Art of the Creel

Weave and twist and master the techniques of traditional Irish craft in this introduction to the wonderful world of willow weaving

The creel basket is a symbol of Irish craft. In this film, Bernard ‘Brandy’ McManus, a proponent of this ancient skill, demonstrates the ways of the willow basket weaver. Unlike other forms of woven basket, Brandy shows how the creel was made upside down, the strong and flexible willow being bent into place, creating a durable, yet elegant basket that was often used for carrying turf, or logs.

Traditionally used in the west of Ireland, creel baskets come in a variety of styles and sizes. These creels were commonly used for carrying peat fuel by hand, but could also be hitched to a pony or donkey.