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KATIE WARNER

Basketweaver

I'm an Edinburgh-based willow weaver using traditional techniques to handcraft characterful, contemporary baskets

Soaking up my last week in the Elliott’s studio before the wonderful @jess_elliott_dennison officially returns for her Spring Series of cookery demonstrations and lunches at the beginning of April.

I’m so, so lucky to have been able to spend the last five months here on Sciennes Road, hosting workshops, welcoming customers, meeting passers by and weaving to my heart’s content. On top of that, I’ll miss the cosy green walls and sunshine streaming in 🌞 it has really set the bar for my next workspace!

Having packed in as many baskets and bundles of willow as I could since I arrived, I’ll be clearing space at the end of this week for Jess to display her beautiful new collection of edible treats, ceramics, textiles and kitchenware. I’m pleased to say this will include a few pieces of mine too.

April will mark the start of a new chapter for me, going back to working from home and preparing for some exciting plans ahead - more on that soon! My baskets will still be available to purchase, so watch this space and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions :)

Soaking up my last week in the Elliott’s studio before the wonderful @jess_elliott_dennison officially returns for her Spring Series of cookery demonstrations and lunches at the beginning of April.

I’m so, so lucky to have been able to spend the last five months here on Sciennes Road, hosting workshops, welcoming customers, meeting passers by and weaving to my heart’s content. On top of that, I’ll miss the cosy green walls and sunshine streaming in 🌞 it has really set the bar for my next workspace!

Having packed in as many baskets and bundles of willow as I could since I arrived, I’ll be clearing space at the end of this week for Jess to display her beautiful new collection of edible treats, ceramics, textiles and kitchenware. I’m pleased to say this will include a few pieces of mine too.

April will mark the start of a new chapter for me, going back to working from home and preparing for some exciting plans ahead - more on that soon! My baskets will still be available to purchase, so watch this space and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions :)

I’m so impressed with what this group achieved last weekend - six wonderful asymmetric baskets over two days. For some it was their first time weaving, others only their second!

It was a pleasure as always to be teaching in the Elliott’s studio @jess_elliott_dennison, especially with such an enthusiastic, creative and fun bunch of people. Thank you all for coming and WELL DONE!! 👏

I’m so impressed with what this group achieved last weekend - six wonderful asymmetric baskets over two days. For some it was their first time weaving, others only their second!

It was a pleasure as always to be teaching in the Elliott’s studio @jess_elliott_dennison, especially with such an enthusiastic, creative and fun bunch of people. Thank you all for coming and WELL DONE!! 👏

Meditative morning making this trio of Catalan trays, also known as tension trays, platters or (as I like to call them) pot stands.

Each one uses a subtle blend of Old French, Flanders Red, Black Maul, Dicky Meadows and steamed willow.

Happy to have used up nearly all the leftovers from the workshop I taught on these last week - thanks to everyone who came!

#willow #catalantray #tensiontray #trivet #platter #potstand

Meditative morning making this trio of Catalan trays, also known as tension trays, platters or (as I like to call them) pot stands.

Each one uses a subtle blend of Old French, Flanders Red, Black Maul, Dicky Meadows and steamed willow.

Happy to have used up nearly all the leftovers from the workshop I taught on these last week - thanks to everyone who came!

#willow #catalantray #tensiontray #trivet #platter #potstand

Big dose of weaving inspiration from a recent visit to the Natural History Museum in Oxford @morethanadodo

‘The Deadly Six’ exhibition by @angelaspalmer celebrates 30 years of the Oxford Vaccine Group. These incredible willow sculptures, each representing a different virus, were woven by @jennycrisp_basketmaker @willow_with_roots and @outtolearnwillow

I’ve been looking forward to seeing these ever since they were installed last September. The exhibition will be on til 21st April - if you’re near, don’t miss it!

Big dose of weaving inspiration from a recent visit to the Natural History Museum in Oxford @morethanadodo

‘The Deadly Six’ exhibition by @angelaspalmer celebrates 30 years of the Oxford Vaccine Group. These incredible willow sculptures, each representing a different virus, were woven by @jennycrisp_basketmaker @willow_with_roots and @outtolearnwillow

I’ve been looking forward to seeing these ever since they were installed last September. The exhibition will be on til 21st April - if you’re near, don’t miss it!

Workshop yesterday in the sunny sanctuary that is the Elliott’s studio, with another lovely group of beginners - all so enthusiastic and a joy to teach.

Thanks to everyone who has booked classes with me here on Sciennes Road, and to @jess_elliott_dennison for giving me the chance to host them in her beautiful studio

Workshop yesterday in the sunny sanctuary that is the Elliott’s studio, with another lovely group of beginners - all so enthusiastic and a joy to teach.

Thanks to everyone who has booked classes with me here on Sciennes Road, and to @jess_elliott_dennison for giving me the chance to host them in her beautiful studio

Today 🌞

Today 🌞

A simple, flared design with golden green Dicky Meadows set off against buff willow.

The elegant shape was inspired by the first laundry basket I ever made with @anna.liebmann.basketweaver a few years ago.

With built-in handles and a foot border added for longevity, it was made to last. I like to think whoever it goes home to, it’ll add a bit of joy to laundry day for many years to come 🧺

Available to buy - DM for details or browse the full collection if you’re in Edinburgh. Studio hours vary so just let me know when you’d like to visit :)

A simple, flared design with golden green Dicky Meadows set off against buff willow.

The elegant shape was inspired by the first laundry basket I ever made with @anna.liebmann.basketweaver a few years ago.

With built-in handles and a foot border added for longevity, it was made to last. I like to think whoever it goes home to, it’ll add a bit of joy to laundry day for many years to come 🧺

Available to buy - DM for details or browse the full collection if you’re in Edinburgh. Studio hours vary so just let me know when you’d like to visit :)

This chunky one is made from a combination of Brittany Green, steamed & white willow.

It was a particularly colourful batch of Brittany Green from @musgrovewillows last year, with lots of deep red and purple tones in amongst the green. With a spiral of white against the rich brown of steamed willow, the whole thing reminds me of a chocolate Swiss roll.

Available to buy - DM for details or come and browse the full collection if you’re in Edinburgh. Studio hours vary so just let me know when you’d like to visit :)

This chunky one is made from a combination of Brittany Green, steamed & white willow.

It was a particularly colourful batch of Brittany Green from @musgrovewillows last year, with lots of deep red and purple tones in amongst the green. With a spiral of white against the rich brown of steamed willow, the whole thing reminds me of a chocolate Swiss roll.

Available to buy - DM for details or come and browse the full collection if you’re in Edinburgh. Studio hours vary so just let me know when you’d like to visit :)

Two of my bigger baskets, just waiting to be filled.

I loved making these, playing with shape and colour to give them different characters, both with logs or laundry in mind. Which one do you prefer?

Two of my bigger baskets, just waiting to be filled.

I loved making these, playing with shape and colour to give them different characters, both with logs or laundry in mind. Which one do you prefer?

Just a reminder about my next weaving workshop ~ Willow Swallows ~ on Thursday 6th Feb, 5-7.30pm at Elliott’s.

After a gentle, frosty start to the year, I’m looking forward to getting more willow in the tank and welcoming more lovely folk to the studio to weave their own creations. This is one of my favourite small projects and great for beginners.

To browse all my workshops and book yourself a space, please visit my website (link in bio @katiewarner_basketweaver)

Just a reminder about my next weaving workshop ~ Willow Swallows ~ on Thursday 6th Feb, 5-7.30pm at Elliott’s.

After a gentle, frosty start to the year, I’m looking forward to getting more willow in the tank and welcoming more lovely folk to the studio to weave their own creations. This is one of my favourite small projects and great for beginners.

To browse all my workshops and book yourself a space, please visit my website (link in bio @katiewarner_basketweaver)

Last night in North Northumberland 🐟

Thanks to the Horncliffe community for inviting me and @marthaellisart to be involved in your annual Salmon Procession. We had a lot of fun helping to make these lanterns and enjoyed a magical parade through the village streets last night.

Thanks again to Connecting Threads @tweedriverculture for funding this project.

Last night in North Northumberland 🐟

Thanks to the Horncliffe community for inviting me and @marthaellisart to be involved in your annual Salmon Procession. We had a lot of fun helping to make these lanterns and enjoyed a magical parade through the village streets last night.

Thanks again to Connecting Threads @tweedriverculture for funding this project.

A chilly but sun-filled first day back in the studio this week, making a giant salmon lantern with @marthaellisart

This one is heading with us to the Horncliffe Salmon Procession on Sunday 🔥 where we’ll be gathering with all the other lanterns and lantern makers we met earlier this week, in our first workshop of 2025. Thanks to Connecting Threads @tweedriverculture for organising.

A chilly but sun-filled first day back in the studio this week, making a giant salmon lantern with @marthaellisart

This one is heading with us to the Horncliffe Salmon Procession on Sunday 🔥 where we’ll be gathering with all the other lanterns and lantern makers we met earlier this week, in our first workshop of 2025. Thanks to Connecting Threads @tweedriverculture for organising.

I’m delighted to tell you that a new series of workshops have just been added to my website for the beginning of next year. This includes a few evening and weekend options, for those of you who’ve not been able to come to my workshops before. All of these will be held in the beautiful Elliott’s studio on Sciennes Road, Edinburgh @jess_elliott_dennison

Details can be found by visiting the ‘Workshops’ section of my website - link in bio

I’m delighted to tell you that a new series of workshops have just been added to my website for the beginning of next year. This includes a few evening and weekend options, for those of you who’ve not been able to come to my workshops before. All of these will be held in the beautiful Elliott’s studio on Sciennes Road, Edinburgh @jess_elliott_dennison

Details can be found by visiting the ‘Workshops’ section of my website - link in bio

Thanks so much to everyone who came to the Elliott’s Christmas Market, and to @jess_elliott_dennison for inviting me to be there. It was incredible to see so many of you in the studio over the past two days!

Basket Corner is looking much emptier now, but there’s still lots to choose from, including some willow Christmas decorations. The door will be open to visitors again soon, as I’ll be back in the studio to do more weaving. Hours vary each week, so just get in touch if you’d like to arrange a visit before the holidays 🎄

Thanks so much to everyone who came to the Elliott’s Christmas Market, and to @jess_elliott_dennison for inviting me to be there. It was incredible to see so many of you in the studio over the past two days!

Basket Corner is looking much emptier now, but there’s still lots to choose from, including some willow Christmas decorations. The door will be open to visitors again soon, as I’ll be back in the studio to do more weaving. Hours vary each week, so just get in touch if you’d like to arrange a visit before the holidays 🎄

Wow, what a wonderful weekend at Elliott’s @jess_elliott_dennison

We were so busy, I hardly took any photos! But here’s a glimpse of the studio before / after it was packed with visitors 💛

Wow, what a wonderful weekend at Elliott’s @jess_elliott_dennison

We were so busy, I hardly took any photos! But here’s a glimpse of the studio before / after it was packed with visitors 💛

Counting down to the Christmas Market at Elliott’s this weekend with @jess_elliott_dennison

I’ve woven a small batch of different hanging decorations this year, including my favourite spirals - all using willow leftover from other projects, so they’re truly zero waste

#sustainable #willow #christmasdecorations

Counting down to the Christmas Market at Elliott’s this weekend with @jess_elliott_dennison

I’ve woven a small batch of different hanging decorations this year, including my favourite spirals - all using willow leftover from other projects, so they’re truly zero waste

#sustainable #willow #christmasdecorations

Just received this lovely photo of one of my hanging baskets being put to good use 🍋

I’ve woven a few more of these recently, in time for the Elliott’s Christmas Market ~ Sat 30th Nov & Sun 1st Dec, in case it’s not in your diary already.

These are one of my favourite little baskets to make, perfect for kitchen staples like lemons and garlic, or filled with seasonal treats (what will it be this time @jess_elliott_dennison ?)

Just received this lovely photo of one of my hanging baskets being put to good use 🍋

I’ve woven a few more of these recently, in time for the Elliott’s Christmas Market ~ Sat 30th Nov & Sun 1st Dec, in case it’s not in your diary already.

These are one of my favourite little baskets to make, perfect for kitchen staples like lemons and garlic, or filled with seasonal treats (what will it be this time @jess_elliott_dennison ?)

Working on a swoop of swallows today. Thanks so much to everyone who has pre-ordered these. They’ll be winging their way to you soon.

I’ll happily make more ~ these little birds are a firm favourite ~ so please drop me a message if you’d like one too. They’re £35 each plus postage (UK only at the mo), or free collection from the studio.

P.s. Just learnt that a group of swallows can be called a swoop, a gulp, a flight, a kettle or a richness. Will be using these descriptions from now on 🪶

Working on a swoop of swallows today. Thanks so much to everyone who has pre-ordered these. They’ll be winging their way to you soon.

I’ll happily make more ~ these little birds are a firm favourite ~ so please drop me a message if you’d like one too. They’re £35 each plus postage (UK only at the mo), or free collection from the studio.

P.s. Just learnt that a group of swallows can be called a swoop, a gulp, a flight, a kettle or a richness. Will be using these descriptions from now on 🪶

Here’s a look inside the studio this week. It’s extra willowy at the moment, as I’ve brought ALL my baskets here to show you 🌿

If you’d like to browse the whole collection, please do get in touch to arrange a visit or, for those further afield, drop me a message with any requests. I’ll share some more pics and prices soon too, to make things easier.

Of course, if you’re interested in a copy of Jess’s latest recipe book, there are a few of those here, along with some beautiful blankets, honey, preserves, candles, ceramics and more ~ also available to order from the Elliott’s website @jess_elliott_dennison

Here’s a look inside the studio this week. It’s extra willowy at the moment, as I’ve brought ALL my baskets here to show you 🌿

If you’d like to browse the whole collection, please do get in touch to arrange a visit or, for those further afield, drop me a message with any requests. I’ll share some more pics and prices soon too, to make things easier.

Of course, if you’re interested in a copy of Jess’s latest recipe book, there are a few of those here, along with some beautiful blankets, honey, preserves, candles, ceramics and more ~ also available to order from the Elliott’s website @jess_elliott_dennison

FULLY BOOKED 🌟 Willow Star Workshop ~ Thursday 12th December, 5-7.30pm at Elliott’s

Join me for a festive evening making your very own willow star. A beautiful and sustainable addition to the Christmas decorations this year.

Suitable for beginners. All tools, materials & refreshments provided. £40 per person.

FULLY BOOKED 🌟 Willow Star Workshop ~ Thursday 12th December, 5-7.30pm at Elliott’s

Join me for a festive evening making your very own willow star. A beautiful and sustainable addition to the Christmas decorations this year.

Suitable for beginners. All tools, materials & refreshments provided. £40 per person.

Anyone hoping to pop in to the studio this week, here’s a note of the opening hours:

Today til 4.30pm
Tuesday 29th Oct, 10am-4.30pm
Thursday 31st Oct, 10am-3pm
Friday 1st Nov, 10am-6pm

It changes every week so drop me a message if you want to come another time!

Katie x

Anyone hoping to pop in to the studio this week, here’s a note of the opening hours:

Today til 4.30pm
Tuesday 29th Oct, 10am-4.30pm
Thursday 31st Oct, 10am-3pm
Friday 1st Nov, 10am-6pm

It changes every week so drop me a message if you want to come another time!

Katie x

Thanks so much to everyone who came along to the Willow Fair on Saturday!

For anyone who missed it, we had basket sales and demonstrations from:

Anna Corbett @stringmakeranna
Anna Turnbull @biteabout_arts
Dara Coward @wild_basketry_dara
Janice Hall @janicehallbaskets
Jilly Greig @jillygreig_myweavingjourney
Katie Warner @katiewarner_basketweaver
Katy Bremer @katybremerbasketry
Mary Nairn @cradle_to_creel
Rachel Kirk @rachelswillowdesigns

Being the first of its kind here in East Lothian, we weren’t sure how busy it would be, but what a great turn out. It was wonderful to meet so many people of all ages interested in basket weaving, willow sculpting and cordage making.

For those of us who spend most of our time working in isolation, these kinds of events are a real treat, a chance to make connections, share tips and ideas, and an important reminder of what an incredibly supportive bunch the basketmaking community is.

Huge thanks to @jillygreig_myweavingjourney for putting so many hours into organising this - you’re a star!

We’re already talking about doing it again next year, so watch this space.

Thanks so much to everyone who came along to the Willow Fair on Saturday!

For anyone who missed it, we had basket sales and demonstrations from:

Anna Corbett @stringmakeranna
Anna Turnbull @biteabout_arts
Dara Coward @wild_basketry_dara
Janice Hall @janicehallbaskets
Jilly Greig @jillygreig_myweavingjourney
Katie Warner @katiewarner_basketweaver
Katy Bremer @katybremerbasketry
Mary Nairn @cradle_to_creel
Rachel Kirk @rachelswillowdesigns

Being the first of its kind here in East Lothian, we weren’t sure how busy it would be, but what a great turn out. It was wonderful to meet so many people of all ages interested in basket weaving, willow sculpting and cordage making.

For those of us who spend most of our time working in isolation, these kinds of events are a real treat, a chance to make connections, share tips and ideas, and an important reminder of what an incredibly supportive bunch the basketmaking community is.

Huge thanks to @jillygreig_myweavingjourney for putting so many hours into organising this - you’re a star!

We’re already talking about doing it again next year, so watch this space.

Swifts & swallows in the making 🪶

I used to faff about with string to hold the curve, but securing the wing tips in a wooden block as you weave makes it sooooo much easier to control the shape. I can’t remember where I first saw this being done but thank you to whoever taught me this trick - thought I’d pass it on.

#swift #swallow #willow #willowbirds #willowweaving #willowdecorations #tipsandtricks

Swifts & swallows in the making 🪶

I used to faff about with string to hold the curve, but securing the wing tips in a wooden block as you weave makes it sooooo much easier to control the shape. I can’t remember where I first saw this being done but thank you to whoever taught me this trick - thought I’d pass it on.

#swift #swallow #willow #willowbirds #willowweaving #willowdecorations #tipsandtricks

I’m so grateful to have been asked to create something for this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival @scottishstorytellingcentre @tracscotland @scotstoryfest

The willow sculpture I installed last week will act as a backdrop to a series of events called ‘Tree of Memory: Honouring the Elders’

Mon 28th Oct, 4pm
Claire McNicol hosts a celebration of Irish and Scots storyteller Audrey Parks, with friends and family.

Tues 29th Oct, 4pm
Liz Tulloch hosts a celebration of her father, Shetland storyteller Lawrence Tulloch.

Wed 30th Oct, 5pm
Tim Porteous and Donald Smith host a celebration of Edinburgh storytellers Jack Martin and John Fee.

Thu 31st Oct, 4pm
Douglas Mackay hosts a celebration of all our honoured elders, with a basket of blessings to all absent friends.

For more info & to book tickets, visit the @scottishstorytellingcentre or @scotstoryfest website

#sculpture #willowsculpture #basketmaking #willowweaving #willow #basketweaver

I’m so grateful to have been asked to create something for this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival @scottishstorytellingcentre @tracscotland @scotstoryfest

The willow sculpture I installed last week will act as a backdrop to a series of events called ‘Tree of Memory: Honouring the Elders’

Mon 28th Oct, 4pm
Claire McNicol hosts a celebration of Irish and Scots storyteller Audrey Parks, with friends and family.

Tues 29th Oct, 4pm
Liz Tulloch hosts a celebration of her father, Shetland storyteller Lawrence Tulloch.

Wed 30th Oct, 5pm
Tim Porteous and Donald Smith host a celebration of Edinburgh storytellers Jack Martin and John Fee.

Thu 31st Oct, 4pm
Douglas Mackay hosts a celebration of all our honoured elders, with a basket of blessings to all absent friends.

For more info & to book tickets, visit the @scottishstorytellingcentre or @scotstoryfest website

#sculpture #willowsculpture #basketmaking #willowweaving #willow #basketweaver

Weaving the Tree of Memory @scottishstorytellingcentre @scotstoryfest @tracscotland

This was made specially for a series of events called ‘Tree of Memory - Honouring the Elders’ which will run from 28th-31st October, as part of this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival.

For more info & to book tickets, visit the @scottishstorytellingcentre or @scotstoryfest website

#sculpture #treesculpture #willowsculpture #willowtree #willowweaving #willow #basketweaver

Weaving the Tree of Memory @scottishstorytellingcentre @scotstoryfest @tracscotland

This was made specially for a series of events called ‘Tree of Memory - Honouring the Elders’ which will run from 28th-31st October, as part of this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival.

For more info & to book tickets, visit the @scottishstorytellingcentre or @scotstoryfest website

#sculpture #treesculpture #willowsculpture #willowtree #willowweaving #willow #basketweaver

“What’s it going to be?”

Thanks everyone who popped in today and showed an interest… All will be revealed tomorrow 😉

Beautiful light and peaceful as ever working in the Elliott’s studio this afternoon

#sculpture #willowsculpture #basketmaking #willowweaving #willow #basketweaver

“What’s it going to be?”

Thanks everyone who popped in today and showed an interest… All will be revealed tomorrow 😉

Beautiful light and peaceful as ever working in the Elliott’s studio this afternoon

#sculpture #willowsculpture #basketmaking #willowweaving #willow #basketweaver

It’s been lovely meeting a few of the locals since I moved in to the studio here on Sciennes Road. If you’re passing, feel free to pop in and have a browse.

Elliott’s stocks a beautiful range of Scottish-made jams, pickles and honey, as well as ceramics, textiles, kitchenware and (of course) baskets!

Opening hours vary, so drop me a message if you’re planning a visit or check out the Elliott’s online shop @jess_elliott_dennison

It’s been lovely meeting a few of the locals since I moved in to the studio here on Sciennes Road. If you’re passing, feel free to pop in and have a browse.

Elliott’s stocks a beautiful range of Scottish-made jams, pickles and honey, as well as ceramics, textiles, kitchenware and (of course) baskets!

Opening hours vary, so drop me a message if you’re planning a visit or check out the Elliott’s online shop @jess_elliott_dennison

A few new hanging baskets drying in the sun. It’s been shining in here all day 🌞

A few new hanging baskets drying in the sun. It’s been shining in here all day 🌞

Sunny morning settling in, setting up the “willow corner” in what will be my studio for the next few months 🌞 still pinching myself @jess_elliott_dennison

Sunny morning settling in, setting up the “willow corner” in what will be my studio for the next few months 🌞 still pinching myself @jess_elliott_dennison

I couldn’t be more grateful to @jess_elliott_dennison for inviting me to use her beautiful studio while she’s away on maternity leave 💛

If I’m here and you’re passing, please do pop your head in!

I couldn’t be more grateful to @jess_elliott_dennison for inviting me to use her beautiful studio while she’s away on maternity leave 💛

If I’m here and you’re passing, please do pop your head in!

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