Luminous green hair moss growing on the side of a cut down tree stump glows in the sun
A fairytale looking basket. The construction is a frame basket, two hoops held together with a god's eye, with the ribs added in to it. Secondary exposed ribs make an aesthetic feature. The material is hazel, some cream coloured, some with bark on
A single bluebell flower in focus against a dark background of grasses and stems. The top of the bell has streaks of brighter blue, the rest a paler lilac-purple colour. The petals curl up at the bottom of the bell
A wooden device used for basketmaking called a mare made of oak. A plank to sit with another raised up to shave wood on. There is a drawknife rested on it and shavings showing evidence of work
Roasting fresh cut hazel rods over fire in a fire pit before turning it into basket material. The wood looks charred and flames are licking at it.

Let’s Work Together

Hands of many basketmakers being shown with the palms up . The basketmakers have been riving oak to make material to make oak baskets so the hands look a little grubby, some are dyed black with the tannins of the wood, others have tape on the fingers
A person in a red coat and white hat is crouching down over an oak leg and pointing at the heartwood. Behind are tall slender trees and a woodland floor. Its winter and she's cold! Beside here are a maul and metal wedges to cleave the wood

For any enquiries about working with me this is the place!

My business has grown to include many different elements over the years. You can read what’s on offer and get an idea of pricing here. If there’s anything that isn’t covered in the information below let me know on the form underneath and please include as much detail as you can.

I have fluctuating chronic health conditions that leave me with very limited energy and cognitive capacity. This means that many emails go unanswered which never feels great for me or you. I’ve designed this form to get as much information from you as possible at the beginning which will help me make decisions and get back to you quicker. Thanks!

If you want to know about upcoming short courses and shop updates you can subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of the page here

I wear an FFP3 mask to prevent further ill health and run a HEPA air filter at all indoor events. I ask that you don’t turn up to events if you’re ill.

  • I provide bespoke training in all areas of split wood basketry and woodland management. From taster sessions, beginners introduction to materials and weaving, to advanced skills, creative and business development.

    The maximum group size for most classes is 7.

    My place

    I can host groups of up to 3 in my studio in Grizedale. Group sizes above that may have additional venue costs. A favourite local venue costs £60/day hire.

    In summer we can use the outdoor area at my barn, which can host all sizes of groups.

    £450/day plus material costs.

    Day rate discounted by £20 for each additional consecutive day.

    Deposits of 10% are needed to secure dates.

    Or yours

    I’m happy to travel to teach as well. You might prefer this option if you have an established group and venue or if you have other commitments or circumstances that make travel difficult.

    This option has a higher rate of £460/day to allow for the additional work, time and costs of this option.

    Other additional costs are 65p/mile, £30 per hour of travel, overnight accommodation (usually a campsite in my campervan).

    You might find that, especially if there’s a group of you, this option works out cheaper than the total cost of your travel and accommodation to Grizedale.

  • My studio in Grizedale forest is open by appointment.

    Craft workshops were once commonplace and seeing people working was part of everyday life, but today being able to see where products are made by hand is a rare thing.

    My studio houses most of my tools (except my oak boiler), finished products, work in progress etc, and often produces an emotional reaction when people walk in the door. The sights and smells can take you back. For the younger generations this setting is often something they haven’t experienced before.

    £75/1hr visit including demonstrations.

    The studio is in a Forestry Commission visitor centre where there is also a printmaker, plant pot shop, a cafe, exhibition space, mountain bike hire, a marble run in the forest, zip wire activities as well as lots of walks and bike routes.

  • I host individual, group and educational woodland visits to see oak coppice in practice, woodland management techniques, identifying woodland archaeology, and discuss working in tandem with cultural heritage and boosting biodiversity. As well as the woodlands I’m coppicing I have access to other ancient woodland in the area, depending on your interests.

    Past groups have included schools; WI; university students in forestry, design, outdoor learning; researchers and professors; other crafts groups; archaeology groups; ecologists; lichenologists; tree nurseries and other land workers.

    The nearest postcode for the woodland is LA12 8LQ. When thinking about the physical abilities of your group please bear in mind that there is a half mile walk into the woodland from the parking area, half of that is along a quiet country lane. A total visit would probably cover 2 miles on rough, uneven ground. There is a drop-off point at the bottom of the woodland track if you’re using a minibus.

    Minimum fee half day £250 up to 4 hours

    Full day fee £410

  • I have an extensive collection of split wood baskets. Some made by me, some bought on my research trips, and many gifted to me by Maurice Bichard the author of Baskets in Europe. The Maurice collection was collected between the 80s and 2010 and are mostly from Europe.

    These are a wonderful teaching resource and an excellent source of inspiration and I’d love for them to be available to more weavers to study. However there is a cost to the maintenance of these baskets, treating for woodworm and storing them.

    You can access this collection with an expert (me!) on hand to answer any questions you might have about history or construction.

    £90 for 1.5hr appointment in-person or online.

    £250 half day in-person appointment also available.

    If you are keen to look through the whole collection in detail, make drawings, measurements and plans and gain guidance on construction, the half day option may be most suitable.

  • I’m currently not taking commissions while other projects take up my time. Call back soon to check for updates or join my newsletter subscription at the bottom of the page to hear when commissions open again.

  • I have worked with many shops and retailers over the years and love the fresh perspective it brings. Because of my health conditions and limited energy I’m currently only available to supply shops on an outright purchase basis and a 12-16 week lead time. If this works for you then please do get in touch through the form.

  • Information coming soon

  • If you’re looking to feature my craft in your publications then thanks so much!

    Health conditions make writing difficult and slow so if you need any information or quotes from me it is best to arrange a 30 minute phone or video call for us to talk.

    Professional hi-res photographs are available for you to use in any publications. I’ll send you a link that you can use to choose and download the photographs of your choice.

    All photo credits are to Random Chair Ltd.