From soil to soil, our willow caskets are a natural choice for green burial, traditional burial and cremation. Each casket is handcrafted with over a thousand willow rods woven together for strength and beauty on a wooden base. Our caskets are built with different combinations of naturally coloured willow rods. Sisal rope handles and hand-carved wooden toggles complete the biodegradable casket. The fully removable lid is constructed around a wood in-lay and adorned with a simple woven braid. The inside is lined with unbleached cotton, including a mattress and pillow filled that can be filled with wood shavings. We offer both custom-built designs and a limited selection of caskets in stock of various sizes. It is our honour to provide the unique opportunity for those interested in planning ahead to customize and help weave a casket.
Casket details
Each casket is handmade with natural materials, available in three sizes. We use locally grown willow for the weaving, creating a unique colour combination for each casket. Pricing depends on size, generally varying from $ 4,400-$4,800 Cdn, plus tax. We carry three sizes of caskets. See below for more information on sizing details.
Customize
We offer the unique opportunity for people to design participate in the creation of a woven casket for themselves or for loved ones. Wondering how this works? We have been honoured to have individuals and family members join us in the studio for a morning of weaving. When completed, they store the custom casket until needed for burial or cremation. Contact us to make arrangements.
Learn more
While weaving caskets is an ancient practice that has been conserved by craftspeople over the centuries, the increased popularity of green burials and locally-made products have many people returning to traditional, sustainable caskets. We strive to work together with the preferences of families as well as the requirements of cemeteries, crematoriums and funeral homes to provide a natural casket. We do our best to answer questions.
Casket details
Pricing
Varies by size and customization required. Standard size caskets include a hand-sewn liner and unfilled pillow with mattress pad. Applicable taxes are added to below prices.
- Small: $4,400 Cdn
- Medium: $4,600 Cdn
- Large: $4,800 Cdn
Sizes
Selecting the right size generally depends on body length and shape. Although our handmade products natually have some variability in shaping, we strive for similar size dimensions (interior dimensions of oval casket provided in parenthesis).
- Small: 5’3″ is the maximum recommended height of (5’6″ long x 19″ wide x 13″high)
- Medium: 5’9″is the maximum recommended height of (6′ long x 21″ wide x 13″ high)
- Large: 6’1″ is the maximum recommended height of (6′4″ long x 23″ wide x 13″ high)
Customizations
We are honoured to hear about specific requests. We can provide you with pricing and availability. Specific customizations may include:
- colour or variety of willow
- type of hardwood used for lid-inlay
- variations in listed sizes
- addition of ornamental braid along base
- selection of decorative willow wreath
- specifics requested by funeral directors (such as additional runners along bottom).
Background
Our collective started building caskets together, inspired by weavers in the UK, weaving together an elegant and biodegradable final resting place. The idea when basket weaver Sian Turner was taking basketry courses in Europe and saw her first woven willow casket. Inspired by the craftsmanship, green burial ethic and her own personal near death experience, she sought training in the UK in the spring of 2023, learning a design originally developed by Roy Youdale. Upon return to Canada, Sian mentored several local new weavers in the art of casket weaving and we began to build them together and lay the foundations for the formation of the Willows Bend Collective.
Woven caskets have existed for millenia. The term coffin originally comes from the Greek kophinus, meaning basket. The European tradition of weaving caskets has been conserved by basket makers and craftspeople over the centuries. More recently, with increasing popularity of green and natural burials, many people have returned to traditional, sustainable caskets. Our caskets embody this rich history and beauty woven from natural materials.
Frequently asked questions
Why choose a willow casket?
Hand-woven caskets are both beautiful and environmentally sustainable. From soil to soil, the materials used are all renewable resources, mainly grown naturally on our farms and 100% biodegradable when used for burial. Our caskets are an elegant choice for green burials, conventional burials and cremation.
Are willow caskets allowed?
Yes, willow caskets are allowed but we encourage customers to double check with their local requirements. Our caskets are based on a design that is regulated in the UK; however, these guidelines for bespoke caskets are currently not regulated by a third party agency in Canada. Our caskets have been tested for up to 250 lbs and they have been used for both burial and cremation. The three sisal rope handles on each side help distribute the weight. The lids fasten securely with hand-carved toggles, and can be removed completely for viewing.
For burial, cemeteries have specific sets of bi-laws that set out conditions for green and conventional casket use. Our hand-woven caskets use all natural material and meet most green burial criteria. Crematoriums have different requirements depending on equipment used and funeral directors have varying comfort levels. We ask all our customers to plan ahead when possible to find the best service and products to match their wishes and to verify the use of our caskets with the services involved prior to purchase.
How do people participate?
Individuals and families can participate in both the design and weaving process. For custom builds, we offer choice of accent colour and hard wood. We invite those interested to weave with us or to observe the process for a morning in our studio. In addition, we offer private casket weaving lessons to those who would like to be more involved with the process, for an additional teaching fee.
Can a casket be purchased in advance of death?
We encourage people to purchase their caskets in advance as they are an incredible piece of work that can be appreciated when living. While these biodegradable vessels are designed to break down in the soil, they will keep when stored properly. They can even be used as a blanket basket, have a top put on them to make a coffee table or simply stored in a dry space. Please check with your funeral home to ensure your choice meets their requirements.
Do you make urns, shroud carriers and pet caskets?
Yes, we make biodegradable urns, available by custom order or on our shop page. Please reach out to us for pet caskets as well.
We are currently developing a woven shroud carrier with a wooden base. Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on socials to find out more details when they become available.
Do you ship?
We can deliver within Antigonish County for free. Regional deliveries are also available for a fee, calculated based on mileage. We do our best to deliver within the necessary timeframe but that can depend on our availability. Advance notice is preferred when possible.
We are able to ship caskets anywhere in Canada. We work through a shipping agency. Shipping charges vary depending on location, please contact us to request a quote. Allow 3-7 days for your air shipment and up to six weeks for regular shipping. Prior to shipping, each casket is packed in a custom-made wooden box for safe transportation.
What payment types are accepted?
Our preferred method of payment for caskets is through e-transfer to [email protected]. We can also accept certified cheques. We arrange for delivery and shipping as soon as the complete payment is received. For custom orders, a $1000 deposit is required when the order is placed. We do not offer payment plans at this time.
