Introduction to Willow Weaving – Kew Online Courses

Amanda Rayner was first introduced to willow weaving by a friend, who showed her how to make a small nutshell basket. He also gave her a bundle of willow so she could go on with her willow journey. After experiencing a personal tragedy, Amanda progressed to weaving a willow coffin, and found the process therapeutic during her time of loss. She describes weaving as a feat of engineering, with a lot going on that is completely preoccupying. It takes you away from the daily grind and allows you to get lost in the moment. The process is intense and involved, and ultimately satisfying.

In order to be able to share her skills and the benefits of this engaging activity, Amanda went on to take a City and Guilds course in basic teaching methods. She founded her small artisan willow weaving business, Wyldwood Willow, where she runs regular workshops in Monmouthshire, South Wales, and runs in-person workshops at Kew Gardens. During the summer months, Amanda can also be found at festivals and events around the UK.

Please note that the materials required to make the Berry Picker are no longer available to purchase as a kit. For this project, you will need:

• 6 x 60cm long willow sticks for the uprights

• 18 x 3ft sticks for weaving

• 1 x 65cm stick for the handle

• Soaking bag

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  You’ll also need:

• Secateurs

• Penknife

• Bodkin or screwdriver

See the lesson descriptions for the materials you'll need for the other two projects. Amanda also gives lots of tips and advice for sourcing your own willow and other sustainable weaving materials. To help hold the uprights in position for the plant support, you make like to make a simple supporting jig: this is made from a large cardboard box and dinner plate. Alternatively, if you're working outside you can support the sticks in a circle of holes in the ground.

Any willow weaving project will require a little preparation in advance. The willow sticks will require soaking and mellowing. There are different types of willow available to buy and you can even forage at the right time of year. Here, Amanda shows us all the options, and we take our first preparatory steps.