket. Great venue, materials and teacher. Looking forward to doing more . Highly recommend ."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"So delighted with your recommendation, Margarita! Thank you very much. It was such fun, having you on board, so I'm looking forward to the next time at the Cowshed for perhaps a lampshade? I will bring different materials for you to try then too. Thanks again very much. All the best for now, Marianne"

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

"A friend and I took part in this course last week and it was a thoroughly enjoyable day from start to finish. Marianne was a great tutor, explaining all about the history of basket making and the tools and materials involved. She was extremely patient even when I asked her to show me something for the umpteenth time! It was a very therapeutic day, concentrating on nothing but learning a new skill in beautiful surroundings was a real tonic. And at the end of it I went home with a lovely basket that I'll be proud to show off. Oh - and the cake provided was delicious! Thank you Marianne for a great experience "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Mandy! So chuffed with it! What a surprise to see you again, after all those years. You're still great company and so is your friend. I thought you both picked up the techniques so easily; you were both a pleasure to work with, so I hope to see you again very soon. All the very best for now. Marianne"

Jayne Carroll reviewed: Crafty Basketry's | Weaving Willow Plant Supports or Other | Day Private Course at Downe Village Hall

"Loved my Basket Weaving course, it was my birthday so a great way to celebrate, doing something for myself and having a basket at the end to remember it by. A fun day learning new techniques and having fun with friends. "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Great to hear you had a lovely time, Jayne! I'm looking forward to planning the next private course with you in rural Downe's characterful Village Hall."