Willow baskets by James

25/09/2026

🧺 A busy day in the workshop! 🧺

Today I’ve been working with Flanders Red willow, creating these beautiful baskets and adding some colour with blue and purple beads 💙💜

I really enjoy experimenting with different colours and seeing how they work with the natural willow. Every basket is handmade and a little bit different. 🌿

What do you think of the blue and purple combination? 😊

23/09/2026

🌿🧺 Something a little different from my workshop! 🧺🌿

I’ve been busy creating these beautiful willow tote bags for Verdley Flowers in Midhurst. 🌸

Each one is handmade from willow, with leather handles and a little splash of colour to make them really special. ❤️

I’ve really enjoyed making these and I’m so pleased with how they’ve turned out!

They will soon be available to buy at the Verdley Flowers shop in Midhurst, so keep an eye out if you’d like to get your hands on one. 😊🌿

A big thank you to Verdley Flowers for giving me the opportunity to create something a little different. 🙏

20/09/2026

🌿🧺 What an amazing weekend at the Wood Fair in Bentley! 🧺🌿

I’ve had such a fantastic weekend demonstrating traditional basket making and sharing my love of willow with so many wonderful people.

It was brilliant to sit and weave while chatting to visitors, answering questions and showing how a basket slowly comes to life from a bundle of willow. 🌿🧺

I’ve met so many amazing people and had some really lovely conversations along the way. ❤️

Today is the last day, so if you’re coming to the Wood Fair, come and say hello! 👋

I’ll be there demonstrating basket making and, of course, I’ll have some of my handmade baskets with me too.

Thank you to everyone who has stopped by so far — it’s been an amazing weekend! 🙏😊

18/09/2026

18/09/2026

Today at the Bentley Wood fair and country show

13/09/2026

🌿 What a wonderful basket-making workshop yesterday! 🧺😍

Yesterday was another lovely day spent weaving with willow, and look at the beautiful baskets everyone created! ❤️

It’s always so rewarding to see each person start with a bundle of willow and, with a little patience and guidance, turn it into their very own handmade basket.

Every basket is unique, and I think they all look fantastic! 👏😍

A huge thank you to everyone who came along and joined me. I hope you enjoyed the day as much as I did! 🌿🧺

I’m already looking forward to the next workshop! 😊

11/09/2026

Next week event coming up so soon looking forward to it 😊

The countdown is on, one week to go... We can't wait to welcome your families and furry friends back to the Bentley Wood Fair & Country Show!

"So many great stalls selling beautiful arts and crafts. Great selection of food and shows - loved the band."

We hope to see you there! Tickets available online, or on the day: https://thebentleywoodfair.co.uk/

🎟️ Ticket prices:
Adults - £12.00
Children - £5.00
Family Ticket - 2 adults and up to 3 children - £25.00
Concession Tickets - £12 - with a valid carer's card

09/09/2026

🌲 A little foraging adventure this week ….🌿🧺

I went out foraging today to collect some pine cones for some future projects. 🌲

I love being able to get out into nature and collect natural materials that I can later use in my basket making and other creations.

There’s something really special about taking things from the woodland and turning them into something beautiful and handmade. ❤️

I’ve got a few ideas already for what I’m going to do with these… but you’ll have to wait and see! 😅🧺🌿

I wonder if anyone can guess what I’m planning to make? 👀

08/09/2026

🌿 HELP ME CHOOSE NEXT YEAR’S BASKET MAKING WORKSHOPS! 🧺

I’m starting to plan my workshops for next year and I’d love to know what you would be most interested in making. 😊

I have a few ideas:

🧺 Shopping basket
🍞 Bread basket
🍎 Fruit basket
🐦 Bird feeder
🌸 Garden ornament Flower
🌀 Asymmetrical basket
🪴 Plant support
⭕ Frame basket
🐧 Bird house
🍄‍🟫 Mashrooms

Which one would you choose? 👇

Leave a comment with your favourite — or if there’s something else you’d love to learn, tell me! ❤️

Your suggestions will help me decide which workshops to arrange for next year.

I can’t wait to see what you choose! 🌿🧺