I live off-grid in Devon and the natural world is woven into everything I make - sometimes quite literally. I'm Kerry Cole, and I've been crafting from nature for as long as I can remember. It's not something I do alongside life. It's how I live. My baskets are made from willow - from a diverse array of varieties that I source from a supplier in Somerset. Before I weave anything, I soak the withies and allow them to mellow, so that every finished piece has the quality and flexibility it deserves. I've also recently started growing my own willow bed locally, which feels like the right next step. There's something about being part of the entire process - from the cutting to the coiling - that deepens the connection to the work. Each basket is its own thing. Here is what I currently make: The Forager: a classic handled basket made for carrying things you've gathered. Some versions come with a handle of Dartmoor gorse, foraged locally and woven in as part of the design. This is the basket I reach for on a walk. The Forager with Dartmoor Gorse Handle: as above, with a foraged Dartmoor gorse handle that gives each piece its own character. No two are alike. Berry Basket: a smaller, open basket with a handle, designed for picking and carrying soft fruit. Light enough to take into the hedgerow, beautiful enough to bring to the table. Indigo & Noir Basket: a statement piece, dyed in deep indigo and dark tones. Functions like the Forager but with a more dramatic presence. For those who want something a little different. Tan Basket: a naturally dyed, warm-toned handled basket. Earthy and understated, and goes with everything. Shoulder Basket: a larger, shoulder-carried basket, practical for a market trip or a day out. The kind of basket people stop you to ask about. Backpack: a woven willow backpack. Worn on the back and structured enough to hold its shape. An unusual and genuinely beautiful everyday piece. Storage ​/​ Log Basket: a large, open-topped basket designed to sit in a room and hold things that need to be in one place! Logs by the fire, wool, vegetables from the garden. The kind of basket that becomes part of the furniture. I also take commissions. If you're looking for something specific - a particular shape, size, purpose or occasion, please get in touch and we can work out how it can be made. And if you'd like to learn how to make something yourself, I run basket weaving and willow craft workshops throughout the year: one-to-one sessions and group workshops, for all abilities, in a friendly and relaxed space. See my separate listing on Produced Near-By for full details, or visit wy website which is naturesalchemydevon.co.uk​/​workshops.

Social Media

https://www.instagram.com/natures.alchemy.devon/

Can people visit or buy direct?

I sell by baskets online (my website is below) and at local markets, please check my website and instagram page for my latest markets. Many baskets sell out quickly so if the piece you want isn't currently available, get in touch about commissions or future stock. For bespoke pieces, please contact me directly at naturesalchemydevon@gmail.com. Gift cards are also available from £25.

Website

https://www.naturesalchemydevon.co.uk/

Address Summary

Near Totnes, Devon