Weaving with Willow
My Story
Hi, I’m Jo Sadler, a willow sculptor with a passion for nature, wildlife, and the art of crafting with natural materials. My journey into willow weaving began as a gardener, where I nurtured my love for plants and the outdoors. In 2014, I attended a deer-weaving course at Coates English Willow as a gift to myself—a decision that sparked my creative adventure. Since then, weaving has become a way for me to connect with the natural world and inspire others to do the same.
Crafting Beauty with Nature
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I specialize in creating stunning, life-sized sculptures inspired by the wildlife I hold so dear, including stags, foxes, hares, and more. Each piece is handcrafted with care, using sustainably sourced willow exclusively from Musgrove Willows in Somerset. Their high-quality, locally grown willow is not only a beautiful material to work with but also reflects my commitment to sustainability and supporting British agriculture.
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From majestic stags to delicate birds, every sculpture is designed to capture the essence, spirit, and movement of the animals they represent. These pieces make striking additions to gardens, homes, or special events.
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Sharing the Craft
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Teaching others to weave has become one of my greatest joys. I run willow-weaving workshops across the South West of England and beyond, helping people discover the therapeutic and creative benefits of working with their hands. My workshops are designed to be accessible to all skill levels, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to expand your skills.
You’ll often find me teaching in some of the region’s most beautiful and inspiring locations, including:
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Mello View, nestled in the Dorset countryside.
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Musgrove Willows, my trusted willow supplier and a hub for all things willow.
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Symondsbury Estate, a stunning rural venue near Bridport.
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Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, surrounded by lush, exotic plant life.
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Each venue provides a welcoming and creative atmosphere for learning and exploring the craft of willow weaving.
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Bespoke Commissions & Private Workshops
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Looking for something truly unique? I offer bespoke sculptures and personalized workshops tailored to your needs. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind sculpture for your home or garden, a show-stopping centrepiece for an event, or a private weaving session for a special occasion, I’d love to collaborate with you.​
Meet the Team.
At the heart of our business is a family of creatives, each bringing unique talents and passions to the table. Here’s a closer look at who we are:
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FAQ
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SCULPTURE
Once you get your sculpture you will need to think carefully about where you place it. Not in a very sunny or windy spot, you want your willow to be protected from drying elements if you can. It will have been treated with a wood preservative, usually 50/50 linseed oil and turpentine substitute mix applied with a mister sprayer ( my plant mister!) I would do this every 6 months to help give your sculpture a longer life, but always be aware of staining yourself and the area you spray over. Always read instructions carefully when using wood preservatives, I do not hold any responsibility for your aftercare, it's only a suggestion.