All about Willow and Waves
Willow and Waves was created during Covid lockdown 2020 from collaborating my love of nature and passion for the marine environment with my academic nautical history and love of Celtic knot work.
I am a “Sea Gypsy” and fibre artist, often found wandering the shores of Pembrokeshire, gathering materials, such as netting, fishing rope or driftwood, which is thrown out of the seas by the ferocious winter storms or washed up with the turn of the spring tide.
Some of the salvaged rope is donated by local beach cleaning groups who offer their time to keep our shores clean, aswell as Surfers Against Sewage activists who are advocates for cleaner waters around our delicate coastline. A large quantity is given to me by local fishermen via the ‘Recycle Mor’ programme, and marine conservation volunteers at Sea Trust Wales, who gather ghost rope found floating at sea or snagged on the rocky islands surrounding Pembrokeshire. The rest is supplied by N.A.R.C, a group of volunteer divers who scour the surrounding seabeds, recovering ghost gear, lost lobster pots and fishing ropes/nets. We all have one passion that links us together in our war on plastic waste, and that is our love for the marine environment
The donated rope and fishing net is thoroughly washed and repurposed into useable household items which, are not only durable and hardwearing, but also pleasantly decorative. The salvaged rope sometimes retains its authenticity and discolouration due to endless years at sea. By repurposing salvaged commercial fishing waste, I am directly supporting our sensitive marine environment, protecting the future of our marine life and helping to keep our oceans clean.
I don't just use salvaged materials. I also use 100% organic hemp or jute fibres, and cotton, to produce beautiful plastic free wall art, sustainable household items, handmade jute door mats, organic pet products and beautiful Celtic hand fasting cords for weddings or commitment ceremonies. I also host regular workshops and weekend weaving retreats across Wales for those wishing to learn my craft.
If my work reflects your own environmental ethos, love of the sea or our natural world, please check out my store for gifts that don't cost the Earth.
