Crafty Basketry reviews

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

"Marianne is a very skilled basket weaver and glad to pass the traditional skills on. I enjoyed her course very much and she is a kind and patient teacher. I'm delighted with the basket I made with her help, which will last me decades."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Hilary! With each course you took part in, you set yourself a tremendous challenge; as an example, not to just make a basket, but to make an oval foraging basket in a day. The message in your email I'm also very grateful for, where you say: "I so enjoyed Marianne's basket-weaving one day workshops that I have now done three! Marianne is very patient and knowledgeable. She took the time to ensure I went home with 3 beautiful strong baskets that I'll love using forever! I now have the skills to try a simple one on my own and I've already made a Catalan platter." Hopefully our paths will cross again this new year, perhaps for a plant support course. All the very best for now! Marianne - Crafty Basketry"

Cathy reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Beginners Morning Course - Weaving an Autumn or Christmas Wreath, Tenterden

"I attended the course in Tenderden last weekend. Marianne was so helpful and showed a lot of patience with me! I am so proud of the wreath that I made and cannot believe that, in just three hours, I achieved this. I would highly recommend this course."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for this lovely review, Cathy! It was such a pleasure to have you there, beavering away! You were one of those who this just comes natural to, Cathy. It seems to be in your veins. Wonderful! I hope to see you again sometime and show you some more tricks of the trade. All the best for now. Have a wonderful Christmas and a Healthy, Creative and Exciting 2024. Marianne x"

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

"I found the willow lampshade course extremely relaxing and it was nice to have a finished object at the end of it all, though for me it was all about the process, the meditative, creative flow of weaving, which is like medicine for the soul. The time flew, and Marianne was on hand to help when I needed it."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your great review, Kate! So good to hear how you found it and that it had the same meditative effect on you as it always has on me. Great that you're already looking for your next course with me! See you again soon with more interesting techniques for you to soak up. "

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

"Thoroughly enjoyed my first experience of making a basket thanks to Marianne's great teaching skills and patience. She is a very talented basket maker and looked after us very well. "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Carrie! Wonderful to hear your positive feedback. Would be great to see you again sometime. Perhaps for a wreath-weaving course on 16th December at the Cowshed, or for a plant support course in the New Year. All the very best for now, Marianne. "

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

"Not my first course with Marianne. Once you have spent a day with her careful instructions, you will leave with an amazing creation. It is always a fun day with like minded people and gorgeous materials supplied. I thoroughly recommend spending a day with her learning about the wonderful world of basketry."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so very much for the smashing recommendation, Laura! It means the world to me, that I can create a special day for each individual participant and it's so wonderful to hear that it's appreciated! Hopefully see you again soon for perhaps a session weaving with hedgerow?"

Sharon R reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at The Robertsbridge Club

"Marianne's day course exceeded my expectations. She is a great teacher, with a relaxed and friendly style. We all made beautiful baskets that we are proud of and had fun in the process. The day flew by! In fact, I loved it so much, I have already booked on another of Marianne's workshops!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"So nice to see more of you, Sharon, and work towards another lovely basket! Thank you very much for your review. See you on Friday!"

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

"The basket weaving day with Marianne at the cowshed was brilliant. Marianne was a great teacher, she provided a relaxed learning environment that was fun as well as being productive. I made the most awesome basket. Thank you"

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

"What a fantastic day and I can highly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn a new craft, or improve, whilst spending a day surrounded by all things natural. Marianne is so patient (needed to be with me!), incredibly knowledgeable in her art and thoroughly explained everything before we started. She was on hand constantly to guide me through all the various stages, but left room for my artistic interpretation - and then got me back on track. Really looking forward to another day in November and building on what I've already learnt. Thank you Marianne!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Hello Sally, Thank you so much for your recommendation! Wonderful to hear you enjoyed yourself. You did look like you loved being creative again. Can't wait to see your lampshade in situ. Will be great to have you on board again in November. All the best for now, Marianne"

Peter Buckley reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket-weaving for Beginners - Day Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

"I recently had the pleasure of taking this basket weaving course, and it exceeded all my expectations! From start to finish, it was a delightful journey into the world of this age-old craft. The instructor's passion and expertise were evident in every step, making learning enjoyable and accessible. The materials provided were top-notch, and the pace of the course was just right, accommodating those who were working slower than others. I was amazed at how quickly I was able to create a beautiful, functional basket. The camaraderie among fellow participants added to the overall experience, making it not just an educational opportunity but also a chance to connect with like-minded individuals. This basket weaving course has ignited a new hobby for me, and I can't wait to take the next step. Highly recommended!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much, Peter, for your super review and recommendation. I'm blown away by it. So good to hear that you enjoyed the day so much that you'd like to make basket weaving a new hobby. Should you need any help or have any questions, then you have my number. Would be great to assist you along the way. Hope to see you again, at one of my advanced courses perhaps. Happy weaving!"

Judith Alcock reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket-weaving for Beginners - Day Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

"It was a very enjoyable day course and Marianne our tutor explained the techniques of basketry very clearly. She was kind and patient and helped us when we needed it. I made a nice basket which can be used to put fruit or other items in. "

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

"I had a very happy two days with Marianne teaching us basketry at St John’s Nursery. She is a wonderful instructor and so patient and helpful. She is extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic and encourages you every step of the way. I left with a basket I am delighted with and very happy to show off! "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Hello Susie, So wonderful to receive your super review! Thank you very much. Hope to have you on board another time. You and your daughter were a great team."

Celia Langrish reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Penhurst Retreat Centre, East Sussex

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Willow Weaving day at Winchelsea and was thrilled to come away with a basket. Marianne is an excellent teacher and carefully explained all the different steps and we all ended up making something slightly different. I would love to carry on and plan to go on more courses."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"What a super review, Celia! Thank you very much! May I just say that you were the perfect student? You picked up the new techniques so easily that it didn't take much effort on my part to teach you. Wonderful to hear that you'd like to do another project, as I'd like to challenge you a little next time; new techniques and shape. I think you'll love it! Hope to see you again soon."

Hilary Roome reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Penhurst Retreat Centre, East Sussex

"Marianne is a very good teacher - clear instructions, patient and inspiring. I came away with a beautiful basket which I feel proud of. I gained knowledge and skills to be used again, I hope."

Beverly Eksteen reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Penhurst Retreat Centre, East Sussex

"I had a wonderful day in Winchelsea making a basket. Marianne is a kind, gentle and very patient teacher. It was a fun social day and coming away with a beautiful basket was a huge bonus. 😍 I will definitely be attending the next course in Winchelsea. Thank you Marianne "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks so much for your amazing review, Beverly! So great to hear you had a wonderful day! On to the next one, which looks like 15th October in Tenterden, as the next Winchelsea one will be on 9th December. I will be in touch. Thank you!"

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

"I spent a day with Marianne last Sunday at the Cowshed Workshop and made an obelisk, plant stand and a dragonfly! Marianne is a kind, patient teacher who explains really well and I came home with 3 things that I am really proud of. A fun day in beautiful surroundings, learning an ancient skill."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you very much for your review, Chris. So wonderful to hear that you're loving your items. They look so amazing. Especially the cloche! Lovely. Great to meet your friends. You were a lovely bunch. Hope to see you again sometime. Many thanks and best wishes, Marianne"

Ann Bridges reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Penhurst Retreat Centre, East Sussex

"Being disabled I did wonder how I would cope with weaving a basket but yes, I managed with the guidance and help of Marianne to end up with a rather nice basket. She did suggest that perhaps in the future using a softer medium might be easier for me and I look forward to the challenge. Thank you Marianne for all your patience, you are an excellent teacher, "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review and compliments, Ann! So good to hear that the course exceeded expectations. Your strength of character and shear determination got you through You were such a delight to have as a student! I look forward to teaching you again, then with either rush or rattan, which requires hardly any strength in the fingers. Thanks again very much. With best wishes, Marianne - Crafty Basketry"

Sara reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Penhurst Retreat Centre, East Sussex

"I had an absolutely fabulous day & Marianne is an excellent teacher. Calm and methodical with an immense amount of knowledge & her work is stunning. Many thanks - I’ll be back Sara ♥️💖❤️"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review and compliments, Sara! Your very creative personality and love for the craft was so super to see! Thank you again for your purchases. I hope your baskets have found pride of place now. Look forward to having you join another of my courses in the not too distant future. Many thanks again and best wishes, Marianne - Crafty Basketry"

Jane brown reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Supports (Obelisk or Cloche) - Afternoon Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"Really enjoyable, relaxing and creative afternoon. Marianne is an excellent tutor "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"That's wonderful to hear, Jane! Your daughter seemed to really have fun as well. Super! Look forward to seeing you at a next workshop, perhaps this time with your son as well. Thank you very much and all the very best. Marianne"

Theo reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at The Robertsbridge Club

"An excellent day in the most lovely setting. Marianne is a wonderful host and tutor. "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Theo! Look forward to seeing you again sometime. "

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

"Marianne is an amazing teacher! She demonstrates techniques slowly and clearly, explaining each step as it is reached. She is endlessly patient and shares her vast knowledge of her subject generously. The pace was matched well to our beginner level, and Marianne gave us plenty of encouragement. Everyone in our group was making something different and it speaks volumes that we all left thrilled with our finished baskets. Cannot recommend her classes highly enough."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Jan! It's super to hear that you had the perfect day. Look forward to seeing you again. All the very best, Marianne."

Rachel Holmes reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Supports (Obelisk and / or Cloche) - Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

"I had THE most wonderful and relaxing morning of weaving with Marianne. She is so relaxed and knowledgeable and can facilitate different levels of learners at the same time. The pace was so relaxed and the setting was beautiful. We all made wonderful garden obelisks and had a lovely time chatting and making new friends along the way. I am really looking forward to booking onto a course with Marianne again soon."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"This is such good news, Rachel! Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We both learnt a lot, as you informed me of valuable info too. Was great to have you on board and look forward to seeing you again soon. Many thanks. Marianne."

Shirley reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Supports (Obelisk or Cloche) - Morning Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"We had a lovely day. We made our obelisk under a large tree on a bright sunny day. With excellent instruction we both went home with a useful garden support and a feeling of achievement. "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"And you looked like you were having a great time, even Lucy! Was great to have you both, Shirley and thank you for your review and the 5 stars! So fantastic to hear. All the very best, Marianne"

anjali martin reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket-weaving for Beginners - Day Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

"Such fun, dexterity, tranquility, peace, serenity, a lovely view and some beautiful plant supports to take home as our party bag. As Marianne advocates, there are many dimensions to this craft."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you for your 5-star review, Anjali. Great to hear that you found it fun. You certainly worked hard and got some amazing plant supports. Happy planting!"

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

"I enjoyed this course a lot - lovely studio and garden and Marianne was a great teacher. She gave us lots of individual help and made sure we all came away with a beautiful basket! "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for the 5-star review, Clare. Wonderful to hear that you enjoyed it so much. You made a lovely, sturdy basket and I will look forward to seeing it in situ. Many thanks and hope to see you again sometime."

Tracy Cuff reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket-weaving for Beginners - Day Course at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes

"I thoroughly enjoyed Marianne’s basket weaving course, it was truly inspiring. She is a very good, patient teacher and as well as coming away with a lovely hand made basket by the end of the day I had a much needed calming experience. All of the attendees were fun, like minded people and a pleasure to spend the day with. Thank you."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"So good to hear and see that you were in the moment and experiencing the balancing out of yin and yang during the weaving process. So good for the soul, isn't it?! Look forward to having you on board again soon and wishing you the best of luck, being back in good old Blighty, and your new home. Namaste, Tracy. Marianne"