Saille Baskets

Diane, a mother to two beautiful daughters, has been a Basketmaker for over 20 years, she was first drawn to the many uses and environmental aspect of willow and its history in Ireland whilst studying Permaculture, and is a qualified teacher and design diploma holder as well as a qualified plumber. Her love of the practical and beautiful has inspired her to create many types of baskets including many Irish Heritage baskets from the past as well as developing more Contemporary pieces. She grows many different varieties of willow at her home in Ardfert, County Kerry. Harvested on a yearly basis, as a coppice crop, this material is then graded and dried for storage for use during the year. This full cycle of growing and using a raw and ecological material is truly Diane’s love and drive to develop Irish grown and woven products for the worldwide market, highlighting this sustainable and ancient craft. As well as developing her basketry business she teaches others this skill with workshops and is in collaboration with schools throughout Ireland to inspire others into the wonders of willow.