Vigour & Skills - Meet the Maker: Amanda Rayner
Amanda started Wyldwood Willow in 2000, based in Monmouthshire, South Wales. She attends a range of events and festivals across the UK every year offering workshops and willow weaving demonstrations.
She also specialises in natural products for the home and garden, made with willow and handwoven. She began weaving when a friend showed her how to make a frame basket over 20 years ago. Since discovering willow, her passion to share the skill of this ancient craft and her desire to limit the use of plastic in the world, has driven Amanda to create the thriving business that is Wyldwood Willow today.
Can you tell us about how you first got started with willow weaving and what drew you to this art form?
I was thrown into willow weaving organically – a friend of mine showed me how to make a frame basket. Sadly, a year later, I lost a child for whom I made a willow basket coffin. Willow is incredibly healing and great for PTSD. Working with willow gave me something else to think about. I went on to have another child and healed as much as can be. That's not what defines me, but I know that weaving gave me the grounding and inspiration to allow my creativity to flourish. My career has never felt chosen; it is simply a path I have embarked on, and I am still here, loving and learning from it.
How does the natural world and the environment influence your work as a basket weaver, and what impact do you hope your work has on the world around you?
I live and breathe outdoors – I am rustic to the bone. I can't imagine not incorporating nature and the environment into my daily life. This time of year (summer) is the best time for me. I suppose my ethos, when I first started thinking about what I am doing, was to encourage people I came into contact with to be inspired by willow and natural resources. I was desperate to get people to stop using plastic and always opt for a basket over plastic.
Can you describe your creative process when designing a new basket, from selecting the right materials to finishing the final product?
These things always s seem to accidentally happen for me – Usually when I have willow left over, I have a little play and ideas come from the fun and fluidity and my baskets come to life. I love using drift wood and organic shapes but I tend to stay fluid.
I will never make the same basket, I fully intend for each one to be unique.
What are some of the challenges you face as a basket weaver, and how do you overcome them?
The biggest challenge with all the admin and logistics behind basket weaving and professional growth is not having a secretary when I need one. Life has become busy making, and I feel undermined by not having time. I need an extra person to help me with business, so time allows you to be more free thinking.
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable project you've worked on as a basket weaver, and what made it special for you?
Three jobs I loved really spring to mind. I love getting film work. One of the funniest and most adventurous ones was weaving seven-meter-high rope baskets for a Marvel film in 2021. I really wanted to keep and exhibit them. They allowed me to go to town with my shapes and sizes, and it was very free and fun.
Another memorable job was creating a giant willow Dragon for a theme park near Epsom. Finally, the most rewarding job was creating a Willow Dragon with the staff at Marks and Spencer for the local MENCAP group in Chepstow.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in learning how to weave baskets, and how can they get started?
Once you have your willow, gather your basic tool kit. Next, it's time to immerse yourself in the world of basket weaving. Invest in a good instructional book such as Sue Gabriels that provides step-by-step instructions, tips, and techniques. consider seeking lessons or workshops . Finally, embrace the opportunity to play and experiment. Basket weaving is an art form that allows for endless creativity.
