My first withy bed was planted in 1999 when we moved to Cornwall and now extends over a significant area. I grow many varieties with different qualities and colours which I use in my work alongside willow from Somerset. I harvest by hand over the winter months.
I regularly attend local fairs demonstrating and selling my work including the Royal Cornwall Show. I have had some challenging and exciting commissions and enjoy this side of my work. See Gallery Over the last 20 years I have taught basketry to children and adults across Cornwall and have worked for Helston Adult Ed, Cornwall College and Truro & Penwith College, as well as other organisations and schools. In 2011 my husband Jamie and I set up the Woodland Workshop offering green woodworking and basketry courses. This has importantly provided the opportunity for me to teach the weaving of natural materials in a beautiful and relevant setting. In 2010 I was awarded the Walmsley Bursary by the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers to record and learn to make some traditional Cornish baskets. See Gallery. I am a member of Basketmakers South West and The Basketmakers Association, |