Woven willow wreath decorated with pink dried flowers and greenery, hung on a white door
Willow wreath decorated with ferns and dried hydrangea heads
Participant holding up her willow wreath decorated with dried hydrangea and foliage
Participant holding her willow wreath decorated with dried flowers and seed heads
Woven willow wreath dressed with fresh green foliage, hung on a green wall
Participants decorating willow wreaths with ferns and hydrangeas at the workshop table
Woven willow wreath decorated with pink dried flowers and greenery, hung on a white door
Willow wreath decorated with ferns and dried hydrangea heads
Participant holding up her willow wreath decorated with dried hydrangea and foliage
Participant holding her willow wreath decorated with dried flowers and seed heads
Woven willow wreath dressed with fresh green foliage, hung on a green wall
Participants decorating willow wreaths with ferns and hydrangeas at the workshop table

Seasonal Willow Wreath: Half-Day Workshop

£75.00

Weave a 35, 45 or 55cm willow wreath and dress it with foliage, seed pods, gourds, dried flowers and feathers, in a morning or an afternoon. It's woven, not twisted, and decorated without wire or rope, so it's easy to keep looking fresh. No experience needed; 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:

Weave a 35, 45 or 55cm willow wreath and dress it with foliage, seed pods, gourds, dried flowers and feathers, in a morning or an afternoon. It's woven, not twisted, and decorated without wire or rope, so it's easy to keep looking fresh. No experience needed; 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 a Willow Wreath That's Completely Your Own

Would you like to make a different type of wreath this year, one that's completely unique? Woven from willow grown on the Kent and Sussex border, and dressed with what the season offers. It's a good first step if you'd like a feel for working with willow before going on to bigger things. You could also come with family or friends and make a wreath in memory of someone you love.

  • What You'll Learn

    • Weaving a wreath base step by step, from start to finished piece

    • Arranging foliage, seed pods, gourds, dried flowers and feathers, and keeping it looking fresh

    • Old basketry techniques you can use in other projects

    • About growing and preparing willow and hedgerow materials

    • How to use the tools, and what to use at home if you don't have them

  • Who It's For

    Absolute beginners. Tell me what helps you learn: I adapt how I teach to each person, including neurodivergent learners. Children from 5 can join with a parent, and young people aged 12 and over by arrangement with an adult.

  • What to Expect?

    All willow and tools, plus teas, coffees, mulled wine, mince pies and fruit, are included.

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

  • The Day

    Mornings 11:00 to 13:30; afternoons 14:00 to 16:30. Arrive half an hour early for a hot drink and a look through my basketry books.

“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.”

Cathy, Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden - Craft Courses, December 2023
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Platinum badge, Craft Courses Students’ Choice Award. Read more reviews

Questions

  • None at all. The workshop is designed for complete beginners.

  • No. Half-day workshops run either side of lunch. Teas, coffees, cake and fruit are included.

  • Yes. Children from 5 can join a half-day workshop with a parent and weave something smaller, such as a dragonfly, mouse, swift, big flower or bird feeder. Young people aged 12 and over can weave the full piece, by arrangement with an adult. Get in touch before booking.

  • On a morning workshop, if you haven’t quite finished by 13:30, I’ll take your wreath out of the jig so you can finish it at home, as I need the jig for the afternoon group. Afternoon workshops have time to finish, up to 18:00 at the latest.

  • 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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