I was recently asked to make a willow coffin for someone, something I have never done before and to be honest I hadn't a clue where to start. After some very helpful tips from a fellow basket maker, and from the guys at Somerset willow, I embarked on the project.......
First the base, strengthened with wooden battons:
Then the uprights....
One of the challenges is to weave the sides straight so they don't cave in or dome out...
I used old fishing rope for the handles...
The only body of water deep enough to soak the uprights before weaving a top border was Pwll Pellaf!
Here's the finished top border..., next the lid.
Thankfully the lid fits!
Finishing touches...
Ready for export!
Traditionally willow baskets and structures have been used as containers from the "cradle to the grave", so maybe I'll try a moses basket for the next project!
