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Weave a Willow Obelisk or Cloche for Your Garden
In this small-group workshop, 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 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
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.
“She is so inspiring and always patient and encouraging… You won’t regret it and you may become addicted!”
Melinda, Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden - Craft Courses, May 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. Half-day workshops run either side of lunch. Teas, coffees, cake and fruit are included.
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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 a morning workshop, if you haven’t quite finished by 13:30, 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. Afternoon workshops have time to finish, up to 18:00 at the latest.
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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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Each venue is different. Parking and directions come with your workshop order booking confirmation.
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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.
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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.