192 Grand River Ave, Brantford, Ontario
192 Grand River Ave, Brantford, Ontario
Lakeshore Willows was established in 2007 by Lene Rasmussen in Wainfleet, Ontario. It was at this location that Lene planted and maintained many thousands of cultured willows in over 30 varieties. Using the annual harvest she was able to sustain her basketry weaving workshops, produce an impressive variety of willow products, as well as inspire countless others to take part in this time-honoured craft she continues to love so dearly.
After more than fifteen years of commitment and dedication to the willows, Lene announced her retirement.
In the fall of 2023, Lakeshore Willows was acquired by Lene's student, friend, and fellow willow grower/basketmaker, Johnny Suderman. Lene's original willow coppice in Wainfleet stays in operation, and continues to support an ever growing weaving community as it has done for many years. Using the willows at the Wainfleet location, as well as another growing location in Waterdown, Ontario, Lakeshore Willows continues to offer cuttings sales for spring delivery, custom basketry, as well as workshops.
The weaving studio that so many people came to know in love in Wainfleet is no longer in operation. The new base of operations is in Brantford, Ontario. Classes will be taught from our home studio and -- in barns at community gatherings, at folk schools, and maybe even in your backyard.
Our workshops are taught by Johnny Suderman. We teach a variety of workshops to support weavers of all experience levels to develop their craft. You will create your very own handmade basket to take home and enjoy for a life-time.
We offer private tuition classes, and workshops for weavers of all levels from our home studio in Brantford, Ontario.
Custom Willow Basketry
Contact us regarding any inquiries you have around ordering custom willow products, or repairs to willow basketry.
In the Spring, we sell dormant willow cuttings for propagation, as well as dormant rods/whips for living willow structures.
We have four different growing locations across Southern Ontario in Wainfleet, Waterdown, and Glen Morris, and Guelph, Ontario. As we've expanded our plantings we have a higher capacity to ship dry willow to weavers across the country.
Check the shop > dry willow section of this website for the most up to date information.
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