About Jilly

I am a willow basket maker and passionate basketry teacher, living and working in the beautiful countryside of East Lothian, Scotland.  

My work is rooted in traditional techniques and a love of quality craftsmanship, with every basket carefully handmade to be both useful and unique. 

 I began my basketry journey in 2020 and have been fortunate to learn from some of the finest makers in the UK and Ireland, including Eddie Glew, Hanna Van Aelst, Anna Liebmann, Anna Turnbull, and Peter Dibble. I went on to study at Westhope College in Shropshire, where I gained a City & Guilds Level 2 qualification in Basketry.  

Driven by curiosity and a love of learning, I’m always seeking new skills, workshops, and courses—it’s an inspiring (and slightly addictive!) part of my craft.  I’m proud to be a member of the Scottish Basketmakers’ Circle and currently hold the position of Lothian Co-ordinator. I am also a member of the Basketmakers’ Association, and Heritage Crafts.

 I teach public and private workshops around East Lothian and Edinburgh, and as a  tutor at Poldrate Arts and Crafts Centre, Haddington. 

 Through my work and teaching, I aim to share the beauty of willow, the joy of making, and the sense of connection that comes with this timeless craft.