GalleryWorkshops

About

A photograph of Christiane Gunzi demonstrating basket weaving

Based in East Sussex, I handcraft traditional and contemporary basketry using willow, rush, birch and other natural materials. My training was at the City Lit in London (2011-2013), and I have a City & Guilds
Level 3 Certificate in Creative Techniques in Textiles (Basketry). Influenced by patterns, textures and tones that occur in nature, I enjoy exploring non-functional basketry with natural materials foraged near my home. As well as making baskets, I run basketweaving classes for beginners and improvers. I love passing on my passion for this ancient craft. My work has been exhibited in London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

WORKSHOPS

Basketweaving classes are available for complete beginners and those with some experience of basketry. Using natural English willow and rush, I teach adults in small, socially-distanced groups of 6–8, in light, airy venues. Private tuition is also possible, and I am happy to demonstrate and teach basketweaving at special events such as hen parties and birthday parties. All the tools and other equipment are provided.

For information on all my classes, please see WORKSHOPS.

BESPOKE BASKETRY

If you’re looking for an original, individual handmade gift for a special occasion, such as a wedding or birthday, or if you need a particular kind of basket for a certain project, then please email me with your requirements. All natural willow and rush baskets created by me are handcrafted to order in Sussex, using native, sustainable materials. Please allow at least ten weeks for your unique piece to be ready.

 

EVENTS IN 2023

Willow workshop in West Sussex
Basketry for Complete Beginners at
Sussex Prairie Garden, Henfield
on Thursday, 5th October 2023
(please see their website for details) 

Basketry in the Great Barn
Demonstrating willow weaving at
Great Dixter Gardens, 
Northiam, East Sussex 
on 9th & 10th September 2023
(please see their website for details) 

Christmas Fair at Great Dixter
Great Dixter House, 
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th November
Northiam, East Sussex
(please see their website for details)

 

REPAIRS

A well-loved old basket, such as a baby’s crib, an umbrella stand or a picnic hamper that has been passed down through the family for years can be hard to let go of. However, it’s worth knowing that a broken basket can often be repaired to last for at least another generation to enjoy. So why not get in touch if you have a favourite old wicker basket that needs fixing? Mending and conserving basketry makes sense.

Gallery Of Work

Below is a selection of my basketwork, all woven with natural English willow, English rush and foraged silver birch. All my original baskets and nests are individually handmade to order. If you would like to commission something special from me, please get in touch, and always allow at least ten weeks
for your unique woven piece to be made.

A photograph of a birch twig nest with lichen made by Christian Gunzi
A photograph of a traditional Irish sciathog hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of Irish twist baskets hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of sweet pea plant supports hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of Willow stars hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a Welsh cytell hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a round vegetable basket hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a kindling basket hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a random weave sphere hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a rush cordage with hagstones hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of narrow willow tray hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a gathering basket hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a bird feeders hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a oval Willow basket hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of Irish skib detail hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a oval laundry basket hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of rush cordage handle samples hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of scalloming detail with Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of rush placemats hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a piece willow and driftwood 'Wave' hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of bird pods small bird houses hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a plaited rush bag hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a bodkin tool in a basket hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of rush checkweave detail hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a round willow basket hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of Catalan base with scalloms hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a Irish twist detail hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a traditional Irish skib hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a Irish sciathog for fruit hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a blockweave log basket hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
Photograph of Christiane Gunzi

Christiane Gunzi Basketry

Address: Hastings, East Sussex, UK
 

A member of The Basketmakers’ Association and
The Basketry Collective

Willow Tutor on the 2-year Basketry Course at City Lit, Covent Garden, London Summer 2023–now

Trade Advisor to The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers 2017–2019, and also a Yeoman Maker

You can follow me on Instagram.

 

Please use the contact form below to email me if you are interested in basketweaving WORKSHOPS, or if you have an enquiry about a basket commission or repair. If you give me your email address, I’ll add you to my mailing list.

About

Based in Sussex, I handcraft traditional and contemporary baskets using English willow, rush, birch and other natural materials. My training was at the City Lit in London (2011-2013), and I have a City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Creative Techniques in Textiles (Basketry). Influenced by the patterns, textures and tones that occur in nature, I enjoy exploring non-functional basketry with natural materials foraged near home. As well as making baskets, I run basket weaving classes for beginners and improvers. I love passing on my passion for this ancient craft. My work has been exhibited in London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. 

CLASSES

Lessons are available for complete beginners and those with some experience of basket weaving. Using mostly English willow and rush, I usually teach groups of 6 to 8 people. Private one-to-one tuition and small groups (such as hen parties and birthday celebrations) are also possible. All the tools and equipment are provided.

For information on all my classes, please see WORKSHOPS.

COMMISSIONS

If you’re looking for an original handmade gift for a special occasion, such as a wedding or birthday, or if you need a particular kind of basket for a certain project, then please email me with your requirements.
All natural willow and rush baskets created by me are handcrafted in Sussex to order, using native, sustainable materials. Please allow at least eight weeks for your unique woven piece to be ready.

BASKET REPAIRS

A well-loved old basket, such as a baby’s crib, an umbrella stand or a picnic hamper that has been passed down through the family for years can be hard to let go of. However, it’s worth knowing that a broken basket can often be repaired to last for another generation to use and enjoy. So why not get in touch with me if you have a favourite old basket that needs fixing? Mending makes sense.

EVENTS IN 2023

Willow workshop in West Sussex
Basketry for Complete Beginners at 
Sussex Prairie Garden, Henfield,
£85.00 per person (9.30–1.30)
(please see their website for details) 

Basketry in the Great Barn at Dixter
Demonstrating willow weaving at
Great Dixter Gardens, 
Northiam, East Sussex 
on 9th & 10th September
(please see their website for details) 

Christmas Fair at Great Dixter
Great Dixter House, 
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th November
Northiam, East Sussex
(please see their website for details)  

Gallery Of Work

Below is a selection of my work, woven with English willow, rush and silver birch. All my baskets are specially made to order. If you would like to commission something, please email me, and allow at least ten weeks for your unique piece to be made.

A photograph of a birch twig nest with lichen made by Christian Gunzi
A photograph of a traditional Irish sciathog hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of Irish twist baskets hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of sweet pea plant supports hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of Willow stars hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a Welsh cytell hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a round vegetable basket hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a kindling basket hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a random weave sphere hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a rush cordage with hagstones hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of narrow willow tray hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a gathering basket hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a bird feeders hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a oval Willow basket hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of Irish skib detail hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a oval laundry basket hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of rush cordage handle samples hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of scalloming detail with Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of rush placemats hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a piece willow and driftwood 'Wave' hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of bird pods small bird houses hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a plaited rush bag hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a bodkin tool in a basket hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of rush checkweave detail hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a round willow basket hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of Catalan base with scalloms hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a Irish twist detail hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a traditional Irish skib hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a Irish sciathog for fruit hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
A photograph of a blockweave log basket hand crafted by Christiane Gunzi
Photograph of Christiane Gunzi

Christiane Gunzi Basketry
Address: Hastings, East Sussex

Please email me if you are interested in classes, or if you have an enquiry about a basket commission or a basket repair.

A member of The Basketmakers’ Association and
The Basketry Collective

Willow Tutor on the 2-year Basketry Course at City Lit, Covent Garden, London, Summer 2023–now

Trade Advisor to The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers 2017–2019, and also a Yeoman Maker

You can follow me on Instagram.

Please use the contact form below to email me if you are interested in basketweaving WORKSHOPS, or if you have an enquiry about a basket commission or repair. If you give me your
email address, I’ll add you to my mailing list.