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The Details
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I love weaving with shades of colour, which can make a basket appear more rustic. The approach of autumn inspired me to weave this basket, woven in French randing. Certain varieties in this basket look smooth and waxy, while others look dry and grainy or woody, which gives it a rustic look. I find I never tire of looking at combinations of willows in a basket like this.
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Once you’ve ordered, I’ll email you to confirm when I’ll be weaving it. Each basket is made from this season’s willow, so the colours will vary a little from the photos; that’s part of its character.
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Rinse it straight after picking, while the berry juice is still wet, and it will come clean. For a deeper clean, brush with a soft brush, or shower it if it’s muddy and brush while rinsing, then dry it outside in the wind, in the shade. To clear any bugs, leave it out in snow or frost for a few days in winter.
Made with a Respect for the Material
Give every basketmaker the same project and they'll each finish a very different basket. I like to work very neatly, but I also like things to be natural. If a willow rod isn't quite what you'd expect, and it doesn't affect the integrity of the rod, I make a feature of it.
The connection between the material, me as the maker, and you as the person who will love and use it for many years is one of the main reasons I'm a full-time basketmaker.