Another willow to my bow

Since I can't get enough of willow craft, I decided to sign up for yet another class in Killoscully. The class started at 10am and ended around 6pm. I managed to make a log basket during that duration.

Now more confident, I decided to purchase some willow. The willow needed to be soaked (to make it pliable ) so I used the bath tub as it was long enough to house the sticks. (a day of soaking for every foot of willow)

I wanted to make a bird feeder and I was very grateful to my cousin Paul for giving  me a few slabs of wood for the base. 

This is the first piece of willow craft that I made unsupervised.

I also made a fish platter which is perfect for sushi and deep fried calamari.

I found another interesting but more complicated bird feeder and this time round, I signed up for yet another workshop.

For the love of Willow

 Michael and I were in Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny recently. It is home to several Cistercian Abbeys and along the banks of  River Barrow stands a statue of a monk holding a big bundle of willow.

I love the smell of willow from the tip to the bud. I had the opportunity to go for a few basket making classes  conducted by Hannah from New Port and Pete from O'Briens bridge. Willow basket making is very addictive, for me anyway.

                                        Willow soaked and tied in bundles according to thickness and length

                                                         Starting point at the base

Weaving the base like a spider

                                                                   The uprights

Hannah the expert basket maker

After three lessons with Hannah and one with Pete these are the willow products that I've made......

A basket of coal

A basket of onions

                                                                   A basket of books

                                                           A Wigwam for my climbing plant

                                                             With Pete at his studio