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Hello
Welcome to my website!
My name is Amy Gunawan, I’m a willow weaver based in Lancaster, UK. I make baskets and woven decorative crafts from willow and I run regular weaving workshops. As well as my online shop I sell on Etsy and I attend local markets selling my work. It's a lovely way to engage with people and talk about what I do. If you see me please come over and say hello!
My Story
I began my weaving journey in January of 2021. With a few hand tools, a book and 15 nursery hours a week, I began teaching myself the craft.
I originally studied textiles at university in Manchester in 2005 and my work has always had a sculptural edge inspired by natural forms and architecture. After a long break from being creative, basket-making felt like I’d found a long lost part of myself. I love that I can craft pieces that are both beautiful and functional.
I enjoy the sensory experience of willow weaving, the rustic textures, the smell of the willow and the sound of the rods rustling together as I weave. The beauty and warmth of working with a natural material as well as the quirks that it brings makes every piece unique.
Every piece is handmade and every piece is individual.
As a material it is incredible how quickly willow grows. Basketry willow is just one year's growth. This means that it is a very sustainable material to work with. I currently source my willow from growers in Somerset and forage locally for different colours and textures. I plan to grow my own supply in the future so that I can have a bigger variety of colours and textures to play with.