News
19 November 2007 I will be selling my Baskets at a number of Christmas Craft Fairs again this year, in Tullamore, Birr and Roscrea. Check back for more details very soon.
10 October 2007 I have updated my news page with some pictures from the course I gave recently for the Weekend in the Woods in Co. Clare
Projects
Here are some projects that I have completed.
This area will contain a picture and links to the project page which will give information on some of the projects I am working on
Welcome
Wecome to my website. My name is Padraig Larkin , I am a basketmaker based in Cloghan, Co Offaly, Ireland. I have been working with willow and hazel for a number of years.
This Website is a place for me to showcase my work, to promote the basketmakers craft and to provide useful information for fellow basket makers. I also use this site to provide practical advice on how to grow your own willow and on willow basketry in general. I also am very interested in the history of basket making and am always interested in meeting other basketmakers and learning the methods that have been passed down through the generations.
About me
I am originally from Clonfert in Co. Galway but have been living in Cloghan, Co. Offaly for the last 30 years. I learned my craft from Joe Hogan, one of the foremost basketmakers in Ireland. Joe works and teaches out of his home in Lough Na Fooey near Clonbur in Connemara.
Since my introduction to basketry I have become immersed in the craft, learning a lot of new skills through some excellent courses, books and good old fashioned trial and error. I have developed my own style based largely on traditional methods with a strong emphasis on quality and pride in my work.
I am a member of the Irish Basketmakers Association.