insideKENT Magazine Issue 112 - August 2021 | Page 49

Crafty Basketry

Weaving for Wellbeing
Crafty Basketry provides basket-weaving courses for kids from 8 to 80 . Bonding sessions with the kids while sharing the making of a willow project , themed sessions like Hen and Stag parties , wedding sessions for kids , take part in a basket-weaving course , or why not design your own event .
Today , the focus of courses is on wellbeing . More and more people feel the need to reconnect with nature and to get creative , gaining a sense of achievement while working with natural fibres . Basket-weaving experiences are relaxing and healing for the soul . They reground you , bringing body and mind back into sync .
As well as it being fun , basket weaving can be very beneficial for people battling with anxiety , depression , bereavements and Alzheimer ’ s disease , as well as acquired brain injury . By creating something through which you stimulate all parts of the brain to work together and make new connections , it can help to speed up recovery .
The aim of my courses is to be creative with natural , sustainable materials , become one with nature again , be in the moment and feel the healing qualities of weaving while using all your senses . You will become aware of the importance of realigning body and mind .
What will I learn ?
You will learn how to weave all fundamental , ancient techniques , cultivation , preparation and use of materials , and how and where to find and use them and will have a lovely basket to show for your efforts .
Special Events
28th and 29th August : Rattan weekend course . Perfect for those who love delicate work . A much finer material , you could weave your own lampshade or other items for your interior .
2nd and 3rd October 2021 : Collaboration with expert Clair Murphy from Rushmore Baskets , one of the most inspirational rush weavers in Britain , conducting two daycourses in Kent . Rush is very pliable and soft and can be woven into handbags , bread baskets and beautiful wall-to-wall carpets .
Locations
Courses are set in tranquil countryside in either Tenterden , Kilndown ( just off the A21 ), or even your back garden .
Get in touch today and take part in an event near you . Marianne van Niekerken | Crafty Basketry | www . craftybasketry . website | www . facebook . com / craftybasketry
49