An ancient holiday seemed like a good day to launch a website for an ancient craft.
My name is Aelís and I’m a willow weaver. Although the website is bare bones at the moment, soon enough I'll add to it and hopefully have products. I'll do my best to keep the blog updated and would love to hear from any of you about what you would particularly like to know or see. It’s a bit terrifying but I’m happy to have company as I learn how to do this. ‘This’ being both weaving and hopefully running a business.
Along the way you’ll probably meet my dogs, cat, chickens and family.
Writing this, I’m in my old farm cottage drinking coffee. Outside the leaves of the willow are starting to drop, as the mist curls around the valley. I’ll head to my outdoor workshop shortly, all wrapped up and warm, and work with the willow I have currently soaking. Today's project is making star decorations for Christmas. They have to be done over a couple of days to give different parts of the wood time to dry in place. I’m also not completely sure what the final design will be, so there will be a little bit of experimentation, which I’m really looking forward to!
Later the fires in the village will jump to life and the plumes of smoke will mix with the delicate mist and Halloween will sweep across the land. Our fire will be lit too, with offcuts of willow kindling crackling in the sitting room. We’ll play games and eat hearty soup and think of those who have passed and be grateful for those still here.
Until the next time, Oíche Shamhna shona daoibh!