Hi, I’m Amy, a willow weaver and basket maker based in Lancaster, and my business is Amy Gunawan Willow Weaving. You can often find me at the FoodFutures seasonal markets sharing the craft tent with Jess Levine and her lovely colourful art prints.
I make all manner of baskets and decorative items for the home and garden. I sell my work locally and through my website as well as running a regular programme of workshops in the Lancaster area. Through the workshops, I love to share my knowledge in a supportive and social space to allow participants to enjoy and become fully absorbed in the creative process. I offer full day basket making sessions and shorter sessions for people who want to get a taster of working with willow, for example weaving a star or a driftwood wall hanging.
I originally did a textiles degree many years ago and have always been inspired by natural forms, sculpture and architecture, so basket making felt like a natural step for me. The combination of structure and the organic really appeal to me.
I began my basket making journey in January 2021. With a bundle of willow, a few hand tools, a book and 15 nursery hours a week for my then two-year-old. With this free time I started to teach myself the basic skills and with a lot of practice and some fairly wonky (but still useful) baskets along the way here I am three years later. I have since attended workshops with experienced basket makers and continue to learn and develop my skills which I love to share through my products and my workshops.
Everything that I make is a one off, as that’s the nature of hand crafted products and working with a natural material. The willow has its own quirks and imperfections to work with and they add character and warmth. Willow is a very fast growing and sustainable material. The willow used for basket making is just 1 year’s growth which is coppiced each year. Over the summer months a willow rod can grow to over 10 feet in length.
I really enjoy the lively and sociable nature of working on a market stall. As I am often in my studio on my own, it’s a great way to connect and meet people. The FoodFutures seasonal markets in particular have a real sense of community at their heart. It is nice to have the opportunity to sell alongside other local businesses and show people what Lancaster has to offer.
You can meet Amy and buy some gorgeous handmade festive gifts from her and lots of other local makers, artists and craftspeople at Lancaster’s Midwinter Market on 13 December 2024.
