Port Alberni resident Stephen Forrest has found a unique way to make functional containers and ornamental products that are totally recyclable.
Forrest makes his works of art out of willow tree rods and currently grows 1,500 willow plants. He sells his craft items at the Cherry Creek Farmers Market at the First Baptist Church Hall on Cherry Creek Road on Saturdays.
His craft works include seasonal pieces — such as reindeer, angels, stars, trees and other ornaments — and also includes baskets of various sizes and shapes, bird feeders and unique designs that can't be found anywhere else.
So why did Stephen start this hobby?
“I wanted to create an alternative carrier to single-use plastics, so it occurred to me to use a willow basket instead," said Forrest. "I looked for baskets but could not find anywhere locally to buy them. I’ve got six acres, so decided I could grow my own product and bought a few starter willow sticks."
However, Forrest soon realized that these few plants wouldn't be enough, and he doubled his next order.
"My stock is now sufficient for weaving baskets and selling the willow rods, sticks and live plants to people in the Alberni Valley," he said.
Forrest has 17 varieties of willow plants that are specifically developed for weaving.
He has created his own website at www.strobeonline.net that he personally updates with new products and maintains a current inventory, where you can see both the variety of products for sale and the natural beauty of the product. He is happy to share his knowledge with anyone that is interested in learning the art of weaving or growing willow.
Originally from Manchester, England, Forrest arrived in Vancouver in 1981 to work in information technology. He became an independent project management consultant in information systems and telecommunications in 2006, and one of his first contracts was in Nanaimo.
“We purchased our Port Alberni home in 2004 after many years of tent camping in the valley and feeling very at home here," he said. "The willows love it here, too.”
Forrest enjoys speaking about the environmental benefits of both growing willows and creating willow products. Make sure to stop by the Cherry Creek Farmers’ Market on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and visit his willow products table.
