Coffin making tuition

If you are interested in making willow coffins as a business, please read on…

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Firstly, a little background…

As people become more concerned about environmental issues around the world, they are also starting to question the choices made available to them when it comes to funerals. Choosing a coffin made from ‘natural’ materials is one way people are able to make more environmentally sensitive choices when they, or someone they know, is facing their end-of-life.

As with all aspects of life (and death), however, there is a broad spectrum of what can be regarded as ‘environmentally friendly’, ‘sustainable’, ‘green’ or any other word that encompasses practices that are more gentle on the natural world around us.

Whilst almost all funeral directors these days will have at least one ‘natural’ coffin choice on offer, the vast majority of these coffins will be mass produced and come from either Eastern Europe or East Asia. Materials used include willow, cane, pandanus, banana and bamboo. Some of these plants only grow in tropical or subtropical climates and all of these coffins need to be transported and shipped across large distances to get to the UK.

Companies tell us that these coffins are made to standards that are ‘ethical’, ‘sustainable’ and sometimes even ‘fair trade’. But how can we really know this? Who is making these coffins, and, at the price at which they are being sold here, how much are these makers being paid? Where and how are the materials grown and by who? What is the quality like of these coffins?

Across the UK, there are a growing number of independent coffin makers who are trying to do things differently. From Cornwall to Scotland, amazing individuals are making beautiful willow coffins, using material harvested either from their own willow beds or bought from UK-based commercial growers. They offer a truly sustainable, fully traceable and personal alternative, working either directly with families themselves, and/or with trusted funeral directors and burial grounds. My belief is that there is always room for more - how would you like to be a part of this growing family?

Coffin making tuition at Wild Heart Coffins

We have been teaching people how to make willow coffins since 2023, and have worked with individuals both from all over the UK, and as far away as The Netherlands and Canada. Receiving teaching either 1-to-1 or 1-to-2 enables students to immerse themselves in the hands-on craft of making willow coffins, as well having the opportunity to gain knowledge and insights into the British funeral industry from someone who has been working in it since 2020.

Over the course of 4 days, you will weave your own willow coffin to take home with you. We provide all the tools and materials required for the duration of the course, which takes place in Caz’s beautiful workshop on the farm where she and Tom live with their family in Warwickshire. We also provide tea, coffee, biscuits and cake while we work, and lunch with us in our home every day that you are here.

Please read…

Whilst we believe that it is possible that anyone can weave their own willow coffin, we also know that you will gain so much more from your time with us if you come with some previous basketry experience. This is really a course for people who are wanting to go on and make their own willow coffins as a business, and we want you to leave here after 4 days feeling confident to do just that. Please note - you will also need a vehicle big enough to transport an adult sized coffin home with you!

What you need to know

What’s included:‍ ‍

  • 4 x days coffin making tuition (flexible dates)

  • 1-to-1 or 1-to-2 teaching

  • All your materials (excluding liner*)

  • Lunch and refreshments each day

  • Comprehensive written and digital notes

  • A beautiful coffin to take home at the end!

  • Ongoing support from Caz over phone and email

What’s not included:

  • *Whilst we talk you through, and show you how, we do our coffin liners, you will not have time to complete your own liner in the 4-day course time-frame

  • Accommodation - you will need to find your own

Cost:

  • £900 for 1-to-1 teaching

  • £1,050 for 1-to-2 teaching (making one coffin between 2 people

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Testimonials from past students

  • “We cannot recommend the 4 day coffin making course at Wild Heart Coffins enough. We came with experience of round work but knew we were taking a big leap to master a coffin. Caz and Tom were so welcoming, very patient and generous with their knowledge. We were guided step by step along the process. Caz answered all our questions and gave us useful insights into the business side. After 4 days we came away having made new friends, and the proud owners of our very own beautiful coffin, a full pack of detailed instructions, details of suppliers and the confidence to take the next step. Caz has kept in touch since and has been there to answer any questions. Since the course we have completed another coffin by ourselves and are busy setting up our own business in Jersey. Thank you once again Caz and Tom.”

    Elise and Neil, Jersey

  • "My time with you was pivotal. It introduced me to a side of death and dying that I needed to experience. Since being with you I have been participating in our local Death Cafe and it has been so revealing, supportive and enlightening. You showed me a side of compassion that really inspired me.

    After my time with you, I went on to initiate a collective to make caskets and in the end it become an umbrella for the Big Barn School of Basketry, through casket making and supporting our individual willow farms. We are spearheading the re-emergence of willow work in Eastern Canada and there is such a thirst. We are Willow’s Bend Collective www.willowsbendcollective.ca"

    Sian, Nova Scotia

  • “Caz, thank you for a fun and detailed few days instruction and hands on practice on making a willow coffin. I’ve made baskets before but nothing as large and robust as a coffin, Its truly beautiful. I feel I have the understanding and skills to make these for my clients, friends, and family. I’m proud to describe myself as a willow coffin maker and that’s down to your help, instruction and support.”

    Jake, Bedfordshire, England

  • “Caz was a wonderful teacher and I spent four days with her learning how to weave a coffin. She explained everything very clearly, was very supportive and I left with the knowledge and skills to confidently continue developing my weaving practice. Thank you for your patience and generosity.”

    Steph Shaw, Wegnalls Willow Coffins 

    “I had wanted to learn how to make coffins for a while and I knew it would be with Caz as I was drawn to her warm, quiet and thoughtful presence on social media. The experience didn't disappoint and I learned so much, all while having lovely conversations. Caz was very generous with her knowledge, down to the small details. I would do it all again in a heartbeat!”

    Aurore, The Wild Croft, Scotland