Two students holding the round willow baskets they made at a beginners workshop
Round willow basket of the kind you weave on the beginners basket making day
Students weaving willow baskets at long tables in the workshop, with bundles of willow hanging from the rafters
Two students in a garden holding up the willow baskets they made at their first basket making workshop
Two students holding the round willow baskets they made at a beginners workshop
Round willow basket of the kind you weave on the beginners basket making day
Students weaving willow baskets at long tables in the workshop, with bundles of willow hanging from the rafters
Two students in a garden holding up the willow baskets they made at their first basket making workshop

Willow Basket Making for Beginners: Full-Day Workshop

£130.00

Weave your own 30–40cm willow basket with two integrated handles, for foraging, kindling or storage, in one day. No experience needed; small groups of up to six participants. I’ll take you through every step, and you take your basket home. 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 your own 30–40cm willow basket with two integrated handles, for foraging, kindling or storage, in one day. No experience needed; small groups of up to six participants. I’ll take you through every step, and you take your basket home. 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 Basket in the Kent and Sussex Countryside

During this small-group basketry workshop, you will learn how to weave your own natural foraging, kindling, bread or fruit basket, or tray, using age-old techniques and locally, sustainably grown willow or hedgerow. Workshops are held in creative, tranquil spaces in Kent and East Sussex. As your hands begin to weave, the mind quietens.

  • What You'll Learn

    You’ll weave your own 30–40cm basket using Kent and Sussex basketry willows, and learn:

    • Traditional techniques used to shape and strengthen woven forms

    • Step by step and in the way you learn best, with individual guidance throughout

    • About cultivation and preparation of your materials

    • Some of the global history around basket weaving

    • Skills to take into future basketry projects indoors or outdoors

  • Who It's For

    This workshop is designed for complete beginners, while still inspiring for those with some weaving experience.

    You'll be guided through the process in the way that you learn best. Young people aged 12+ I encourage to take part also. They may attend by arrangement with a parent or guardian.

  • What to Expect?

    A full day of hands-on weaving, 09:30 to 17:00, with willow or hedgerow flexible and enjoyable to work with.

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

  • The Day

    Arrive from 09:00 and relax with a hot drink, browse through basketry books and admire the baskets. You’ll be weaving at a table and will be moving quite a lot indoors, but we try to weave outside, underneath a tree, perhaps, should the weather be mild or just lovely. There's time until 18:00 for finishing touches, but we try and finish by 17:00.


    All materials and tools are included, plus teas, coffees, cake and fruit for when we get peckish. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy the setting, except for at King John’s Nursery, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch in the cafe.

“I can’t recommend this course highly enough. Marianne is so passionate about her craft, it is impossible not to feel inspired. She shares her knowledge, personal story and skills with generosity. She encouraged us to be inspired by the nature around us and by the beautiful autumn day. I did the course with my teenage nephew and she made an extra effort with him to guide him and make him feel supported which was really special. The materials we used were first class and the refreshments (fancy chocolate cake and delicious Dutch cake) were generous.”

Barbara, Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden - Craft Courses, October 2026
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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.

  • 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.

    Attending a half-day workshop, then your child aged 5+ will be able to join in too, but, again, please 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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