Testimonials
"I love baskets and always wanted to make one so was very pleased to secure the remaining place on the two day stake and strand basketry course during the last weekend in October 2019. As a complete beginner, I went full of hope and although encouraged by Debbie's basketry skill and reputation as a great teacher, I doubted my ability to take it all in. I need not have worried and I was absolutely amazed by what I was able to achieve in just two days with expert tuition. I am now the proud owner of a very beautiful basket that is widely admired whenever I take it shopping. Not only that, the whole weekend was a complete joy. Debbie and the other students on the course were wonderful people and great company; the food and hospitality provided by Debbie during the course were fantastic. The setting at Blacksmith's cottage is indeed beautiful and tranquil. Definitely worth every penny and I cannot wait to go again with a group of friends as I now know this is also possible to arrange. So glad I went. Such a treat..."
E.S. Mutasa-Gottgens, Stake and Strand Basketry Participant
"Hi Debbie,
"Hi Debbie, just a quick line to thank you for the most amazing day today! The challenges were met, (if not a little baggy in places!) the lunch was delicious and the sun truely shone! I havent stopped smiling and can't wait to come again"
Thank you for a wonderful day on Friday, I look at my basket and cannot believe I made it!!!
We all agreed it was a great day and your teaching skills and patience are amazing. The lunch was gorgeous and the company perfect.
We are keen to come again so will look out for suitable courses.
I have attached some photos which are a brilliant reminder of our day.
Thank you"
Tricia, Small Round Baskets Workshop Participant
We all agreed it was a great day and your teaching skills and patience are amazing. The lunch was gorgeous and the company perfect.
We are keen to come again so will look out for suitable courses.
I have attached some photos which are a brilliant reminder of our day.
Thank you"
Tricia, Small Round Baskets Workshop Participant
"Debbie, I just wanted to thank you for a really enjoyable day on Saturday. You created a very welcoming and informal atmosphere, and it was such a lovely setting to work in. I think you struck a really good balance between teaching / instruction, and allowing people time and space to discover the medium for themselves. The food was delicious, and very generous."
Richard Ash, workshop participant, Cambridge
"Debbie has worked with us for 4 years, helping us develop and maintain a beautiful, natural garden for the children at our nursery to thrive in. We have always enjoyed Debbie’s natural inspiration for all things willow and her affinity with the children. She has been a pleasure to work with and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Debbie for many years to come."
Jayne Chapman, Director, Harlequin Childcare, Ely
Jenny, Herb Platters and Trays Workshop Participant
"Hello Debbie, Just to say I REALLY enjoyed yesterdays willow workshop and my plant supports are in situe in the garden - so pleased. You are such a good teacher, so kind and generous with your knowledge and materials - thank you."
Sophie Brown, Plants Supports Workshop Participant
"Dear Debbie - Thank you for such an enjoyable and informative day today. I really enjoyed it, and loved bringing home and positioning my plant support and hanging basket to see what they looked like in my own garden - they do not disappoint!
It was a wonderful day, with good company and good food in lovely surroundings, and it has inspired me on to more - I'll be back!"
Linda Sharpe, Plants Supports Workshop Participant
"Dear Debbie, Matt, Polly and Annie,
A little note with a big thankyou for yesterday. I really enjoyed the day. The setting was lovely and condusive to a happy day, the food excellent and I have come home really inspired to do set aside space to do more weaving!
Thankyou again and I am sure you will see me again."
Workshop participant, Trays platters and bread baskets workshop
"Hi Debbie, I just wanted to thank you for a really enjoyable day on Saturday. You created a very welcoming and informal atmosphere, and it was such a lovely setting to work in. I think you struck a really good balance between teaching / instruction, and allowing people time and space to discover the medium for themselves. The food was delicious, and very generous."
Richard Ash, workshop participant, Cambridge
"Debbie has worked with us for 4 years, helping us develop and maintain a beautiful, natural garden for the children at our nursery to thrive in. Aspects include our willow dome and tunnel, used for picnics, story time and just plain adventure, which combines beautifully with a “pixie” table and chairs for the children to sit and chat at, read or have some quiet time. The willow fencing behind our sand pit adds secrecy and adventure with its never ending path and peak holes to delight even the youngest children. To continue the natural theme, Debbie has helped us design bespoke willow / wicker mobiles inside the nursery too. We have always enjoyed Debbie’s natural inspiration for all things willow and her affinity with the children. She has been a pleasure to work with and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Debbie for many years to come."
Jayne Chapman, Director, Harlequin Childcare, Ely
"I meant to write earlier to thank you for such a fantastic day in September making baskets. It was fantastic. Teaching was perfect, allowing time for assimilation, allowing people to make mistakes without ever feeling that it was a problem, creating an atmosphere that allowed people to chat/ feel welcome/ ask questions. The lunch was completely delicious. And it gives you a huge appreciation for willow and wood and hand made items.
thank you"
Tamsin Brown, workshop participant
"Debbie
I am really delighted with my double handled frame basket - thank you.
It is as well to be modest with one's own creations - be it knitting, strawberry jam or marmalade, while the heart within might be swollen with pride... My basket, moulded by your guidance and encouragement, has personality and colour as well as being practical. I could not have hoped for more.
Thank you for a lovely day in your wonderful home, treated to the warm hospitality of your beautiful house and generous family members, which altogether will be forever associated with my first creation!
Thank you."
Frame basket workshop participant
