Basketry Talks and Willow Weaving Demonstrations

Talks for garden societies, clubs and community groups, and basket weaving demonstrations at markets, fairs and shows, in Kent and East Sussex.

  • Marianne van Niekerken giving a talk to a seated group in a village hall, holding up a willow basket

  • Talk: Basket Weaving History in the 21st Century

    An hour-long illustrated talk at your venue, for garden societies, clubs and groups. I talk about the history of basketry, growing and preparing willow, and a year in a basketmaker’s life, while weaving a small project in front of you. There’s time for questions, and baskets to see and buy.

    £85 within 25 miles of Newenden · One hour, including questions

    Ask about a talk

Recent Talks

Ticehurst Garden Society · Young at Heart, Old Heathfield · Second Wednesday Club, Winchelsea

  • Marianne weaving a willow basket at her stall at a summer fair, talking to a visitor, with her baskets on display

  • Demonstrations at Markets, Fairs and Shows

    At markets, fairs and shows I weave a basket or a lampshade as people watch. Visitors and children can have a go, or join a drop-in session to make something small to take home.

    Drop-in sessions: £5

    Ask about a demonstration

Questions from Organisers

  • The history of basketry and basket weaving in your area; a day, and a year, in the life of a basketmaker; growing and preparing willow, and the benefits of growing it in your garden; the tools; and basketry schools in Europe. I play a slideshow and weave a small project from start to finish while I talk, with everyone sitting around me so they can watch closely.

  • The £85 price covers talks within 25 miles of Newenden. If you’re further away, get in touch and I’ll give you a price including travel.

  • A projector and screen, and a space where your audience can sit around me to watch. I bring my own laptop, so just let me know which connection the projector has (HDMI or USB-C).

  • About an hour, including 15 minutes of questions. I’m happy to allow a little extra time for conversation afterwards.

  • Yes. I bring a selection of my baskets, so there’s a chance to look at them closely and take one home.

  • I teach groups of 20 people for away days, community events, etc. small projects lasting up to 1.5 hours. Get in touch to find out more.

Ask About a Talk or Demonstration

Tell me about your group or event, and I’ll check the date and get back to you within a few days.

Would your group like to learn to weave? I also teach private sessions for groups of up to six.

Private sessions