Hi, I'm Ash, maker and creator of Willow Star Crafts. My story began over the Christmas holidays when my lovely wife decided to buy yours truly a crafting kit to keep busy. The craft was willow weaving. So, on one chilly day while my wife was at work, I decided that now would be a good time to give it a go. What can I say? I became instantly hooked! After trying many different hobbies in my life, this was the one I connected with the most. Always the creative one, I found that I could channel my old art skills again, but this time using a totally different medium: willow. After several days, my first creation, Derek the Deer, was born. My wife was amazed by the result. This left me wanting to learn more about the traditional art of willow weaving. So, I read a few books, bought a big bundle of willow and practiced whenever I got the chance: morning, noon, and night, while still working my day job at a primary school. Balancing the two jobs can be a challenge sometimes, especially when I am busy with orders. However, this allows me to fund the business myself, giving me more freedom to experiment and get creative. The schoolchildren love it when I bring in the animal sculptures. Willow weaving can be a great form of meditation too. I love the escapism that willow weaving brings, and hours and days can fly by when in the moment. Creating bespoke pieces for my customers gives me a real high (Especially when I get asked to make a shark!) and the reaction when they see the finished product is worth the effort alone.

The nursery children loved the woodland animals

First creation 'Derek the Deer' December 2024

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water