Finding my hands.

JoelleJoanne has grown from willow items being made through my job, to a hobby done here and there, to something that has become a part of me and something I do and think of every day.

Always creative, and a lover of the countryside I left university and got to work in my first “proper” job. As part of this role I had to learn some simple willow weaving techniques to teach park guests to make garden plant supports, Christmas wreaths and angels. After this it would seem I was hooked!

I found some books on basketry and willow work in charity shops and on the internet. From here I started to try to teach myself. From the simple beginnings of making a rather wonky round basket (round is a generous term) my passion grew and I started to experiment more and more.

Eventually I sent myself on some courses and can now make a round basket that is actually round (my first attempts weren't!) and sculptures in all sorts of forms. The books I have are invaluable to refer to for designs, details and techniques but the little tips that you pick up from another willow weaver have been priceless.