Artistry & Functionality Combined

Creating beautiful, practical Willow baskets and art. Join workshops led by a City and Guilds qualified craftsman.

Bespoke Willow Baskets

Each basket is handcrafted using traditional techniques, ensuring that every piece is unique and functional.

Professional Workshops

Learn the art of willow weaving guided by a City and Guilds qualified craftsman in a welcoming small class environment.

commissions 

commisions undertaken 

About Ian's Willow and Craft

Where Art Meets Craftsmanship

Delve into the world of willow weaving and craftsmanship.Explore our unique collection of willow baskets and natural goods.Experience hands-on workshops taught by a professional craftsman.

 

I live in a village on the coast of West Wales with my two dogs. I first found the love of using willow when I attended a course with a friend many years ago at Winterbourne Medieval Barn in South Gloucestershire with teacher Jenny Humphris.  I made a basket with handle for collecting my chicken’s eggs and I still have that original basket now. I really loved this experience and seemed to pick up the weaving technique quickly. It gave me a new way to express my creativity. As a part time Occupational Therapist (OT) I already knew that "meaningful activity" can help with a person’s health and wellbeing and for a work life balance its important to participate in interests away from work . There’s the old joke about OT's being basket makers...….. and yes in my case this turned out to be true. 


 

Whilst on a course with Sarah Webb I found my love of making willow sculptures and I couldn’t wait to create my own projects when I got home. I have since had several commissions to create willow animal sculptures. I have developed my skills in basketry and sculpture with fabulous  instructors including Nora Kennedy in Stroud, Sarah Webb in Westonzoyland Somerset, Mary Zammit in Crickhowell,  Amanda Rayner in Monmouth, Justine Burgess in Lampeter, and Jane Welsh in Lampeter. I have a Level 3 City and Guilds professional qualification in basketry studied at Westhope College in Shropshire gaining more knowledge with tutors who include Clare Revera and Eddie Glew. 

I find it a pleasure to be able to engage in and teach others in the ancient craft of willow weaving, From just starting with a pile of willow to creating both beautiful and functional objects 

Society today is overloaded with plastic and I find it satisfying to be able to produce  sustainable alternative hand made products. 

Gallery

Gallery

reviews and comments 

some of the feedback and messages ive received 

 Basket course in garden June 2024

Thanks Ian, I know we all loved it.
Thank you very much for your patience
 Al

 Basket course in garden June 2024

thank you for all you did for us today with excellent instruction and the drinks and cakes. You patience was never ending and you needed it with me. I'm pleased with the finished article

Garden Trug 29/06/2024

Thanks once again for a great day...Rachel and I both really loved it. Thanks for the cake and refreshments to keep us going.  Kind regards Siobhan

reviews and comments 

 Berry basket May 2024

Thank you very much for yesterday.
I really enjoyed

Diane 
 

Zarzo Basket March 2024

Thank you for a wonderful day and for being so patient with us .
I really enjoyed making the Zarza basket and found it very therapeutic. It looks fab. 
You’re very talented !
Looking forward to more 

Round basket Oct 2023

I had a wonderful time thank you.. you have the patience of a Saint  

Jacqui

 reviews and comments 

round basket 

It was a brilliant day and I’m super chuffed with my basket, thanks Ian

Tiggs

round basket 

Had such a fun day!! Ian was great at explaining everything, thoroughly recommended!  sally 

irish skib 

Thank you Ian, it was a great day, a pleasure to part of the group and learning a amazing age old skill under your skilled guidance

Jenny 

Reviews and comments 

 Garden Trug 

Thank you ever so much for today's class, both mum and I thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Helen

willow sculpture 

Thank you for a lovely day last Saturday- I enjoyed learning the process of how to make a willow sculpture  lynda 

willow sculpture 

Just wanted to say thank you for a very enjoyable weekend course. I wanted to let you know the willow you kindly gave me didnt go to waste. I attached a photo of a bird, not sure if chicken , duck or goose, decided on goose at end, would have liked to get head and neck higher but pleased with second attempt 

Thanks again  Mark

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Contact me 

Telephone: 07388497627

E-mail: ian.d.mcdowall@outlook.com

Address: Llanon, SY23 5JA, Ceredigion, United Kingdom

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