My name is Cassandra, and began creating with my hands in school where I loved working with clay. I started working with willow 20 years ago, loving everything about both the tree, and how it can be used as an artistic medium. I started by learning how to create living willow structures, which then led me to woven sculpture, and finally I learned the skilled craft of basketry from many amazing basketmakers around Europe.
I now grow 26 varieties of willow, and hand coppice over 2500 trees each year, providing around half of my supply of willow. The rest I source locally or from Somerset.
I really enjoy creating structures using a metal framework, and have created many sculptures for festivals, public artworks as well as large sculptures in schools and as private commissions.
I have recently started weaving with wire, both stainless wire and phosphor bronze, in 1.2 and 1.5mm gauge. I am currently creating a life size wire horse for a client.
I make and teach Traditional Stake and Strand Baskets, Modern baskets, and Animal Sculptures. I run also Coppicing workshops and sell willow cuttings for planting. You can find these courses listed on the workshops & products page.
I can also happily travel to teach groups privately, please email me to enquire. I also deliver basketry and sculpture classes at Hilton Court Gardens – please contact them directly to book:
