basketmaker

Keeping my hand/eye in!

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Still very much in the same mode now (Jan ’19), as I was pictured here last summer- i.e. fitting in making around ‘the baby’, which amounts to a few hours each week if I’m lucky. However I’m still happy to discuss any commission ideas with you, so do get in touch. I like to have extra motivation to get back in the workshop! If I can’t complete a commission, I have a host of other basketmaker contacts to pass the project on to.

I’m happy to have had the incentive to make a batch of wet-linen baskets this month based on an original ‘recipe’ passed on to me by Adrian Charlton, one of my basketry heroes who trained in Norfolk from the late Terry Bensley. It’s great to be keeping the tradition alive. Here they are, far from perfect but so good to be practicing, especially those cranked-willow handles which I love:

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Maternity Leave

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I’m on Maternity Leave from September 2017- July 2018, but you can catch me (plus new creature in above ‘vessel’ if s/he still fits in it!) at the Great Dixter Winter Fair (25th-26th November), where I’ll be selling work and running a couple of children’s mini-workshops. Check out the ‘workshops’ page for details.

Otherwise see you next summer!

 

Festive Willow Workshop

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Saturday 17th December 10.30-12.30 am, Burwash Village Hall.

Learn how to make a woven willow star, and take at least one home- to hang in your house or give as a gift.

All materials provided plus hot drinks and mince pies!

£22 per person, advance booking essential.

Please book your place by calling Emma on 01435 882327 / 07913 651638 or email empurcell@hotmail.com

 

 

 

Recent work and upcoming markets

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Bread/fruit baskets

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Back-basket (straps to be added)

I’ve been enjoying a few unusual commissions this summer, which has been fun and challenging. Now starting to make stock for the upcoming local winter fairs and events, namely:

  • Tunbridge Wells Farmers Markets: 12th November; 10th and 22nd December (9am-2pm, outside Town Hall)
  • Great Dixter Winter Fair: 26th & 27th November (details to follow)
  • Wilderness Wood Winter Fair: 3rd and 4th December (10am-4pm), Hadlow Down, East Sussex.

Looking forward to meeting old and new customers!