Handmade willow star

Delightful willow star made by Rosie Farey, a basketmaker based in North Wales. Created in two sizes, the large star makes a perfect natural Christmas tree topper.

Each decoration has been made from skeined white willow. The willow is soaked for 2 hours then wrapped and left to mellow overnight.

The rods are then cleaved into three pieces with a knife, and the centre shaved off – a process known as skeining.  Each rod is then cut into the relevant length, the star is woven using a small jig, tied and trimmed.

Available in two sizes: small approximately 8.5cm in diameter, large 19cm.

Rosie Farey has been a rush basketmaker for 10 years. After finishing a degree in Applied arts at UWE Bristol in 2011, she moved back to North Wales. Upon moving home she discovered a small rush basket that she had made at the age of 8. She set out to copy the little basket and her love of weaving began there and then.

The meditative rhythm of weaving is the essence of Farey’s practice. She works predominantly on a small scale using natural materials such as Bulrush and Common Juncus to create fine, decorative and functional items. She uses simple traditional weaving techniques that she has adapted to suit her style and scale of working.

Having been brought up to value skills and good craftsmanship, she believes that it is important to keep old traditions and techniques alive, and to pass them on to future generations through teaching.