Workshops
AUTUMN/WINTER 2023
Workshops
AUTUMN/WINTER 2023
ROUND WILLOW BASKETS
On Saturday, 23rd September, 2023
At Brede Village Hall, Cackle Street,
Brede (near Rye),
East Sussex TN31 6DX
10.15-4.30pm (arriving by 10.00 please)
£120 including tools, equipment and materials for the day
Please wear comfortable clothes to work in, and bring a packed lunch
(teas and coffees are provided)
Suitable for keen beginners and those wishing to improve their skills
In this full-day class you’ll learn to make a traditional round willow basket. You’ll weave the base, construct and build up the basket’s sides, then add a border, and a simple handle if there’s time. We’ll cover several weaves, including pairing, waling and randing, and you’ll find out about this lovely natural material and the tools too. This class is suitable for keen beginners and those with a bit of experience of handling willow. Intermediates can also learn a new weave.
To book, please use EMAIL FORM.
BASKETRY FOR
BEGINNERS
On Saturday, 7th October, 2023
At Brede Village Hall, Cackle Street,
Brede (near Rye),
East Sussex TN31 6DX
10.15-4.30pm (arriving by 10.00 please)
£120 including all the tools and materials
Please wear comfortable clothes to work in, and bring a packed lunch
(teas and coffees are provided)
This workshop at Brede in East Sussex is aimed at complete beginners. Working with natural English willow and rush, you’ll learn how to weave a simple willow tray, and an elegant frame basket suitable for fruit, using a traditional weave called randing. This is a fun introduction to basketweaving for total novices. No previous experience necessary, but please note that a certain amount of dexterity is required when working with natural willow.
To book, please use EMAIL FORM.
HEDGEROW
FRAME BASKETS
On Saturday, 28th October, 2023
At Brede Village Hall, Cackle Street,
Brede (near Rye),
East Sussex TN31 6DX
10.15-4.30pm (arriving by 10.00 please)
£120 including all the tools and materials
Please wear comfortable clothes to work in, and bring a packed lunch
(teas and coffees are provided)
Suitable for those wishing to improve their skills (not for beginners)
In this workshop, you’ll create an attractive and versatile ‘frame’ basket, using natural willow and foraged materials. With this type of traditional basket, hoops and ribs form the basic structure. You’ll make an attractive ‘god’s eye’ to join the two hoops together, then weave the basket using willow, brambles, ivy and other natural materials. This class is suitable for those who have a little bit of willow-weaving experience. All the tools and materials are supplied.
To book, please use EMAIL FORM.
WILLOW WORK
FOR IMPROVERS
On Saturday, 18th November, 2023
At Brede Village Hall, Cackle Street, Brede (near Rye),
East Sussex TN31 6DX
10.15-4.30pm (arriving by 10.00 please)
£120 including all the tools and materials
Please wear comfortable clothes to work in, and bring a packed lunch
(teas and coffees are provided)
This class at Brede is designed for intermediate basketweavers who have made two or three willow baskets before. The workshop is about refining your technique and learning some new weaves and more advanced skills. During the day we’ll explore a range of traditional and contemporary weaves, with different basket styles, and you’ll incorporate some of those into the round or oval basket that you make on the day. This workshop is aimed at improvers only and is not suitable for beginners.
To book, please use EMAIL FORM.
WEAVE A WILLOW
BASKET IN A DAY
On Saturday 9th December 2023
At Brede Village Hall, Cackle Street, Brede (near Rye),
East Sussex TN31 6DX
10.15-4.30pm (arriving by 10.00 please)
£120 including tools, equipment and materials for the day
Please wear comfortable clothes to work in, and bring a packed lunch
(teas and coffees are provided)
Suitable for keen beginners and those wishing to improve their skills
In this class you’ll learn to make a traditional willow basket. You’ll weave the base, construct, and build up the basket’s sides, then add a border, and a simple handle if there’s time. We’ll cover several weaves, including pairing, waling and randing, and you’ll find out about this lovely natural material and the tools too. This class is suitable for keen beginners and those with a bit of experience of handling willow. This relaxing day of weaving makes an ideal gift for a keen beginner!
To book, please use EMAIL FORM.
BASKETRY FOR
BEGINNERS
On Saturday, 27th January 2024
At Brede Village Hall, Cackle Street, Brede (near Rye),
East Sussex TN31 6DX
10.15-4.30pm (arriving by 10.00 please)
£120 including all the tools and materials
Please wear comfortable clothes to work in, and bring a packed lunch
(teas and coffees are provided)
This workshop at Brede in East Sussex is aimed at complete beginners. Working with natural English willow and English rush, you’ll learn how to weave a simple willow tray, and an elegant frame basket, using a traditional weave called randing. This is a fun introduction to basketweaving for total novices. No previous experience necessary, but please note that a certain amount of dexterity is required when working with natural willow.
To book, please use EMAIL FORM.
WILLOW WORK
FOR IMPROVERS
On Saturday, 10th February, 2024
At Brede Village Hall, Cackle Street, Brede (near Rye),
East Sussex TN31 6DX
10.15-4.30pm (arriving by 10.00 please)
£120 including all the tools and materials
Please wear comfortable clothes to work in, and bring a packed lunch
(teas and coffees are provided)
This class at Brede is designed for intermediate basketweavers who have made two or three willow baskets before. The workshop is about refining your technique and learning some new weaves and more advanced skills. During the day we’ll explore a range of traditional and contemporary weaves, with different basket styles, and you’ll incorporate some of those into the round or oval basket that you make on the day. This workshop is aimed at improvers only and is not suitable for beginners.
To book, please use EMAIL FORM.
WILLOW PLANT SUPPORTS
TRADITIONAL IRISH SKIBS
OVAL SHOPPING BASKETS
& BIRCH NESTS
All coming soon in Spring 2024!
At Brede Village Hall, Cackle Street, Brede (near Rye)
East Sussex TN31 6DX
10.15-4.30pm (arriving by 10.00 please)
£120 including all the tools, equipment and materials
Please wear comfortable clothes to work in, and bring a packed lunch
(teas and coffees are provided)
Suitable for beginners and those wishing to improve their skills
ROUND WILLOW BASKETS
On Saturday, 23rd September, 2023
At Brede Village Hall, Cackle Street, Brede (near Rye),
East Sussex TN31 6DX
10.15-4.30pm (arriving by 10.00 please)
£120 including tools, equipment and materials for the day
Please wear comfortable clothes to work in, and bring a packed lunch
(teas and coffees are provided)
Suitable for keen beginners and those wishing to improve their skills
In this full-day class you’ll learn to make a traditional round willow basket. You’ll weave the base, construct, and build up the basket’s sides, then add a border, and a simple handle if there’s time. We’ll cover several weaves, including pairing, waling and randing, and you’ll find out about this lovely natural material and the tools too. This class is suitable for keen beginners and those with a bit of experience of handling willow.
To book, please use EMAIL FORM.
BASKETRY FOR
BEGINNERS
On Saturday, 7th October, 2023
At Brede Village Hall, Cackle Street, Brede (near Rye),
East Sussex TN31 6DX
10.15-4.30pm (arriving by 10.00 please)
£120 including all the tools and materials
Please wear comfortable clothes to work in, and bring a packed lunch
(teas and coffees are provided)
This workshop at Brede in East Sussex is aimed at complete beginners. Working with natural English willow and English rush, you’ll learn how to weave a simple willow tray, and an elegant frame basket, using a traditional weave called randing. This is a fun introduction to basketweaving for total novices. No previous experience necessary, but please note that a certain amount of dexterity is required when working with natural willow.
HEDGEROW
FRAME BASKETS
On Saturday, 28th October, 2023
At Brede Village Hall, Cackle Street, Brede (near Rye),
East Sussex TN31 6DX
10.15-4.30pm (arriving by 10.00 please)
£120 including all the tools and materials
Please wear comfortable clothes to work in, and bring a packed lunch
(teas and coffees are provided)
Suitable for those wishing to improve their skills (not for beginners)
In this workshop, you’ll create an attractive and versatile ‘frame’ basket, using natural willow and foraged materials. With this type of traditional basket, hoops and ribs form the basic structure. You’ll make a ‘god’s eye’ to attach the two hoops, then weave the basket using willow, brambles, ivy and other materials. This class is suitable for those who have a little bit of willow-weaving experience. All the tools and materials are supplied.
WILLOW WORK
FOR IMPROVERS
On Saturday, 18th November, 2023
At Brede Village Hall, Cackle Street, Brede (near Rye),
East Sussex TN31 6DX
10.15-4.30pm (arriving by 10.00 please)
£120 including all the tools and materials
Please wear comfortable clothes to work in, and bring a packed lunch
(teas and coffees are provided)
This class at Brede is designed for intermediate basketmakers who have made two or three willow baskets before. The workshop is about revisiting and refining techniques and learning some new, more advanced skills. During the day we’ll explore a range of traditional and contemporary weaves, looking at different basket styles, and you’ll be able to incorporate some of these techniques into your own round or oval basket that you’ll make on the day.
This class is aimed at improvers and is not suitable for beginners.
WEAVE A WILLOW
BASKET IN A DAY
On Saturday 9th December 2023
At Brede Village Hall, Cackle Street, Brede (near Rye),
East Sussex TN31 6DX
10.15-4.30pm (arriving by 10.00 please)
£120 including tools, equipment and materials for the day
Please wear comfortable clothes to work in, and bring a packed lunch
(teas and coffees are provided)
Suitable for keen beginners and those wishing to improve their skills
In this class you’ll learn to make a traditional round willow basket. You’ll weave the base, construct, and build up the basket’s sides, then add a border, and a simple handle if there’s time. We’ll cover several weaves, including pairing, waling and randing, and you’ll find out about this lovely natural material and the tools too. This class is suitable for keen beginners and those with a bit of experience of handling willow. Also makes an ideal gift for a keen beginner!
BASKETRY FOR
BEGINNERS
On Saturday, 27th January 2024
At Brede Village Hall, Cackle Street, Brede (near Rye),
East Sussex TN31 6DX
10.15-4.30pm (arriving by 10.00 please)
£120 including all the tools and materials
Please wear comfortable clothes to work in, and bring a packed lunch
(teas and coffees are provided)
This workshop at Brede in East Sussex is aimed at complete beginners. Working with natural English willow and English rush, you’ll learn how to weave a simple willow tray, and an elegant frame basket, using a traditional weave called randing. This is a fun introduction to basketweaving for total novices. No previous experience necessary, but please note that a certain amount of dexterity is required when working with natural willow.
WILLOW WORK
FOR IMPROVERS
On Saturday, 10th February, 2024
At Brede Village Hall, Cackle Street, Brede (near Rye), East Sussex TN31 6DX
10.15-4.30pm (arriving by 10.00 please)
£120 including all the tools and materials
Please wear comfortable clothes to work in, and bring a packed lunch
(teas and coffees are provided)
This class at Brede is designed for intermediate basketmakers who have made two or three willow baskets before. The workshop is about revisiting and refining techniques and learning some new, more advanced skills. During the day we’ll explore a range of traditional and contemporary weaves, looking at different basket styles, and you’ll be able to incorporate some of these techniques into your own round or oval basket that you’ll make on the day.
This class is aimed at improvers and is not suitable for beginners.
To book, please use EMAIL FORM.
PLANT SUPPORTS
OVAL BASKETS
IRISH SKIBS
& BIRCH NESTS
All coming soon in Spring 2024!
At Brede Village Hall, Cackle Street, Brede (near Rye), East Sussex TN31 6DX
10.15-4.30pm (arriving by 10.00 please)
£120 including all the tools, equipment and materials
Please wear comfortable clothes to work in, and bring a packed lunch
(teas and coffees are provided)
Suitable for beginners and those wishing to improve their skills

Christiane Gunzi Basketry
Address: Hastings, East Sussex, UK
A member of The Basketmakers’ Association and
The Basketry Collective
Trade Advisor to The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers 2017–2019, and also a Yeoman Maker
Willow Tutor on the 2-year Basketry Course at City Lit, London, 2023–
You can follow me on Instagram.
Booking Details
To book a class, please send a message via the contact form on my website, or email me at christianegunzi5@gmail.com. To secure your place, payment needs to be made in full by bank transfer at the time of booking. For practical reasons, places on my classes are not transferrable or refundable (please think of it as if you were buying a ticket for an event).
If, however, a class had to be cancelled by me for any reason, you would be reimbursed.
I am running most of my classes at a light, airy village hall in Brede, near Rye, East Sussex. In this venue you have your own table and tools, and tables are at least 2 metres apart. Places on my workshops are strictly limited to small groups so that everyone gets enough individual tuition, and places go quickly.
If you would like to give someone the gift of a basket lesson, I am happy to help! Private tuition for small groups can be arranged for a special occasion, such as a birthday.
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.
Christiane Gunzi Basketry
Address: Hastings, East Sussex
A member of The Basketmakers’ Association and
The Basketry Collective
Trade Advisor to The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers 2017–2019, and also a Yeoman Maker
Willow Tutor on the 2-year Basketry Course at City Lit, Covent Garden, London, 2023–
You can follow me on Instagram.
Booking Details
To book a class, please send a message via the contact form on my website, or email me at christianegunzi5@gmail.com. To secure your place, payment needs to be made in full by bank transfer at the time of booking. For practical reasons, places on my classes are not transferrable or refundable (please think of it as if you were buying a ticket for an event).
If, however, a class had to be cancelled by me for any reason, you would be reimbursed.
I am running most of my classes at a light, airy village hall in Brede, near Rye, East Sussex. In this venue you have your own table and tools, and tables are at least 2 metres apart. Places on my workshops are strictly limited to small groups so that everyone gets enough individual tuition, and places go quickly.
Lastly, if you would like to give someone the gift of a basket lesson, I am happy to help! Private tuition for small groups can be arranged for a special occasion, such as a birthday.
Please use the contact form below to email me if you are interested in basket classes, or if you have an enquiry about a commission or repair. If you give me your email address, I’ll add you to my mailing list.