One of our lovely customers bought a wooden Trug basket into the store and I fell in love with it. The basket pictured is well loved and many years old, which I think adds to the charm. However they are just as gorgeous when new.
Hand-made in Oamaru, Trugs are the perfect garden / home carry-all and come in a variety of sizes to suit all needs. Made from locally sourced willow and copper nails they are a functional work of art.
Bill Blair has worked as a traditional wood craftsman since 1977. Based at the Red Sheds in Oamaru, Coppice Crafts produce hand made trug baskets, besom brooms [not the flying model], wooden hay rakes and pitch forks.
“Having a Coppice Crafts item is owning a functional hand crafted piece of history – that always performs its task well.”
Trugs, are the perfect garden carry-all, be it for
berry picking or a garden vegetable harvest for the whole family.
The Trug Baskets come in a range of sizes and shapes, including a round basket and square shaped “berry” basket. Starting from just $60.00 plus freight.
To view the entire selection and place an order, click here.
For help with Trug sizing check out this video.
“I live in the delightful seaside village of Kakanui just 10 kms south of Oamaru. In Oamaru I have been active in the heritage movement that has refurbished the fabulous collection of nineteenth century buildings of the old town and most days I am to be found working in my rustic workshop in the old Harbour Board work sheds. These sheds are now known as the Red Sheds and are located in the harbour area by the Little Blue Penguin colony – in fact most of the time we have penguins nesting in dark corners or under the floor boards.” Bill.
Should you find yourself visiting or passing through Oamaru, Bill warmly welcomes you to visit and watch as he makes these beautifully crafted items. You can call ahead to ensure he is available and not out sourcing local materials from near the river, and then he will arrange to have any items purchased couriered to your home ready for when you arrive back from your trip.
Bill opts to avoid using power tools preferring the more natural process of a shaving horse, a simple wooden vice, along with a sharp draw knife. Linseed oil and bees wax are applied to wooden products for a non-toxic and pleasant smelling finish. You can read more about the techniques involved here.
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