I spent some time at the weekend messing about with knotting again. Remember my string market bag? I decided the willow hoop handles were a little too rustic for me. They also made the length of the bag annoying, it was too long to carry at your side once full. So I’ve taken those off and am replacing them with a longer shoulder strap made using the basket stitch plait. That is the one 2nd from the left in the photo. It gives a nice flat, strong plait without too much give. I’ll post a photo of the finished thing later this week.

I also ordered some pre made wooden handles and am working on another chunky knotted bag. More about that later in the week.

This beautifully made Victorian cutlery tray was crushed in a move. My task was to rebuild it. It has been a very slow process. The basket is very fragile so there was a risk of snapping more bits as I worked. It’s always an honour to be entrusted with somebodies beloved basket. Hats off to the original basket maker. It’s a beautiful piece. @karen_lawrence_basketry #willow #willowrepair #basketrepair #victoriancutlerytray #belovedbasket #someonestreasure #fixit #repairit #newleaseoflife #basketmakersassociation

New String arrived so the market bag is finished. Probably a little long and it would be nice to mess around with different hoops for the handles. @karen_lawrence_basketry #willow #knotting #marketbag #knottedmarketbag #stringbag #knottedstringbag #zeroplastic #takeabag #basketryassociation

Back in the warm after a morning outside, cleaning the soaking tank, steaming some willow and cleaning the workshop up. I shut the door before Christmas on a sizeable mess so it feels nice to be ready to get going again. Two of my boys started lessons on line today and have been marvellous. Big shout out to @hartismere high school for being fabulous and doing an amazing job. Thank you 😊 @karen_lawrence_basketry #willow #getreadyforthenewyear #cleantank #willowsoaking #tidyworkshop #readyandraringtogo #thankyoubrilliantteachers

Hi everyone, hope you are well and keeping safe. Just wanted to let you know that I’ve joined the Bury St Edmunds virtual Christmas market.

If you head to their site on Facebook I’m stall # 124.

I’m adding things regularly so if you’re after a Christmas gift and you can’t see what you’re looking for do get in touch. For some reason I can’t reply to enquires via word press (if anyone knows why let me know!). It’s best to drop me an email karen.m.lawrence@btinternet.com. Or direct message me via face book or Instagram @karenlawrencebasketry

Over the last month I’ve managed to start teaching again. It wasn’t an easy decision but it’s been wonderful to welcome people back to the workshop.

Obviously things are different now. I can only have one student at a time due to space, the door and window remain open, masks are worn etc. I wasn’t sure if it would all be as enjoyable as pre Covid. I am happy to report that it’s been so great to see people, to talk, to work and create. All the other things seem to fall away for a while.

I did wonder if I would feel competent after such a long break! I’m sure having only one student at a time made it all seem much easier. Seeing the enjoyment of those learning, seeing them relax and ultimately empowered by learning new things has always helped me override any nerves of my own. I’m glad to say the same has been true over these last weeks.

My finished pieces from these classes are all for sale. Two medium log baskets or large kindling baskets (£70 each) and a round shopper (£65). Please do get in touch if you’re interested in making a purchase, or coming to a class. You can contact me via email or text karen.m.lawrence@btinternet.com 07989848719