Jo Sadler Willow

Contact name: Jo Sadler

227
Total bookings

Rating

(67)

almost 7 years
with CraftCourses

Maker's bio

I’m Jo, a Somerset-based willow sculptor with a passion for wildlife, natural forms, and the mindful, grounding process of working with willow. My journey into willow weaving began unexpectedly in 2014, during a visit to the Coates English Willow Centre. What started as a curiosity soon became a calling, I signed up for a sculpture class and never looked back. Since then, I've dedicated myself to this ancient craft, creating large-scale animal sculptures and teaching others how to shape their own with structure, movement, and soul. From rutting stags at Abbotsbury to leaping deer on the A303, my work celebrates the beauty of the natural world and the tactile joy of traditional craftsmanship. My workshops are friendly, hands-on, and structured to support all abilities, whether you’re a complete beginner or an eager returner. I believe that everyone can create something they’re proud of with the right guidance, a bundle of willow, and a bit of patience. Come along and lose yourself in a day of sculpting, laughter, and creativity, you’ll leave with something truly unique (and probably a bit of willow in your hair!).

Courses, kits & gifts

platinum award

WELLS

Willow Chicken or Pheasant Workshop at Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios, Wells 12th Feb

7 hours

Next date: 12th Feb 2026

4 places left

£159.00

platinum award

PENZANCE

Willow Deer Workshop at The Old Store, Penzance 23rd Mar

7 hours

Next date: 23rd Mar 2026

4 places left

£159.00

platinum award

CHARD

Willow Fox Workshop at Mello View 17th Jan

7½ hours

Next date: 17th Jan 2026

2 places left

£159.00

platinum award

WELLS

Willow Leaping Hare Workshop at Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios, Wells 7th May

7 hours

Next date: 7th May 2026

4 places left

£159.00

platinum award

CHARD

Willow Leaping Hare Workshop at Mello View 25th Feb

7½ hours

Next date: 25th Feb 2026

2 places left

£159.00

platinum award

WELLS

Willow Moongazing Hare Workshop at Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios, Wells 21st Jan

7 hours

Next date: 21st Jan 2026

2 places left

£159.00

platinum award

POOLE

Willow Moongazing Hare Workshop at The Barn Café, Poole 8th Jan

7 hours

Next date: 8th Jan 2026

4 places left

£159.00

platinum award

PENZANCE

Willow Moongazing Workshop at The Old Store, Penzance 24th Mar

7 hours

Next date: 24th Mar 2026

4 places left

£159.00

platinum award

CHARD

Willow Moongazing/Sitting Hare Workshop at Mello View 14th Mar

7½ hours

Next date: 14th Mar 2026

4 places left

£159.00

platinum award

POOLE

Willow Pig or Deer Workshop at The Barn Café, Poole 4th Feb

7 hours

Next date: 4th Feb 2026

4 places left

£159.00

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

6 Nov 25'

Janet Scowcroft reviewed: Willow Deer Workshop at Mello View 6th Dec

"Had a great day making my willow deer with Jo, who is an excellent teacher, and came home with a sculpture I could be proud of! Everyone was welcoming and helpful and the time flew by - we were all amazed at what we had accomplished in the corse of the day. A very positive experience which I would thoroughly recommend😊"

Jo Sadler Willow responded:

"Thank you, Janet! It was a beautiful herd of deer woven yesterday and so lovely at Mello View with the warmth from the fire on a rainy day! I enjoyed your company very much. Look out for the photos on my Instagram!"

17 Sep 25'

Jane knight reviewed: Willow Moon Gazing Hare Workshop

"Had the most wonderful day with Jo making a hare. She is extremely lovely, patient, easy and clear to follow...I'm now looking forward to booking another course with her...a pig. Venue was delightful and wonderful lunch was cooked by the lovely owner and chef, with all ingredients picked from the garden. It truly was a wholesome and amazing day. Thank you Jo and to Tory your brilliant daughter and assistant. Who again was so lovely and so helpful. See you again soon...just need to get booked on! X"

7 Aug 25'

Lynda Goetz reviewed: Willow leaping hare workshop in St Ives

"I went with my daughter who lives in Cornwall. We both had a wonderful day. Jo is a great teacher, ably supported by her daughter( Tory? I think!), who also gave us tips and assistance. They ensured that all in the class completed a hare by the end of the afternoon (and gave us a bunch of willow to take home should we want to make any tweaks to our sculptures. We should also add a five star rating for the lunch cooked by a chef friend of Tory’s (as well as the provision of morning flapjacks and muffins and afternoon brownies with fresh strawberries."

Jo Sadler Willow responded:

"Thank you so much Lynda We really enjoyed our Cornish hare making day. Everyone created a very positive atmosphere and the herd of hares reflected this. I'll pass on the review to Tori too. The Core was a beautiful venue and Laura's food was delicious ( so glad you enjoyed) Kind regards Jo "

23 Feb 25'

Susan Goymer reviewed: Willow Deer Sculpture at Walford Mill with Jo Sadler

"Jo is an excellent tutor , she is fun to be with and so helpful , enjoyed my day "

Jo Sadler Willow responded:

"Thank You Susan. I really enjoyed the day too. A fantastic herd of deer!"