Workshops
Through the Big Barn School of Basketry, we offer immersive willow weaving workshops for curious crafters and experienced weavers. We release a spring and fall workshop series each year. Follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.
Willow Caskets
Looking for willow end-of-life products? Each biodegradable casket is woven using sustainably grown willow with a solid wood base and wood lid inlay. The inside is lined with unbleached cotton. The willow rods are selected for strength and bark colour. We also make custom shroud carriers and urns. Our Caskets page shows more details on sizes, pricing, customizing and participating.
Shop
Looking for a quality handcrafted basket made with natural materials? Interested in supplies for growing and weaving your own willow creations? Visit shop to find seasonal baskets, cuttings, dry willow and tools.
Coming Fall 2025
Our Story
Willow’s Bend Collective is a not-for profit co-operative of willow growers, weavers and teachers based in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
Vision: We strive to be a hub of cultural and environmental regeneration through willow craftsmanship and education.
Mission: From soil to soil, we enrich the health of people and the planet by weaving together traditional craft and cultural connections. Through the language of willow, we collectively make, teach and promote handcrafted beauty for daily use in living and dying.
About Willow
Basketry willow isn’t your majestic weeping willow tree. Rather, we grow specialized varieties as perennial crops that we harvest each winter. Every rod used in our weaving represents one year’s growth. Willow loves sun and moisture. We don’t add any fertilizers or chemicals to enhance growth. Willow can also grow on marginalized lands, adding to the sustainability of the material. Between us, we grow over 25 varieties- each with it’s own growth characteristics and weaving attributes. The diversity of bark colour and flexibility of the willow gives us as weavers and growers a stunning display.