Anna Stickland Weaving - traditional and contemporary baskets made in the Brecon Beacons

“Basket making combines my love of the outdoors with the opportunity to be creative"

I have always liked making things and am used to tutoring others.  With willow there is the added process of growing and preparing it, as well as using it.  All of my baskets are made with locally grown organic willow.  It is great to work with a natural material and to incorporate other plants and found objects into the design.  I love the variety of natural willow and its many colours and the way this changes as it ages.  I also enjoy experimenting with different shapes and adding both leather and twisty branches as handles.

Each basket has its own development and story.  I travel widely with my outdoor instructing work – often abroad - and I always seek out local crafts.  Many of my baskets are informed by where I am and the landscape that I am in and often made in the back of my van, or on a beach or a hillside.  I like to add a little piece of wherever I am to what I make.

I live in the western area of the Brecon Beacons and my background is as an outdoor instructor – I am always outside and natural colours and materials inspire me.  As well as mountaineering, caving and cycling, I also ran a woodland project for Coed Lleol (Welsh part of the Smallwoods Association) for many years, focused on encouraging community engagement with nature by providing craft and conservation sessions.

I run basketmaking workshops and accept commisions.