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Weave a Willow Obelisk or Cloche at Seedy Saturday
In this two-hour session at Seedy Saturday in Lewes Town Hall, with its jolly bustle, you’ll learn how to weave your own obelisk or cloche using traditional techniques and sustainably grown willow from the Kent and Sussex border. No previous experience is needed: whether you’re a complete beginner or have explored basketry before, I’ll guide you through it at your own pace.
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What You'll Learn
Weaving your own obelisk or cloche, mainly in willow
Traditional basketry techniques used to shape and strengthen woven forms
Step-by-step guidance throughout
The creative possibilities of weaving with sustainable natural materials
Skills to take into future basketry and weaving projects
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Who It's For
Designed for beginners, while still inspiring if you’ve woven before. Children from 5 can join with a parent, and young people aged 12 and over by arrangement with an adult.
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What to Expect?
All willow and tools, plus teas, coffees 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
Saturday 6 February 2027. Mornings 10:00 to 12:00; afternoons 13:00 to 15:00, in Lewes Town Hall as part of Seedy Saturday.
“My first course was at the Seedy workshop in Lewes and I was warmly welcomed and encouraged to weave away with helpful guidance. I enjoyed the time learning a new skill alongside fellow enthusiasts.”
Carrie, Paddock Art Studios, Lewes - Craft Courses, April 2026
Platinum badge, Craft Courses Students’ Choice Award. Read more reviews
Questions
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None at all. The workshop is designed for complete beginners.
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No. Each session is two hours, so there’s no lunch break.
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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.
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On the morning session, if you haven’t quite finished by 12:00, I’ll take your piece out of the jig so you can finish it at home, as I need the jig for the afternoon group. The same applies to the afternoon session, which finishes at 15:00.
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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.
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The session is at Lewes Town Hall on the High Street. Directions come with your booking confirmation.
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Please let me know before you book if you have any access needs, and we’ll talk it through. If you use a wheelchair, get in touch and I’ll check the access at Lewes Town Hall for you.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent
A barn full of interesting things with chickens running free outside.
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King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex
A plant nursery where we weave under an oak tree, or in the grand potting shed.
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Paddock Art Studios, Lewes, East Sussex
In town, but it feels like the middle of nowhere. A creative studio with a lovely walled garden.