I have been a creative maker of some sort all my life and discovered the joy of willow basket making in 2016, learning from other skilled makers. I sell at the occasional local craft fair when I have made enough to sell and also take on a few commissions. I run willow basketry workshops for small groups - see the willow workshop section.

I find inspiration from being outdoors in nature as much as possible, or watching it from my willow making shed through the window with my cats. I find the willow basket process is satisfyingly the opposite of the wood turning that I also enjoy - basketry starts from nothing to build a finished basket whereas turning starts with a solid block and subtracts until you uncover the beauty of the wood, so the two go well together.

I enjoy the process of creating a design, and making it come to life. I love making oval and rectangular baskets as I find them the most useful, usually in natural brown willows with a hint of stripped white willow somewhere which I can't resist. I enjoy the process of using my home-made drawhorse to shape ribs for baskets too. There's so much fun to be had and always something to learn from others.

Most of my creations be they in wood, willow or wool are functional and decorative - both are important to me. As a retired engineer, I focus on the purpose of what I am making, as well as the beauty of form and the natural materials.

I am in West Cambridgeshire, UK.