Author Archives: stevetomlin

First ash splint packbasket of 2021

Here’s the first of a few packbaskets that I’m currently working on. They are 18″ high to the rim and 14″ approx wide at the belly. Fitted with veg tan leather straps and solid brass buckles. If you are interested … Continue reading

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Wildflower meadows in the Guardian

Lovely article in the Guardian this week about the value of wildflower meadows, the work being done to preserve them and how you can create a meadow on even just a small patch of land. Of course, once you’ve established … Continue reading

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Weaving ash splint pack baskets

Winter is typically the time when I make more items for sale and makes a nice counterpoint to the summer of teaching craft courses. This summer I’m enjoying weaving some ash splint packbasket commissions using the beautiful ash splint from … Continue reading

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Bending bonds and handles for Devon stave baskets

The handle, rim and bottom bond for the Devon stave basket are made from freshly cut ash coppice. I use small diameter poles which are cleft into four pieces and then shaped with a drawknife while clamped in the shavehorse. … Continue reading

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Bodkins for ash splint basket making

One of the lovely things about basket making is how few tools are needed. When I’m making ash splint baskets, I use just a knife, scissors, small spring clamps and a bodkin. The bodkin aids with packing down the weavers, … Continue reading

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Ash splint basket making booklet

I’ve been making ash splint baskets and teaching workshops for several years now and it’s been fantastic to share the skills and knowledge with so many people. I am always aware though, that there are lots of people who can’t … Continue reading

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Fan bird carving workshop 2020

This course actually took place earlier in the summer but at the time I was too busy to post the photos so here they are at last. Among the group was Eddie Glew, a fantastic willow basket maker, who came … Continue reading

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Ash splint basket workshop 2020

My final workshop for 2020 was an ash splint basket making course at Greenwood Days near Derby, UK. This was postponed from earlier in the year when running courses wasn’t possible so I was very pleased to be able to … Continue reading

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Stirrers, eating spoons and spreaders

When I teach people how to carve spoons, I want them to go home with new skills and confidence as well as a spoon that they’ve made. Having two days of workshop gives the best opportunity to achieve this and … Continue reading

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Community scything in Manchester’s wildflower meadow

I’ve beenĀ  back to Hullard Park in Trafford, Manchester to run a scything refresher for the volunteers who are helping to manage the wildflower meadow in the park. Even though it’s a whole year since they last picked up a … Continue reading

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