Sarah Sims

I fell in love with willow weaving when I made an obelisk several years ago and vowed to try it again one day.  I live in Shropshire and I discovered Westhope College, attending a summer exhibition and open day, which inspired me to sign up for the City & Guilds Level 2 in 2022-23.  This enabled me to learn enough variety of skills to become a maker.  I have since been trying to weave regularly to improve my skills.

I attended Tear Up this year, on the Saturday, and got myself on the knife skills workshop to progress  my craft.  This is something I would like to further develop - local greenwood centre watch out!

This year I attended the BA Autumn School where I had a great weekend learning how to make a frame basket - a new skill in my armoury!  I have since been on a course working with with hazel, which is something I'd like to explore further.

I have just sold my first basket, which is encouraging and means I must be improving!

I try and attend the Shropshire Basketmakers meet-ups when I can, and am happy to organise the venue for central Shropshire get-togethers.

My most recent baskets have been a departure from those learned on the C&G.  I went off-piste and tried my hand at an organic form (somewhat successful but much to learn from); I created a basket I liked from a photograph (very successful); and I have made a couple of tiny baskets (also very successful) to challenge myself - as my natural style is somewhat 'rustic'.  It is amazing what you can achieve when you try.

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