For Christmas, when my husband asked what I might like, I paused and really had a think. There was nothing material that I wanted, well, apart from a horse maybe (I’m still manifesting that one).

When I was a child, I made a willow weaving basket at a play scheme, and the memory has stuck with me ever since. Soaking the willow in water, the earthy smell of the wood, and the slow process of turning sticks into something practical and beautiful. It felt grounding somehow.

So I decided a willow weaving workshop in Surrey was exactly what I wanted as a Christmas present. Experiences over things and all that.

Our move back to the UK has taken a lot of energy. We marked two years back last month, and it wasn’t just the logistics of moving… it was the emotions too, the complexity of missing friends, and realising that old friends can sometimes feel like strangers. Through all of this, I hadn’t really nurtured my love of the arts or learning something new.

Since having children, I occasionally like to take a day’s holiday from my life and learn a new skill. Watercolours, weaving, blanket making, or sometimes even a spa day. I find it refreshing to fully immerse yourself in something new, where all other thoughts have to take a backseat while you’re humble in the learning process.

When I lived in Singapore, my friend Hila and I would take a day each week to work through a crafters’ box, eat good food, and have a proper natter. I really miss those days.

This willow weaving workshop near Surrey was run by Hedges and Hurdles, led by the lovely Lorraine, who truly has the patience of a saint. It was one of those grey January days when the weather can’t quite decide whether to give you a break from the rain or throw it down relentlessly. I was very glad to be tucked away in a small, warm room at the back of a village hall, with a pot of hot tea constantly on the go.

I think I was the youngest in the group by quite a bit, but it was a joy to share the space with other women interested in learning a traditional craft. There was something comforting about it, unhurried, practical, quietly creative.

I chose to weave a simple bread basket, which now lives in my kitchen holding citrus fruits. We opted for the more challenging weaving style, which involved making our own base, and that, unsurprisingly, took the longest. I was very glad of the lunch break once it was complete, especially as it came with homemade soup, salad, and a generous slice of sweet lemon drizzle cake.

I learned that I need to practise choosing willow sticks that are closer in size, but I loved every part of the process… weaving, splitting the willow, and that wonderful woody smell that lingers on your hands afterwards. It felt like a perfect introduction to willow weaving as a traditional craft, and there was a lot to take in.

Lorraine has invited me back to do the two-day course, which I’d love to squeeze in if I can. I’ve already booked my son onto her garden ornament class, and I can’t wait to help him create a sweet little animal for the garden.

Sometimes, a day spent learning something with your hands is exactly the break you didn’t know you needed.