Blog
A love letter to willow
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A walk through the willow beds (September 2021)
Come along as I walk through my willow beds and point out some issues with pests and diseases now visible, my thoughts on how to manage willow and willow varieties. https://youtu.be/hadKk5txBYE
Settling into my new work space, new work positions and thoughts on the inner critic.
As I settle into my new studio you can see me here make new work, try different working stations and listen to some thoughts on the inner critic. What do you think? https://youtu.be/f21cTi5bL2Q
Building my dream studio
I have been a full time basket maker for about 10 years but I have never had my own work space. I have worked from the kitchen table, from the willow shed and a corner of the tunnel and moved between all of those over the years depending on the weather, space and...
How to prepare willow for basket making
The one question I get asked the most is on how to prepare willow. Does it need to be dry before weaving, how to make it flexible again, how to soak, and what about steaming? In this video I go deep into all of those questions. Time stamps are provided in the video...
How to make a round basket base
New step by step video on how to start, weave and finish a round basket base without background music. Just a simple step by step video that will help you on your way to making your very own baskets. https://youtu.be/l4tRWXoxccM
Away from weaving
I am not alone in that sometimes I do need a break! From weaving and grading in this instance. Come along as I go for a hike, make bread, plant willow in a new willow bed and you can see the very start of us building my new studio. ...
Grading willow (sorting willow by size)
Once willow is cut and brought home the work is not finished. As each stool produces willow of different lengths and thickness I will go through each bundle to grade them by size. This means I put a bundle in a barrel, with a measuring stick beside it. First I take...
Willow harvest 2020/2021
Our harvest season was different this year as due to restrictions we could not allow people to travel to help out. But we still got some lovely neighbors and friends helping out, making the entire experience a lot more enjoyable. Have a look at what treasure we...
What willow varieties should I grow?
I often get asked about what the best willow varieties are. I really can never give a straight answer to that. Willow will grow different in every location, depending on climate, weather conditions and soil composition. My advice is to start growing a wide range of...
