Details
Rush is super versatile, I make beautiful and useful things: mats, baskets, bowls and bags. It can be woven in many patterns, plaited, stitched and coiled. Its colours and textures are part of its quality along with its strength. I combine rush with other plant materials - leaves, seed heads, flower stems to mix textures and a palette of colours together.
It means working with and in the natural world, from the rush harvest to collecting in leaves in my own garden. It means observing what is around us and wondering how we can honour it, taking only what we need for practical projects.
It means raising awareness and enjoyment and understanding of plants.
I am a weaver of natural fibres, mostly English rush but including willow, iris, sedges and maize.
I teach workshops at home (Elton, Ludlow), Westhope College (Craven Arms), The Cartshed (Canon Norton) and various village hall venues around the county. I teach one to one, private groups and organised events, as well as demonstrations and in a therapeutic role.
I am also a self employed gardener and botanical surveyor. I grow a commercial crop of basketry willow in Herefordshire.
I have been a member of the Basketmakers Association since 1998. I have my City and Guilds level two in basketry, and a certificate in 'Preparing to teach in Adult Learning', plus qualifcations in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture.
I am part of a thriving basketmakers group in South Shropshire and North Herefordshire and arrange short courses and skills share session.
This is my first exhibition since 2016.
I usually sell when teaching or small market stalls.
