Rae (Rachael) Bearder

I was born and bred on Guernsey in the Channel Islands, where I now grow my own willow to use in my creations.  I like to use leather alongside my willow, as the two materials complement each other beautifully.  This has resulted in the creation of a handbag design, which is based on the traditional Panier a cou, but has a leather strap and lid - bringing the old design to a new life as an attractive summer handbag.  I love the process of basketry and learning new techniques, but also enjoy using willow in sculptures.  I make the Wicker Man for the local spring festival in Sark (La Beltane), which takes 3 weeks to make and 5 minutes to burn to the ground.   

I make the local Guernsey Panier a cou, although I use the ancient technique using all willows, whereas the more modern (post 18th century) designs used wire for the frames.  I also make Guernsey tomato baskets and the Guernsey grape baskets - both were used when Guernsey was a growing island, but have not been made in many years.  The majority of baskets used in Guernsey growing were made in France, as the land here was too valuable to warrant growing willow, although local willow was used to make crab pots, which I also make occasionally.

I am grateful to be part of the weaving community and the Basketmakers' Association and love to share my enthusiasm and knowledge (limited though it may be) with attendees at my workshops.

Come to Guernsey!

• Basketry
• Contemporary
• Garden Structures
• Rush (Basketry)
• Traditional
• Willow (Basketry)
• Willow Sculpture