Anne and Alan Thomas
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This item will be posted to you by Anne and Alan Thomas within 5 days of receiving payment.
| Shipping destination | Cost | Additional items |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| EU & Northern Ireland | Doesn't deliver here | |
| United States | Doesn't deliver here | |
| Rest of the World | Doesn't deliver here | |
We have retired - so our lovely Folksy shop has now closed.
Thank you to everyone who has supported and/or bought from us. It has been much appreciated.
If you have any queries you can still contact us via the “contact” button at the top.
Wishing everyone all the very best.
One day Becs appeared at my regular stand at a Makers Market in Tavistock. Becs is a leather worker and asked if I would be interested in having leather handles on some of my baskets.. Such a simple question but one which give my inspiration and skill challenges such a boost. We have now been collaborating since 2021 and we are both loving it.
Baskets available:
Black Maul: Base 28x20; Top 23x15; H21; Handle length 39;
Steamed BM: 30x22; Top 27x20; H23; Handle length 47;
Whilst the sizing, willow variety and weaves are obviously set for this particular basket, baskets can be made to order - for any purpose, to your size requirements and your preferred willow variety. If you have something in mind, please don’t hesitate to contact us with your ideas. Commissions are always welcome.
The price includes P&P - if you wish to purchase more than one item from our shop, please contact us prior to placing your order so we can recalculate the postage and packing costs.
You have 14 days, from receipt, to notify the seller if you wish to cancel your order or exchange an item.
Unless faulty, the following types of items are non-refundable: items that are personalised, bespoke or made-to-order to your specific requirements; items which deteriorate quickly (e.g. food), personal items sold with a hygiene seal (cosmetics, underwear) in instances where the seal is broken; digital items.
Please note that if your order is being posted outside mainland UK, you (or the recipient) may have to pay customs or VAT charges and a handling fee. The seller is not responsible for any charges or fees that may incur.
Full description
A classy oval willow basket/handbag woven from Black Maul willow variety and finished with quality English leather handles handmade by my friend Becs Ball from Bosorne Leatherwork.
A heritage craft, basketry is considered to be one of the oldest traditional crafts in the world, pre-dating pottery - found in one form or another in almost every country in the world. Baskets were essential for storing and transporting things and in fishing and agricultural - such as fish traps, crab pots and harvesting baskets. Every village or district would have had its own basketmaker - the last few surviving traditional crab-pot makers are hanging on to an ancient but declining skill.
Even in Roman times, Britain was renowned for having the best basketmakers - and the Somerset Levels were equally renowned for growing the best quality willow. Constantly monitored by the Heritage Crafts and Basketmakers’ Associations, preserving skills, patterns and techniques is an ongoing project.
The traditional skill of willow weaving was waining in this country, but with current green living practices - willow-work fits in perfectly as a renewable and sustainable product which will last for many years and has traditionally been handed down from generation to generation. Ultimately they will biodegrade back into the earth.
So much can be created from a simple stick of willow.
A beautiful gift for her.
Enjoy your basket
Anne
Designed by Anne & Alan Thomas in Cornwall
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