We’re thrilled to welcome talented willow weaver Hazel Godfrey to the Ragged Life Blog! Hazel specialises in basket making and stunning, handwoven willow pieces, and this Spring, she’ll be teaching two beginner willow weaving workshops at our Ragged Life Textile Studio near Hitchin. On Saturday, 12th April and Sunday, 27th April 2025, Hazel will be guiding students through the process of making willow woven garden obelisks (photos below). This is the perfect opportunity to learn willow weaving from an expert in a beautiful setting!

In the Q&A below, Hazel shares her journey into willow weaving, her inspirations, and what to expect from her workshops. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn a traditional skill and create something beautiful for the climbers in your garden.

Want to join us? Secure your spot today – spaces are limited! Book here.

Q&A with Willow Weaver Hazel Godfrey

Hi Hazel, we love your work! How did you first discover willow weaving, and what drew you to it?

I was studying for an Applied Arts degree when I was introduced to willow as an art material. I liked the idea of being able to grow my own materials.

Can you describe the process of selecting and preparing willow for weaving? Are there particular types of willow you prefer to use?

There are hundreds of varieties of willow; the best are long and slender without branches. Some are more pliable than others, so better for binding and weaving. Others are firmer, so better for stakes. It’s a case of choosing what’s right for the task. As a rule of thumb, willow is prepared by soaking it in water for a day per foot in length, then mellowing in a damp cloth for a day.

What are the key tools you use in willow weaving, and how do they impact the final piece?

You can perform most tasks with the following few tools: sharp cutters that avoid tears and shredding of the bark, a rapping iron to condense the weave which is important for a strong basket, and a bodkin – essential for inserting stakes and achieving a tight border on a traditional basket.

What kind of projects do you typically work on? Do you prefer functional pieces like baskets or more decorative art?

I make both but am drawn to more decorative or sculptural pieces of work like the one below.

How long does it typically take to complete a piece, and how do you know when it’s finished?

With one-off pieces, there is no typical time of making, but when I think it’s finished, I put it away for a few days, then look at it again with fresh eyes. This tells me if it needs tweaking!

What is the most challenging part of willow weaving, and how do you overcome it?

The preparation time is the most challenging. I overcome this for smaller projects by preparing in advance and freezing the willow. It is then ready for use in minutes! I have a dedicated willow freezer in my studio.

Is there a particular tradition or cultural influence that informs your approach to weaving?

Weaving is one of our most ancient technologies, I first learned about traditional British approaches and this still informs and underpins how I work today.

Do you have a past project that you particularly love? Does it have a story behind it?

I made a giant version of the Rhythms of the World’s ‘Dancing Man’ logo. This was one of the first artist residency proposals that I was selected to undertake. I recruited friends to help, and it was great fun making the figure over the weekend.

Is there anything that you’ve made that was a complete disaster?

Yes! Another residency project and the biggest piece I’ve ever made! All was fine until the gales came…

How do you maintain and care for your finished willow pieces to ensure their longevity?

If they are outdoor pieces, I apply the traditional willow preservative which is boiled linseed oil and turpentine. If the piece is small enough, I put it under cover for the winter.

Has your style or approach evolved over time? If so, how?

Yes, it has. Now, I enjoy including some of the freer approaches of contemporary Australian and American styles.

What is the role of willow weaving in your daily life? Do you weave purely for personal satisfaction, or is it a full-time profession?

Willow weaving is part of my full-time profession as a Contemporary Basketmaker. I teach willow weaving and contemporary styles of working with foraged and gathered materials, and I exhibit and sell my work periodically.

Have you ever worked with other natural materials, or is willow your primary medium?

Willow is a primary medium, but now I combine it with many different materials for my exhibited artworks.

What advice would you give to someone interested in learning willow weaving?

My advice would be to attend a class of some sort, it is so much easier to learn when you can see it being demonstrated and get answers to your questions.

Is willow weaving hard work for your hands?  

It depends on the size of materials being woven. I’m pretty used to working with my hands, but it can cause a little stiffness if I haven’t done it for a while, massaging them helps! Fortunately, I don’t suffer from arthritis in my hands.

How does willow weaving connect you to nature, and what do you enjoy most about working with natural materials?

Weaving outside is lovely for connecting with nature in general, but working with natural materials has been fundamental for our development as a species. I enjoy this deep connection to the techniques and
makers of the past.

What do you think makes willow weaving such a unique art form in today’s world?

Willow weaving is a truly sustainable art form, and this is so important for the environment in our world today.

Do you have any willow weavers, past or present, who have particularly inspired you?

I like the work of Tim Johnson, Maggie Smith, Mary Butcher, Nicole Robbins and Ruth Woods.

Thanks so much Hazel!

Click here to visit Hazel’s Basketmakers Association biography, follow her on Facebook here or book onto one of her two classes at the Ragged Life Textile Studio here. Spaces are filling up fast!

If you’d like to be the first to know when our next textile artist Q&A goes live, or for fortnightly rag rug inspiration sent directly to you, subscribe to our Rag Rug Inspiration newsletter here.

Happy rag rugging!

Elspeth x