A willow basket border being woven, with some of the uprights still standing
Close-up of a tight, even border on a willow basket
Willow wreath with woven borders, decorated with small gourds
A willow basket border being woven, with some of the uprights still standing
Close-up of a tight, even border on a willow basket
Willow wreath with woven borders, decorated with small gourds

Weaving Basket Borders for Improvers: Half-Day Workshop

£75.00

Weave 2 or 3 wreaths, each with a border on both sides, to improve your hand positioning, drill down on technique and nail your precision work, in an afternoon. 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:

Weave 2 or 3 wreaths, each with a border on both sides, to improve your hand positioning, drill down on technique and nail your precision work, in an afternoon. 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 Better Basket Borders

By weaving 2 or 3 wreaths, you improve your borders and try some new techniques.

  • What You'll Learn

    • How to weave the perfect, tight border

    • What to take into consideration before deciding on a border

    • Variations, 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 session

  • 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.

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

  • The Day

    Afternoons 14:00 to 17:00. Arrive from 13:30 for a hot drink and to look through my basketry books.

Questions

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

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

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

  • There’s time to finish: afternoon workshops can run on until 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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