WELCOME TO

SUE KIRK WILLOW BASKETS

My husband Kirk and I have been working with willow since 1998 originally inspired by the sustainability of the craft and the benefits which willow brings to the environment. Kirk grows several varieties of basket willows on two plots located in King’s Cliffe.

We both weave just a mile away from the willow beds at our workshop, The Old Brewery Studios. Here the home grown willows are woven into bespoke traditional and contemporary baskets for homes and gardens. Sue also teaches basketry from the workshop.

We advise you to make an appointment if you would like to visit the workshop. Sorry, The workshop is closed to visitors whilst a class is taking place.

Boulder Form 5 and 6 with Pebbles
TOOLS AND BASE

The Old Brewery Studios

Willow Weaving Workshops 2025

Our new willow weaving workshop programme for 2025 is now available on the workshop page. We are delighted to be hosting some of the UK's leading professional basketmakers at The Old Brewery Studios, bringing exciting baskets to teach next year and providing a broad range of techniques and materials for you to work with. Places are still available on courses and please do join a reserve list if a workshop you wanted to attend is full, it's well worth doing this as we have cancellations throughout the year.

Our 2025 Workshop Programme

There are spaces available on the following workshops in 2025.

If you are a beginner and want to try willow weaving for the first time we have three fabulous tutors who will be teaching here in April and October. Judi Evans will be teaching Spring Garden Structures and Round Shoppers. Emma and Stuart from the Coddiwomplers will be teaching Bird feeders as well as Spirals and Plaits. They are all experts in teaching beginners and have some fun projects to teach. These introductory courses are designed to give you a flavour of working with willow.

If you fancy working with materials other than willow, we are also offering the following courses:

*Ply-Split Braiding with Helen Leach using cord, wool, cotton and linen.

*Random Weave Baskets with Polly Pollock using glossy lapping cane cane and paper yarn.

*Arch and Nut Baskets using rush and hazel with Nadine Anderson.

Judy Simmonds will also be here in November to teach the beautiful willow Celtic Knot Basket which is an incredible structure, held together with tension and balance.

 

 

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