Maker's bio

Hi my name is Joe Gregory, I’m a willow basket maker, sculptor and teacher. I started weaving as a hobby in 2004 and by 2008, I realised I could make a living doing a craft that I loved. Starting from my kitchen table my skill grew organically alongside my growing children and my work teaching for the Workers Education Association and as a Forest School Leader. Over the years weaving with Willow has provided me with the most rewarding career whilst enabling me to keep my family safe and healthy. From 2014 I made weaving my main profession. I teach sculpture and basket making for a number of larger organisations nationally, occasionally internationally and from my own venue in West Yorkshire. I’ve worked on some amazing projects over the years and feel very lucky to have found this beautiful craft. I am comfortable teaching pretty much anybody from young children to those recovering from serious illness or injury. With the right support I believe weaving is for everyone! My classes are suitable for beginners to more advanced weavers. I’m proud to be able to say a third of my students are returning students. I’ve helped many people on their journey to become professional and serious hobbyists and I’m developing new resources all the time to open up this craft to as many people as I can.