Dicky Meadows

we have recently purchaced a few acres of land in Dorset and are planning on planting some willow beds,so we can use our own willow to make all our products.We have just been granted permission to make a gateway ,and a parking area.this winter and spring,we will have to plant about 300 yards of mixed native wood hedges,dig out a wildlife pond,plant the willow and get a veg garden on the go,and also a fruit tree orchard and a hazel wood and ash wood coppice ,as well as some trees.

It will be hard work but very rewarding so we at cradle to grave are looking forward to getting stuck in

COASTAL BASKETS

today i made these two beauties for a customer.using white and dyed blue willow i have named them coastal baskets as the curves in the basket represent the waves and the blue colour for the sea,they look like wicker willow cornishware.we will attempt some different shapes using driftwood and maybe some rope for handles,

photoshoot for our coffins

today we were invited to do a photoshoot of our coffins for a local florist .both these willow coffins were handmade this week using all locally grown willow and hazel and have been decorated by sue carter from OLD CHAPEL FLOWERS in east stour nr gillingham Dorset.

The white willow coffin is for a customer who will be storing the coffin in the loft until she needs it,and the other one os off to london next week.

good funeral awards 2018 The oscars of the funeral trade

This years good funeral awards was held at the highcliffew marriot hotel in bournemouth.and was hosted by Brian Jenner.

It’ll be the biggest party in funeralworld – well, since last year’s awards.

Winning a Good Funeral Award is a sign that the public can come to you and enjoy the high-quality service they deserve.

If you work in the funeral industry and you enjoy day out with networking, photo opportunities and a celebrity appearance, you need to have been there.

there was an exibition of funeral related merchandise and services

there were death cafes in one of our yurts ,a space where people can air their thoughts and feelings about greif,mortality, and bereavment within a supportive group.

During the day there were lectures in the big yurt from writers,and people working in the funeral world.

in the evening the awards ceromony took place ,it was a very enjoyable and imformative weekend

http://goodfuneralawards.co.uk/

The 2018 funeral awards are looming  this comming weekend.This great event will be held at the highcliff marriot hotel in sunny bournemouth.we will be exibiting our coffins along with other exibitors on green burial sites ash urns coffins bucket lists shrouds funeral arranging ash scattering willow coffins green coffins and also holding death cafes (the longing for real conversation)in one of our yurts in the hotel grounds.there will be the award ceromony on the saturday evening ,and during the day in the big yurt,talks from people in the funeral world,

TODAY...its all about the base

its been a day of making a whole load of bases,three different sizes,for large log baskets,the tall vases as i am going to make a few during the next week,and fruit picking and stroage baskets using the small bases.

The Giant Vase

This basket is our newest creation, a giant vase made of a whole load of leftover willow. It started off as a laundry basket and ended up getting taller and taller. It could be used to put pampas grass in or giant dried flowers, if you have a home for the giant, get in touch. 

Why Buy a Willow Coffin?

The coffin-making trade dates back centuries and, as such, the way in which caskets are produced and supplied has greatly evolved over time.  Willow coffins, however, have remained a popular choice with families across the UK for a number of reasons – our own name, Cradle to Grave, is inspired by the use of baskets for babies as well as for burials.  It is a nice bookending that has inspired us to hand-craft our willow coffin models for considerable years now.

But what are the benefits in purchasing a willow coffin?  Willow is completely biodegradable, for one – making it a popular eco-friendly choice for many people – and for another, they can be used in a versatile manner across burials and cremations alike.  Willow coffins are also extremely lightweight in comparison with caskets made in solid wood – though they retain a remarkable amount of strength and durability when crafted correctly and with genuine care.

Willow coffins look naturally lovely with a range of flowers and ribbons alike – we are always more than happy to make suggestions with regard to arrangements if you are struggling to find the right look – and we are always able to provide plaques should you wish for a heartfelt message or note of memoriam to be emblazoned upon the casket.  

Bespoke requests are always possible with willow coffins – while we will always tailor your casket to each individual, we are also always happy to discuss any specific needs or requirements you may have, including any special wishes that your loved one may have requested before they passed away.