Willow Baskets

Willow Baskets - How the willow is harvested

Willow Baskets are made from sustainable materials.  The willow, or commonly referred to as wicker, is harvested from what looks like a shrub, but is in fact a Willow tree.  The tree is fast growing, which allows a new crop of willow to be harvested each season by cutting the willow back, thus making it an environmentally sustainable material.  Willow is native to China, but it also grows prolifically throughout the Northern Hemisphere.  Many willow baskets originate in China, where the manufacture of willow products is often the main source of income to the local villagers.  The growing and harvesting of willow and the manufacture of willow baskets benefit the wider community.

Willow Baskets - Colours of willow used

Green Willow – This is natural untreated willow.
Brown Willow – Willow that is dried with its bark still on.
Buff Willow – Willow that is boiled, the bark removed and then dried.  The variety of willow often used is Black Maul, which despite its name, is not black.
White Willow – A lengthy process is required to produce this willow, which is reflected in the higher price.   The variety of wicker used is Black Maul and when it is harvested, it is kept alive until it is in full leaf.  At this point the leaves and bark are removed to reveal the white willow.   It's then dried and stored without light to prevent yellowing.  It shouldn't be confused with willow that has simply been painted white!
Steamed Willow – This is brown in colour.  Brown Willow (dried) that has been placed in the boiler for a few hours to colour the bark of the willow a chocolate/black.  The willow is then removed from the boiler and dried outside.  Steamed willow is used for adding colour and texture to baskets.
Double Steamed Willow – This willow goes through the steaming process two times, as the name suggests.

Willow Baskets - Construction

The basic parts of a willow basket are the base, the side walls, and the rim.  Some willow baskets may also have a lid, handle, fastenings and embellishments.

The starting point for making a willow basket is the base.  The base can either be woven or solid wood can be used.  The 'static' pieces of the basket are put down first.  These pieces are known as 'spokes' if the basket is round, or 'stakes' or 'staves' in other shape baskets.  Once the base is in place, the sides are woven into places.

Many different patterns can be made by changing the size, colour, or by placement of a certain style of weave.  Willow baskets have become very popular because they are light, robust and

Purchasing Willow Baskets from WickerWarehouse.co.uk:

The Willow Baskets are covered by our Lowest Price Guarantee. Willow Baskets are a regular stock item available for immediate despatch.