Zsofi from Nature Makers, Willow Weaving Workshops – ‘Meet the Maker’

Denmans Garden collaborates in a variety of ways with local artists and makers, be that through hosting events and workshops, showcasing work in the gift shop and garden or through providing inspiration and materials.

As part of an occasional series, we interview some of these artists on our blog to find out more about their work and inspiration.

Zsofi came to Denmans for the first time in January and returns this month and in May and June with her Mindful Makers willow weaving and macrame workshops aimed at creating relaxing, nature-inspired craft workshops designed to encourage mindfulness and creativity.

Mindful Makers workshops are ideal for adults looking to unwind, connect with nature, and engage their creative side. Using sustainable and eco-friendly materials, they guide participants through crafts perfect for fostering mental well-being while celebrating nature’s beauty

We talked to her to get a bit more insight into the Nature Makers philosophy.

I’ve always had a deep love for nature and creativity, and Nature Makers brought those two passions together perfectly. I discovered the franchise while looking for a way to balance meaningful work with family life, and it felt like the perfect fit. I bought the franchise for Nature Makers Chichester & Bognor Regis in April 20

24 and after a few months of various training and prep work started running nature-inspired art and craft classes in September 2024.

My background is quite varied—I spent years working in a high-paced job that required me to work weekends, which became difficult once my daughter started school. That change in my personal life pushed me to look for something more fulfilling. Crafting and nature have always been my way of slowing down and reconnecting, and I wanted to create that opportunity for others too. Now, I run sessions for children and adults that bring people closer to nature through creative activities.

The natural world is my biggest inspiration, but my children are also a constant source of creative ideas. Seeing the world through their eyes—their curiosity about tiny details, their joy in collecting leaves, stones, and sticks—reminds me to embrace playfulness and creativity in my work. I love using seasonal changes, textures, and colours from nature—whether it’s using autumn leaves for printing, weaving with willow, or creating nature-inspired art. Living near the coast and the South Downs means I’m constantly surrounded by different landscapes, from woodland to meadows, and they all influence the crafts and themes I bring into my workshops.

I run outdoor Nature Makers sessions in various locations, from parks to community gardens, and I also collaborate with venues like Denmans Garden for specific workshops. My adult craft workshops, including willow weaving, take place in beautiful spaces that complement the natural materials we use. At home, I have a little workspace where I experiment with ideas before bringing them to my sessions.

Nature offers an endless variety of texture and form, which I love to incorporate into my work. For example, willow weaving is all about the organic curves and flexibility of the material, while printing with leaves captures the delicate veins and patterns that are unique to each one. I encourage people to really engage their senses—feeling the roughness of bark, the smoothness of a shell, or the bend of a fresh willow branch—as part of the creative process.

Sustainability is one of the key values of Nature Makers. I prioritize using natural, recycled, or biodegradable materials in all my workshops. Any paints or glues I use are non-toxic and eco-friendly, and I avoid plastic wherever possible. I also try to incorporate foraged or repurposed materials—such as fallen leaves, seed heads, and willow—rather than buying new. It’s important to me that the activities I offer inspire people to appreciate and protect the natural world.

No two days are ever the same! Some mornings, I’m running Nature Makers sessions for pre-schoolers, where we explore nature and create themed crafts. Other days, I might be preparing materials for a workshop, testing out new ideas, or meeting with venues to plan collaborations. I also spend time marketing my business—writing social media posts, updating my website, and responding to customer inquiries. When I have space, I love to experiment with willow weaving, testing new designs for my adult workshops.

The workshops at Denmans Garden are a wonderful opportunity to slow down, connect with nature, and learn a new skill in a beautiful setting. Participants will learn basic willow weaving techniques and create their own unique piece—whether it’s a bird feeder, a garden decoration, or something else seasonal. The process is very mindful, and I encourage everyone to enjoy working with their hands and the natural material. It’s a lovely way to spend a few hours immersed in creativity.

Denmans Garden is such a special place, and I love its blend of natural beauty and thoughtful design. The collaboration came about through shared values—we both appreciate nature, creativity, and sustainability. I was drawn to the idea of offering willow weaving workshops in a setting that already inspires so many people. One of my favourite things about Denmans is how every visit feels a little different, depending on the season. There’s a wonderful balance between structured planting and wildness, making it the perfect place to get creative with natural materials.

Spending time outdoors is my favourite way to reset—whether it’s a walk in the woods, by the sea, or just pottering around outside with my children. I also find crafting itself very meditative. When I’m weaving with willow or working with natural materials, I get completely absorbed in the process, and that helps me switch off from everything else. And of course, a good book and a cup of tea never fail to help me unwind!

This year, I’m focused on growing both my Nature Makers sessions for children and my Mindful Makers workshops for adults. I’d love to reach more people and collaborate with new venues to bring nature-inspired creativity to different communities. I’m also working on ways to offer my workshops for private events, such as wellness retreats or even company team-building sessions. Looking ahead, I hope to build a small team so that Nature Makers can expand into new areas, making sustainable, nature-based creativity more accessible to families and individuals alike.

Website: https://www.nature-makers.co.uk/chichester-bognorregis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatureMakersChichester/

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