Traditional Guernsey Baskets

My name is Claire Gaudion, a Basket Maker weaving traditional Guernsey willow fishing baskets, including ponier à cous, courges and crab pots. This heritage craft has been in my family for generations, and I have learnt these skills from my Dad, Max Gaudion.

My craft
Stack of three traditional Guernsey willow fishing baskets - ponier a cou

Where to Buy

Shop my baskets at selected UK stockists:

Makers Barn, Petworth

Craftmongers, Ashburton

The Future Kept

View stockists

Events & Exhibitions

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Basketry courses by Claire Gaudion - Guernsey willow fishing baskets

Basketry Courses

I teach traditional Guernsey basket making, both independently, and in collaboration with my Dad, Max Gaudion, in both Guernsey and the UK. Sharing my knowledge with others is an important step in preserving this treasured heritage craft.

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feedback on courses

  • "I thoroughly enjoyed my two days with Claire and Max Gaudion learning the heritage craft of basket weaving. They patiently took us through each step explaining everything with humour and anecdotes as we went along. They both have great skills and compliment each other beautifully. Everyone came away with a beautiful ponier á cou and a smile. A fantastic two days!" 

    Denise F.

  • "I booked a special present to myself - a willow weaving course with Max & Claire Gaudion. I had no idea what to expect and was both astonished & delighted to create (and complete) from scratch, a delightful ponier à cou in only 2 days. All the way through the course Claire was attentive and helpful and full of the historical facts about this very Guernsey specific craft. I enjoyed myself enormously and have a beautiful & practical basket as a wonderful reminder. I would suggest these courses are suitable for all levels and that you can go at a different pace from your colleagues and still get superb results."

    Rachael L.

  • “I really enjoyed my two-and-a-half days of weaving and that is entirely due to Max and Claire’s enthusiasm and expertise and the mutual support and encouragement from my co-weavers.”

    Ian H.

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