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Mary Melling
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Originally a modern language editor, I took up basket making when I was at home in the middle of nowhere with a young son. There is no formal training for basketmakers in this country so the usual procedure is to attend workshops and courses run by experienced practitioners.
I have been taught by many great basketmakers from Devon, Norfolk, Ireland and Scotland. I also have a City and Guilds Certificate in Creative Studies and Basketry which gave me training in design as well as techniques. |
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My work is an eclectic mix of original baskets which combine techniques from various traditions. Each basket is unique and I rarely make more than one design at a time. The variation in natural materials used to create the baskets means that even similar pieces will differ subtly in colour, weight and shape. |
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Designing and making baskets takes time and can involve several days preparation of materials followed by many hours of weaving and finishing. The design process is on-going and adjustments are constantly made to take account of the particular properties of the material being used. |
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I buy only the finest quality English willow and rush which I use in conjunction with home-grown hedgerow woods such as dogwood and hazel. |
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For more information on basket making please visit www.basketmaker.net
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