Hand-crafted willow baskets

Grown on the Isle of Skye

Baskets are functional, beautiful, full of colour and add texture and warmth to any space. The willow I use to make these baskets grows extremely well here on the Isle of Skye, with no pesticides, fertiliser or watering required.

Each basket I make is unique and depends on the capabilities of the willow, always different and unknown before I begin to weave.  I can try and replicate similar baskets, but the willow will always be different, as both growing and drying conditions will influence the rods, and vary from year to year.

Occasionally I incorporate other plant materials into these baskets, such as driftwood, or cordage from grasses and flowers foraged from the croft. I also source willow from fellow growers to supplement my supply when required, and I continue to plant new willow beds and add new basketry willow varieties each winter.

There is no waste when the baskets are made. Any scraps of willow are used up as kindling, woven into smaller items, or composted here on the croft. These baskets will decompose fully at the end of their lives, returning to the earth. Some baskets can be repaired several times.