From log to basket, I complete every part of this process by hand personally.
The techniques, designs and forms I use are based on long established craftmanship which have roots from North America and I also use green wood working techniques from Europe to sometimes make handles and process the rims.
Each ash splint starts as a section of the trees’ growth ring, pounded by hand. They are then split further, trimmed to size, knife finished and cut ready for weaving. All the rims and leatherwork are hand finished by me, which I use to complete these baskets. I can take commissions within good time, and you can contact me for bespoke orders.
I am also proud to announce that I am the 3rd place winner of The Worshipful Company Basket Makers 2021 Competition which is set up with the Basket Makers Association and its’ members. For more details about the basket, please look at the images posted by the Basket Makers Association instagram post below:
If you’d like to see some of the processing of ash, please see my external photo album on Flickr to see more detailed photographs. Ash splint courses are also listed on my website here.
MICHELLE MATEO CRAFTS 