Willow shopping basket with a tall handle over the top, held up against a dark wooden wall
Round willow backpack basket with a leather strap, held up to the camera
Two participants with the baskets they wove on an improvers workshop
Willow backpack basket with a red and green two-tone band and leather straps
improvers basket workshop student with finished baskets
Willow shopping basket with a tall handle over the top, held up against a dark wooden wall
Round willow backpack basket with a leather strap, held up to the camera
Two participants with the baskets they wove on an improvers workshop
Willow backpack basket with a red and green two-tone band and leather straps
improvers basket workshop student with finished baskets

Improvers Foraging, Shopping Basket or Backpack: Full-Day Workshop

£130.00

Using scalloming, fitching or other more advanced techniques, you'll create the willow basket you need for the job, in one day: a foraging basket of your choice, a shopper about 30–35cm wide with a handle over the top that can hold about 30kg or more, or a backpack about 40 x 50cm with one round side and one flat, for which straps can be bought. For improvers; small groups of up to six participants. Workshops in Lewes, Tenterden and Etchingham.

A minimum of four participants is needed for a workshop to run. If fewer than four people have booked 14 days before the workshop, I’ll offer you another date or a full refund, whichever you prefer. If the minimum number has been reached, bookings may remain open after this date, subject to availability. Private workshops are also available for friends, families and small groups.

See the full workshop details and questions below.

Join my mailing list to hear about new workshop dates.
Please read my workshop terms before booking.

Date and Venue:

Using scalloming, fitching or other more advanced techniques, you'll create the willow basket you need for the job, in one day: a foraging basket of your choice, a shopper about 30–35cm wide with a handle over the top that can hold about 30kg or more, or a backpack about 40 x 50cm with one round side and one flat, for which straps can be bought. For improvers; small groups of up to six participants. Workshops in Lewes, Tenterden and Etchingham.

A minimum of four participants is needed for a workshop to run. If fewer than four people have booked 14 days before the workshop, I’ll offer you another date or a full refund, whichever you prefer. If the minimum number has been reached, bookings may remain open after this date, subject to availability. Private workshops are also available for friends, families and small groups.

See the full workshop details and questions below.

Join my mailing list to hear about new workshop dates.
Please read my workshop terms before booking.

Weave the Basket You Need: Foraging, Shopping or Backpack

If you already have some experience of stake and strand basketry and are ready to expand your skills, this workshop is the next step: techniques that bring greater structure, finesse and individuality to your work, including scalloming, weaving with a Catalan base, fitching made easy, a variety of side weaves and several different basket borders.

  • What You'll Learn

    • How to weave and shape a traditional Catalan base

    • Scalloming, for stronger and more refined basket structures

    • Fitching made simple and approachable

    • Different side weaves, and how they affect the character and strength of a basket

    • A variety of traditional basket borders and finishing techniques

    • Individual guidance and support throughout the day

  • Who It's For

    Improvers and intermediate weavers who already have some experience of basic stake and strand basketry. Unsure whether it suits your level? Get in touch before booking.

  • What to Expect?

    All materials and tools, plus teas, coffees, cake and fruit, are included. Bring a packed lunch, except at King John’s Nursery. For a backpack, bring your own strap or buy a leather one on the day for £20.

    If you have specific accessibility requirements, or would like to talk about whether the workshop would suit you, please get in touch.

  • The Day

    09:30 to 17:30, with time until 18:00 for finishing touches. Arrive from 08:45 for a hot drink and a look through my basketry books and baskets.

“I learned so much with her expert tuition and endless patience in just one day and left with a beautiful foraging basket and many new skills.”

Melinda, Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden - Craft Courses, December 2025
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Platinum badge, Craft Courses Students’ Choice Award. Read more reviews

Questions

  • Yes, some experience of stake and strand basketry. Not sure? Get in touch before booking.

  • Not always. Please bring a packed lunch to Tenterden and Lewes, but make good use of the lovely cafe at the King John’s Nursery in Etchingham, where a lunch can be ordered a week in advance and they cater for different diets. Teas, coffees, cake and fruit are included through the day.

  • Young people aged 12+ may attend by arrangement, with an adult. Get in touch before booking.

  • There's time until 18:00 for finishing touches, and you'll be helped to get there.

  • You don’t need to bring anything: I provide all the tools. If you have your own secateurs, a screwdriver or a knife with a safety catch, you’re welcome to bring them. Wear sturdy shoes and old, baggy clothes: strong trousers such as jeans, a coat, and an old top or apron. Give knitwear a miss, as willow can snag it.

  • Each venue is different. Parking and directions come with your workshop order booking confirmation.

  • Yes, please let me know before you book. Not every venue has disabled parking, but I’ll make sure you can park as close to the door as possible. At Paddock Art Studios in Lewes, there’s a stairlift up to the studio. If you use a wheelchair, get in touch and we’ll talk it through.

  • Yes. I have long-standing students who say weaving with willow “lubricates” their joints. Tell me when you book on the booking form, and we’ll plan the day around you.

  • Yes. Tell me what helps you learn on the booking form when you book. I adapt how I teach to each person. Noise-cancelling headphones are welcome, and there’s time for a short break in between the different stages whenever you need one.

  • Cancel 8 weeks or more before your workshop and I’ll refund you, minus a £30 admin fee. Between 8 weeks and 14 days before, I’ll refund you, minus a £30 admin fee, as long as your place can be filled. Within 14 days, or if you don’t come, I can’t offer a refund, but you’re welcome to send someone in your place. Please read  my Workshop terms.

  • I do: Marianne van Niekerken of Crafty Basketry, basketmaker and willow grower. I’ve been weaving since 2006 and teaching since 2018. You can learn more about me here.

More questions answered. See all workshop FAQs

Workshop Venues in Nature

  • The Cowshed Workshop near Tenterden, Kent, one of Marianne’s basket making venues

    Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

    A barn full of interesting things with chickens running free outside.

  • A student weaving a willow obelisk at King John’s Nursery, Etchingham, one of Marianne’s workshop venues

    King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

    A plant nursery where we weave under an oak tree, or in the grand potting shed.

  • Students in the garden at Paddock Art Studios, Lewes, one of Marianne’s workshop venues

    Paddock Art Studios, Lewes, East Sussex

    In town, but it feels like the middle of nowhere. A creative studio with a lovely walled garden.

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