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I run my business, Wheatcroftwillow from my workshop in the heart of the Churnet Valley in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Drawing on my years of training, I make a range of traditional British baskets from willow and split hazel as well as more creative, contemporary work. Using natural colours and weaves, I can create a piece of work for your home or garden that is both beautiful and is made to last.

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I grow my own willow, about half of what I use every year, using organic principles, providing habitat for insects and small mammals. Growing my own willow locally reduces my carbon footprint from shipping willow across the country. I grow unusual varieties that add colour and interest to my work. Every year is different and some varieties can suffer from insect or deer damage, but I accept this as part of the growing process.  I feel it is important to try and live lightly upon the earth and this includes my business.

I am fascinated with historical baskets and what they can teach us in our work today. Some of my work involves recreating historical baskets for museums and reenactors.

 In 2020, due to lockdown, I started experimenting with other natural and wild materials found near my home, bark, garden plants, rush and hazel, resulting in my range of woven bark foraging pouches for collecting treasures. I now also make split hazel baskets, including whiskets and the Penclawdd cockle basket. In 2025 I will be learning more about split wood baskets using oak and ash on a specialist course. I feel this use of local and natural resources is becoming more relevant to todays society, using what we have locally in a low impact way to create beautiful items that last.

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My work is available from my website, or you can commission me to make a more bespoke design to suit your home.

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• I make traditional willow baskets and lampshades to buy in my shop. 

• ​I can work to commission to make bespoke baskets and lampshades.

• I make coffins to order for burials.

• I teach both beginners and more advanced makers.

I am based in North Staffordshire, in the beautiful Staffordshire Moorlands, but will travel to surrounding counties, Derbyshire, the southern Peak District, Cheshire and parts of Leicestershire.  The materials I use are sourced from Staffordshire and Derbyshire whenever possible and otherwise from Somerset.

 

​Rachel is based at Froghall Wharf, Staffordshire. It is a workshop rather than a shop and we dont have set opening hours so please check by email or text before you travel if you intend to visit and make an appointment. Thank you