Naturally Useful

Commissioning a piece is a lovely way to mark a particular occasion or to thank someone special, even if that someone special is yourself!

You might have a particular design in mind for the item you’re after, or like the look of an item we have in the shop but would like it with a particular pattern, a specific colour or in a different size.
Among many other things, you can specify:

– size
– shape
– colour of willow or felt
– what materials are used alongside the willow and/or felt

and for baskets in particular:

– type of handle (integrated or traditional)
– type of lid
– type of fastening

For woven items, we can integrate into the weave particular treasures that you might want to be included; shells, driftwood and seaweed from a favourite beach, cuttings from a particular garden, hedgerow or woodland, material from an item of clothing.

For felted items, we can stich, needle felt or applique anything that holds significance into the piece.

Whatever you have in mind, do get in touch and we can talk through what you’re after and how long it will take to make.

Simple Strength And Beauty

We make strong products that are both fit for purpose and pleasing to the eye. Each piece that we make, be it basket, urn or coffin, felted shroud or teddy bear, hide, necklace or spoon, is robust, beautiful and of the highest quality. This is the foundation stone upon which the rest of Naturally Useful is built. This is also the most direct way we know to honour the natural materials that we work with.

Small, Rural, Scottish Business

Naturally Useful is a small rural Scottish business. We are a Community Interest Company that wants to serve and support local individuals and groups in employment, skills training and personal empowerment through the making process.  Our focus will always be on teaching and selling locally. By choosing to train local makers and work with other small businesses and organisations in the area, we are part of nurturing local cultural and economic regeneration.