Meet Anna Leibmann! Anna’s willow weaving workshops have been a CSSC staple for over four years, with loyal returners joined by an ever-growing group of beginner basket makers. Her open, intuitive teaching style encourages you to explore both material and form, learning through doing, problem-solving, and experimenting as you go. Generous with her deep knowledge of traditional weaving techniques, Anna shares the core skills of the craft before guiding you to develop your own voice within basketry.

Her connection to the craft begins with the material itself. In spring, you’ll find her alongside friends in her willow patch, harvesting the year’s crop and preparing the beds for the next season. Willow growing and basketry have long been rooted in community life, bringing people together to cultivate materials and create functional vessels for everyday use, from foraging to fishing. Anna carries this same sense of shared making into the classroom, creating a sociable and supportive environment where skills develop naturally and confidence grows.

Our beginner willow basketry courses are carefully structured to make learning feel manageable and enjoyable. Each class usually takes place over two consecutive Fridays, giving you time between sessions to absorb what you’ve learned, practise at your own pace, and return ready for the next stage. This format works particularly well for beginners, helping to build confidence without feeling overwhelming.

Each workshop introduces a different traditional basket form. You might explore frame basketry or stake and strand techniques, while building a strong foundation in the essential skills of willow weaving. At the same time, there’s plenty of room to make your basket your own. You’ll be encouraged to experiment with shape, choose between handle styles such as arched handles or lugs, and work with the natural colour variation of the willow to create something personal and distinctive.

These courses are ideal if you’re completely new to basketry, but they’re also a great way to expand your skills if you’ve tried weaving before. Many participants return to learn new forms, refine their technique, and gradually build a collection of handmade baskets that reflect their progress over time.

For those ready to take things further, Anna’s annual Summer School offers a rare opportunity to spend four immersive days focused on willow basketry. This flexible, student-led course allows you to shape your own path, with Anna’s guidance supporting more ambitious projects. Previous participants have created everything from decorative platters and sculptural wreaths to full-sized laundry baskets, all while deepening their understanding of the material and the process.

Whether you’re looking for a hands-on craft course, a creative outlet, or a chance to slow down and work with natural materials, willow basketry is a rewarding and grounding skill to learn. With Anna’s guidance, you’ll be supported every step of the way.