Willow
Our natural and sustainable willow coffins are woven by hand on our farm in the Appalachian Mountains. Each coffin is made with love and attention over the course of several days, each rod chosen and incorporated with care.
It is an honor to create these vessels, that come from the earth and return to it, passing through our hands for a time and carrying us forward.
Planning ahead
Willow coffins are beautiful and strong, and can be enjoyed for years in your home before being used as a burial vessel. Some use them as coffee tables, or as storage baskets at the foot of the bed. We can also make a simple cotton bag to protect the casket if you would like to just store it until its needed.
Willow Casket
Lining and other options
Our willow coffins come lined with %100 undyed cotton fabric. Soft %100 wool or cotton batting can be incorporated for a cozy bottom pad, or a mattress made with hay, pine shavings or shredded paper. We can also work together to personalize a casket with different fabric and color choices. We make all our linings and bedding by hand, and love incorporating fabrics that have special meaning for you.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
-
%100 undyed cotton lining
-
Bottom pad or mattress made with hay, pine shavings or shredded paper
-
Delivery within 50 miles of Union Mills, NC
INVESTMENT:
$2750
Willow Burial Tray
Willow burial trays are designed to be paired with a shroud. This special offering combines the simplicity of a shroud with the convenience of a secure vessel to secure transport and burial, We offer simple cotton, linen or wool shrouds, or are happy to advise you on finding other shroud makers or how to create a shroud yourself. Many chose a family quilt or special blanket. Burial trays have the option of hemp handles or inset handles woven into the sides of the tray.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
​
-
Handwoven willow burial tray with pine base
-
Optional bottom pad or mattress made with hay, pine shavings or shredded paper
-
Delivery within 50 miles of Union Mills, NC
-
View our shroud offerings in cotton, linen, or wool here.
INVESTMENT:
$1250
Participating in weaving a coffin for a loved one or yourself can be a beautiful, healing experience. Please contact us for more information on visiting our farm to see the willow growing and be part of the
weaving process.
Weaving
Together
WHAT'S INCLUDED
-
A guided tour of the farm, the willow field and workshops.
-
A Guided Weaving Experience: You and up to three guests will have the unique opportunity to join Sarah Lasswell in a personalized weaving session. During this intimate experience, Sarah will guide you through the intricate art of willow weaving, allowing you to participate in the creation of the casket with your own hands.
-
Personal Mementos: To infuse the casket with memories, we welcome the inclusion of personal fabrics to be used in the interior, such as a favorite blanket or sentimental clothing, that will be incorporated into the bedding design.
-
Handcrafted Components: Sarah handmakes every aspect of the casket, from the woven willow shell to the inner liner, mattress, and pillow.
-
Delivery and Care: Once completed, your casket will be delivered to your chosen location (additional delivery charge may apply to deliveries more than 50 miles from the farm).
INVESTMENT:
$3000
The Artisan's Retreat
This is an immersive and transformative experience that invites you to be an integral part of crafting a deeply personal and heartfelt casket. This extraordinary package offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work alongside Sarah, from the very inception to the completion of the casket. Over the course of 4 to 6 days, you will reside in cozy accomodation nestled amid the serene beauty of Moss and Thistle Farm, enjoying delicious meals prepared with care.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
​
-
4 to 6 Days Experience: Immerse yourself in the ancient art of willow weaving amongst the beautiful scenery of Appalachia and witness your casket taking shape from its inception. Under the expert guidance of Sarah, you will help handcraft every detail.
-
Meals and accommodation on the farm.
-
Personal Mementos: To infuse the casket with memories, we welcome the inclusion of personal fabrics to be used in the interior, such as a favorite blanket or sentimental clothing, that will be incorporated into the bedding design.
-
Handcrafted Components: Sarah will help and guide to hand-weave every aspect of the casket, from wovven willow exterior to the cozy inner liner, mattress, and pillow.
-
Delivery and Care: Once completed, you can take your casket home with you or have it delivered to your chosen location (additional delivery charge may apply to deliveries more than 50 miles from the farm.)