Wheatcroftwillow

28/08/2026

I'm so excited to be leading a hazel taster afternoon Tear Up - Willow & Fibre Festival on Saturday afternoon.
You will learn how to remove and process hazel splints and how to harvest, what hazel to look for and seasonal changes.
Once you have some splints we will learn how to split some ribs and then using pre made hoop, start weaving a mini bowl.
Tickets for the weekend can still be purchased from the website, and my course will need to be booked at the main tent so get there early!
I'm also going to be hanging around the splitwood tent - curated by Lorna Singleton along with Lorna and a few other legends of the split wood world. Come and say hello,they don't bite 😊

If you miss this opportunity or are interested in longer experience, I have some places on my day long hazel taster in the Staffordshire Moorlands on September 16th. You can book this one via my website www.wheatcroftwillow.co.uk

23/08/2026

After a tough start, a lovely summer spent teaching, making and experimenting with friends and spending some holiday time with family.
Wrestled with my second ever swill with Angela, unpicking half of it this week 😆
# basketmakerssummer

18/08/2026

06/08/2026

Playing with dyeing with plants and ecoprinting, something I used to enjoy a very long time ago and last visited again with Maya Howes during her gcse textiles work. Lab partner was Laurel Gallagher who was on her own experimental journey.
Most colours ended up yellow, but the home made iron water mordant was a revelation and gave some bold results. More experiments next month and have some alder cones and birch bark soaking.
I forgot how much fun ecoprinting is.
Looking forward to combining some of this work with basketry. Not entirely sure how yet, but I have ideas!

31/07/2026

The hardest coffin I've ever made. A final goodbye to my beautiful nan yesterday, a celebration of her 96 years of life full of love and family and happy memories.
Thanks to Maya Howes for the beautiful lining and to Nicki Moss and Alison Foxtwood Holiday Cottages for evening sewing the night before delivery 🙏
And to Martin Evans for carving the name plate xx
Night night nan xx

19/07/2026

Day 2 at the Peak District Artisans Summer Showcase at the Octagon Pavilion Gardens as part of the
Day 1 saw a lovely mix of customers really interested in heritage crafts, including this lovely couple who made my day by buying hazel whisket. I'm just starting out in the split wood world, and it's a bit of side step from willow, so it feels really special when someone appreciates the time, effort and processes involved in the making.
Day 2 today , a great selection of artists and artists are selling their work and would love you to pop down and support them.

17/07/2026

3 lovely little curvy numbers will be heading over hills and moors to Buxton tommorow to join their pals jostling for position on my stand at the Octagon, Pavilion Gardens in Buxton for the Peak District Artisans Summer Showcase.
Around 40 artists in a beautiful building in a beautiful part of the world.
Come and say hello 👋

14/07/2026

It's this weekend! The Peak District Artisans Summer Show at the Octagon in Buxton.

The fair is on Saturday and Sunday in the Octagon at Pavilion Gardens from 11-5 on Saturday and 11-4 Sunday. It's free to visit and once there you can view and buy the works of some of the Peak District's top fine artists and craftspeople.

I will be bringing along some of my classic baskets with a sprinkling of new work and the opportunity to commission work for the autumn.

Buxton is a great place to visit, plenty of places to stop for coffee and a sit down. See you there!

12/07/2026