Basket Weaving

I have been making baskets now for more than 10 years, and it was an old man called Charlie Danny who got me started. He lived (he has passed on now) in Dooey North, Leitirmacaward, in western Donegal, a bachelor with a very simple life. He had been the creel maker in the area, but was too old to keep it going, but he took the time, a little hesitantly at first, to teach me how to make a traditional creel. It was in fact his Sally Garden, or willow beds, which really got me excited. I love trees, and love the fact that you can make a living by working with trees.

So now I still make baskets, and other things with willow, and I teach once a week in Pilot’s Row in Derry. You really have to know how to make a basket to teach someone else! In the very near future, I intend to find a suitable venue locally, in the Greencastle/ Moville area, and offer more courses in basketweaving. Check out Weaving Courses & News for details

Made at Green Living Fair, Castle Espie, Sept. '09

Green Living Fair, Castle Espie, Sept., '09

In September 2009 I was invited to the Green Living Fair at Castle Espie Wildfowl Sanctuary, on the shores of Strangford Lough, Co. Down. I created this corracle from willow, hazel and an old seat from pine. I intend to cover it with a cowhide, and float off into the lough…