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 and attended their 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!

I haven't made anything I am happy enough to sell yet but, apart from giving the odd make to family, I finally gave a basket as a 60th birthday present in September 2024, so I must be improving!

I have just come back from the BA Autumn School where I had a great weekend learning how to make a frame basket - a new skill in my armoury!

I also 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 to challenge myself - as I am a bit 'rustic' (also very successful).  It is amazing what you can achieve when you just try.

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