Learning by doing is the most fundamental path to self-expression. Through creative engagement in a task we both connect ourselves to the finished product and develop a renewed confidence in ourselves.

By coming on one of our courses, you’ll learn a traditional craft, go home with a creation of your own making and become part of the linage of traditional craft makers. Your eyes will become sharpened to the materials that the natural world offers you. If you are familiar with a particular craft, we can help deepen your knowledge and further your skill.

Scheduled Educational Courses 2021…

YEAR ROUND OPTIONS
Thursdays Amy is available to do eco printing , natural dyes, batik, she has lots of fun ideas to make.
We offer one to one basket making.
Felted rug making throughout the year please book a day that suits you.

Please book your place or places using the buttons below. Once you have made your selection and clicked through to the checkout, payment can be made with any credit or debit card or through your PayPal account. Each scheduled course costs just £7o one whole day workshop including all natural materials, tools, teas, and coffees. (Please bring your own packed lunch) One to one Tailor-made Courses.  We offer tailor-made willow basket making courses on a one to one basis. that allows you to come at a time that suits you, giving you a more personal in-depth tuition. You will be working in our beautiful workshop alongside 3 other professional crafters.,in willow, and wool, A one week course, you will be given all the instruction and materials you need to complete 4/5 willow baskets, in either round, oval, rectangle or frame styles. A month-long course you will be concentrating one week each on the following styles; Round, Oval, Rectangular or Frame. You can come for 1 week, 1 month, or any length of time that you desire. For more information or to book, please contact us by clicking  “contact us” at the top of the home page.

OUR WORKSHOP IS A VERY LARGE AIRY BARN WE LIMITING THE NUMBERS TO 6 SO WE CAN FOLLOW COVID RULES. NOW SUMMER IS HERE WE ALSO HAVE A BEAUTIFUL OUTSIDE SPACE BE IN.

2021 course dates
MAY 8TH silk scarves with batik and indigo
MAY 15TH square basket
MAY 22ND eco printing
MAY 29TH round basket
JUNE 5TH felted bag
JUNE 12TH frame basket
JUNE 18TH (FRIDAY) round basket
JUNE 19TH rug making
JUNE 20TH -25TH CRAFT CAMP PLEASE EMAIL ME
JUNE 26TH eco printing
JULY 3RD frame basket
JULY 10TH eco printing and dying with families (kids over 8)
JULY 17TH round basket
JULY 24TH felting for families
JULY 31ST frame basket for families (kids over 8)









This course is now full.









PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A SUNDAY COURSE.

Sorry this course is now full the next frame basket is on the 3rd July.
or you could book into the workshop during the week if there is 2 or more makers.





















Any extra children please phone to book and extra £10 payment can be paid on the day of the workshop.









Please phone to book in any extra children. £10 extra each can be paid on the day.





Please phone to book any extra children. The extra £10 each can be paid on the day.

Personalised Courses for Groups… In addition to our regular workshops, we also offer tailor made courses to suit your requirements. We can teach you how to make pretty much anything we sell in our shop or that you see on this website. This includes baskets, coffins, art works, felting and tanning animal hides. Beginners to advanced. We can cater for groups of up to 15 people at our own premises or at your own venue. Making with Naturally Useful is accessible to all, no matter the age or physical ability. Tutors, Karen, Amy and Lisa, have many years teaching experience between them. They offer a well-supported, empowering and warm learning environment where curiosity is nurtured through natural flow learning – working at a pace that is satisfying for them. Our courses are ideal for…

  • Old friends catching up over willow, wool or hides
  • Fellow gardeners making gathering baskets for one another
  • A never-to-be-forgotten first date experience (craft date not dinner date!)
  • A couple weaving a log basket together to mark a significant anniversary
  • Soon-to-be-parents weaving a cradle
  • A parent and child weaving toy chest or play basket
  • Craft birthday parties for all ages
  • Hen and stag days where the wedding parties can really get to know each other (and even make something for the soon-to-be-wedded couple)
  • Multiple generations coming together to felt an heirloom blanket for a new baby in the family
  • Spinning wool and then knitting a fireside blanket for the matriarch of the family

Be Inspired… Marcassie Pole Barn is an inspirational venue to work in. You will be surrounded by the sight and smell of colourful willow withies, and products we have already made. If its cold, the Dragoness – our hand made purpose built stove will warm you. Even our beautiful compost toilet may be a new experience for you. Why not make your visit a weekend experience and enjoy all that our area has to offer including lots of local distilleries, the Findhorn Foundation, golfing, fishing and walking. There are lots of Air B&B’s and Guest Houses nearby. Marcassie Farm Polebarn, Rafford, Forres. IV36 2RH   Contact Details Here  Places are limited so please book early.