What can a basket maker teach us about seeing the world differently? During a visit to Scotland, Ruth Woods spent time with talented basket maker Helen Jackson, whose extraordinary approach to weaving goes far beyond traditional baskets. From tiny woven forms to unusual materials and experimental techniques, Helen's work reveals a fascinating connection between creativity and nature.

At West Moss-side in Scotland, Kate Sankey’s natural basketry is deeply connected to the landscape around her. Willow, rushes, bark and other locally gathered materials become part of work shaped by more than 30 years of conservation, farming and making. I visit Kate at her farm and studio beside Flanders Moss to discover how the land continues to influence what she grows, gathers and creates.

A visit to St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff offers a fascinating look at the role basketry has played in everyday Welsh life. From woven chairs and fishing baskets to traditional willow and rush work, this collection reveals the skill, practicality and history behind Welsh basketmaking. Explore historic techniques, natural materials and beautifully made objects that show how basketry was once woven into daily life across Wales.

Join Ruth Woods on a rare behind-the-scenes visit to Kew Gardens in London, where she explored Kew’s remarkable basketry collection, plant fibres and weaving traditions. From the Palm House and Temperate House to the Economic Botany collection, discover more than 1,000 baskets, traditional basket-making techniques, botanical history and the stories preserved within these extraordinary handmade objects.

Discover the art of basket weaving using plant fibre from your own garden. Learn how to grow, harvest and prepare natural materials for basket making, from New Zealand flax to grasses and day lilies. This hands-on approach to basketry connects you with nature while building practical weaving skills, helping you create beautiful, sustainable baskets from plants you grow yourself.

A personal collection of the best craft books that shaped my making practice. From slow stitch and sashiko to natural dyeing, eco printing, basketry and quilting, these favourite craft books go beyond technique. Each one offers inspiration, deep material knowledge and permission to make imperfectly. Thoughtful, timeless resources for makers drawn to handmaking, textiles and natural processes.

It all started with a wall of small woven experiments - no plan, no pressure, just play. Through these little practice projects, I discovered the joy of basket making, basket weaving and creative practice as a way to explore, not perfect. Creativity isn’t about the finished piece; it’s about the process of making, learning and finding freedom in your craft again.

Explore basketmaking and weaving with plant fibres. Create unique, beautiful pieces and enjoy the rewarding process of natural crafting.

Explore the beauty of Bowermere Cottage garden & discover the best plants for basket making, plus tips on craft techniques and plant care.

Explore tips on setting up, working with raffia, and storing it to make the most of your projects with Annie Clarke

Benita's journey our Baskets from the Garden course turning plants into art. Get inspired by her story and explore your own creativity!

Explore the beauty and versatility of New Zealand Flax in basket making.

There is something magical about vines. They defy gravity, winding and twisting creating environmental sculptures, sometimes in the most...

I want to weave now! Hands up if you’ve experienced wanting to weave and realising you haven’t the right plant fibre or you have to dry...

It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of...

Raffia Baskets dyed with plant dyes Can I dye raffia? This is a question I get asked a lot! In this blog post I will talk about dyeing...

As a basket maker, I understand the excitement and inspiration that comes from seeing a beautiful basket made from a plant fibre that's...

You might wonder what I mean by practice projects. It’s a term I use to describe something that I think all curious crafters and makers...

When I'm teaching, I'm often asked how much raffia is needed to make a basket. It's a good question, because, I assure you, once you...

There's no doubt that a basket made from plant fibre is a beautiful thing. Making baskets from natural materials is also one of the...