Today I attended a willow weaving demonstration hosted by Fenland Growers, Smallholders and Crafters and presented by Deb Hart (www.debhart.co.uk). Deb is an experienced and skilful willow weaver and has produced work from larger than life willow sculptures and installation art down to small baskets. Some of her work was commissioned for the grounds of stately homes, parklands and the Chelsea Flower Show.
Willow is something close to home for many smallholders as it has so many practical uses. Working with willow is not an area I have ventured into although we do have a range of baskets and containers that we use all the time. Skilled handicrafts always impress me and basketry has an ancient history behind it.
Here are just a few of the items Deb brought along as examples of her work. The colourful bag is actually made from garden string. In fact she had examples of hand weaving using a range of different fibres and plant material.
I have previously had a go at producing cordage from nettles which can be worked up to small baskets among other things. I might have another go after today.
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