Welcome
Crafts Midwales is situated in the beautiful upland area of Montgomeryshire, Mid-Wales and is operated by Beryl Smith an accomplished and experienced artisan Basketmaker, Weaver and Living Willow Sculptor.
I hand weave baskets from willow and hedgerow materials using traditional basketmaking techniques. Making lovely traditional and frame baskets, and also garden products.
I also make beautiful handwoven fabrics using a hand operated floor loom. I create exquisite fine handwoven scarves from silk and wool using natural dyes such as, indigo, cochineal and onion skins, applying the anchient technique of Ikat (tie-dyed warp) to create the designs.
Another product I have developed is the Fleece Mat or Rug. This floor mat is made from raw sheeps fleece which is contained within a linen warp, using the Navaho technique of weaving. These mats are very thick and lovely to the touch, especially under your feet! and wonderful for lying in front of the fire in mid-winter too!! They also make fantastic sleeping mattress
Living Willow Sculpture is a winter occupation usually done between the months of November and April when the willow is dormant. I have been creating Living Willow Structures for the past eight years in schools, environmental centres and on community projects, private commissions, stately homes, the National Trust etc. facilitating, building and leading projects and courses.
I have products for sale in the on line Shop which are all made by myself and made in Wales, and where possible from locally sourced organic materials. Please visit my Gallery to see some of the work and projects I have worked on over the years and my Shop to see what baskets, rugs and other woven products are for sale at this present time.
