Cat is a basket maker living in the North east of Scotland.
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Having a love for nature and the outdoors she spent her early life being in the woods or along the coast.
Later she studied Conservation Biology at Aberdeen University where her love for plants and animals grew.
She can now be found spending her time weaving baskets in her bothy at her home in Scotland or teaching workshops at various locations around Aberdeenshire
Bramblethorn Baskets are handmade using a mix of local and Somerset grown willow. They are all unique as she loves to explore a variety of shapes and the effect different willow varieties have on bark colour and texture.
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She is a member of both the Scottish Basketmakers' Circle and The Baskermakers' Association
Education:
Bsc Conservation Biology Aberdeen
The Bothy
All the weaving happens in this magical space-The Bramblethorn Bothy, based just outside of Ellon, Aberdeenshire. Overlooking the countryside, it provides a cosy little hideaway to spend the day weaving and dreaming up baskets.
Willow Preparation
Willow Basketry is a slow craft and it takes time to prepare the material. The willow is grown in neat rows and the plants are coppiced every winter. All the rods are then sorted according to length and left to dry out fully before it is then ready to use. The sticks are now dry and brittle and must be re-soaked for about a week before it is in perfect weaving condition. Willow can be soaked anywhere- from ponds to bathtubs, although a metal animal water trough is the most convenient place
Contemporary Styles, Steeped in Tradition
"Basketry is an ancient craft and the techniques have been handed down from one generation to the next. I wouldnt be where I am today without the skillful instruction of my fellow basket makers and the innovative ideas from those who came before me- we really are standing on the shoulders of giants"
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"My work is inspired by nature and the shapes and naturally sculpted forms of trees and rolling hillsides. I love finding ways to take the beauty that I see in nature and communicate it through a piece of functional woven basketry."
