Woven willow Christmas tree skirt around a decorated tree
Participant weaving a willow collar on a jig
Two workshop participants holding up their finished willow pieces in Marianne's workshop
Woven willow Christmas tree skirt around a decorated tree
Participant weaving a willow collar on a jig
Two workshop participants holding up their finished willow pieces in Marianne's workshop

Christmas Tree Collar or Skirt: Full-Day Workshop

£130.00

Weave a round Christmas tree collar or skirt, about 55cm wide and 40cm high, on a jig, in one day. 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 round Christmas tree collar or skirt, about 55cm wide and 40cm high, on a jig, in one day. 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 Christmas Tree Collar or Skirt

A great beginner workshop: you use a jig to create your collar, using weaving techniques of your choice, found in the baskets I bring along.

  • What You'll Learn

    • Weaving your own Christmas tree collar or skirt in home-grown Sussex 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

  • Who It's For

    Designed for beginners, while still inspiring if you've woven before. Young people aged 12 and over may attend by arrangement.

  • 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, where you can order lunch in the café a week ahead.

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

  • The Day

    11:00 to 17:00. Arrive half an hour early for a hot drink and a look through my basketry books and baskets.

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.

  • 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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