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 2020…

Foraging Frame Basket Oct 3rd

Sculpture course Inverness Botanics 24/25th

Square Basket Nov 7th

Round Handbag Basket Nov 28th

9th Oct Friday Round Basket

30th Oct Friday Square Basket

31/1st Nov weekend Knife Making

2021 course list

30/31st weekend Jan Knife Making.

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, On completion of the payment, you will be directed to a booking form for your contact details. If you are booking for a number of people, you can add their details on the form along with any special needs. Each scheduled course costs just £65 for the 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, wool, and wood. 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.





full there will be another date coming soon.





1 places left





Full





Places still left.
if you want to so a basket without the leatherwork or felt please message me as it will be cheaper
£65.00





Please note this is a Friday course
3 places left





Please wear old warm clothes

sorry sold out





2021 course
please wear old Warm cloths.

Sorry sold out

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 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. Each scheduled course costs just £65 for the whole day workshop including all natural materials, tools, teas and coffees. (Please bring your own packed lunch) Marcassie Farm Polebarn, Rafford, Forres. IV36 2RH   Contact Details Here  Places are limited so please book early.