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Tamara MacIntyre

“THE JOB OF THE ARTIST IS ALWAYS TO DEEPEN THE MYSTERY.”

- FRANCIS BACON

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Hand-woven willow coffins

As someone whose life is guided by deeply held values, each creation I undertake is a testament to principles of grace, integrity, and compassion.

 From my journey as a chiropractor and somatic practitioner to my exploration in sculpting and working with clay, and now as a sustainable coffin maker, I aim to embody simplicity,  gratitude and reverence for our human existence.

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HAND-WOVEN WILLOW COFFINS

The beauty of these coffins, woven from locally sourced willow, not only speaks to sustainable and green buiral practices but also reflects the essence of life itself.  It is a reminder that even in the face of mortality, there is a profound simplicity and beauty to be found.

It’s not uncommon for those who encounter these coffins to initially feel apprehensive or a stirring of complex emotions. This initial response subsides, transforming into curiosity and appreciation. Witnessing firsthand the elegance and simplicity of these creations often sparks a deeper contemplation of life's fundamental truths and the interconnectedness of all things. 

Hand-woven willow coffins
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES

ROOTED IN TRADITION AND EXPERTISE

  • Trained in the UK, the birthplace of my willow coffin prototype, carrying on a legacy of craftsmanship spanning generations.

  • Personally mentored by UK’s "Coffin Supplier of the Year" as designated by the Good Funeral Awards, ensuring artistry, functionality, and integrity.

  • Each coffin meets global standards for durability and integrity while adhering to green burial principles approved by the Canadian Green Burial Council.

LOCALLY CRAFTED, LOCALLY SOURCED

  • Willow grown, cultivated, dried on Vancouver Island, Gabriola Island, and Salt Spring Island.

  • Structural supports made from locally milled hemlock and other lumber sourced here on Vancouver Island.

  • Unbleached, untreated cotton linings and mattresses sourced from a Canadian mill in Manitoba.

  • Chemically untreated Canadian-made cotton ropes.

SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRITY

  • 100% entirely compostable and biodegradable; free of adhesives, glues, or nails.

  • Carefully designed to decompose naturally, leaving a minimal environmental footprint.

  • Suitable for conventional burial grounds OR cremation while always being a "greener" choice compared to conventional coffins and caskets.

  • Created with eco-conscious processes, ensuring alignment with green burial standards.

ARTISAN CRAFTSMANSHIP AND PERSONALIZATION

  • The preparation of willow includes soaking for 2-6 weeks and curing for an additional week to ensure maximum flexibility and pliability, with routine nurturing and checking throughout the process.

  • Full-lidded coffins: Approximately 35-40 hours of weaving, excluding willow cultivation and preparation.

  • Shroud stretchers or trays: Approximately 20-25 hours of weaving, excluding willow cultivation & preparation.

  • Families and individuals can participate in the weaving process, fostering an intimate, healing connection to the craft.

  • Coffins can be personalized by weaving cherished items into the structure, creating a vessel that tells a unique story.

  • Often paired with a shroud but can also be lined for additional customization of size and detailing.

  • Designed to offer versatility, whether used in a natural burial ground or a conventional cemetery, while adhering to green burial practices.

  • Additional options include: untreated organic cotton lining or reclaimed cedar mattress pad 

ALIGNED WITH VALUES AND COMMUNITY

  • Proudly operated by a woman artisan dedicated to sustainability, ethical practices, and empowerment of other small-scale, local businesses.

  • Reflects a values-based decision rooted in community over industry, supporting local growers and artisans.

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Learn More About Our Coffins and Shroud Carriers

Curious about the craftsmanship, sustainability, and thoughtful design behind our after-death vessels? Download our detailed brochure to explore the distinctive features, material specifications, and the story behind each piece.

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WHY CHOOSE THESE COFFINS?

Choosing a handcrafted willow coffin is a profound act of respect—for the deceased, for the earth, and for the artistry of a time-honored tradition. Each vessel is a testament to the beauty of legacy—how we leave the earth matters as much as how we lived. These handcrafted coffins embody sustainability, meticulous craftsmanship, and an opportunity for personal connection.

These coffins are not only environmentally responsible but also offer families a meaningful way to honor their loved ones in a deeply personal way. Built to meet global standards for durability, they provide the reassurance of integrity while aligning with the values of green burial practices.

When you select my carrying vessels, you support a local artisan, preserve a time-honored craft, and choose a meaningful, eco-conscious farewell. Whether you are weaving memories into the structure or simply appreciating the story behind its creation, this choice honors life while nurturing the earth we all share.

WILLOW WEAVING

SCULPTING A LEGACY OF COMPASSION AND REVERENCE

Opting for a vessel that decomposes completely isn't just a decision—it's an embodiment of cherished values. In custom creations, I ensure equity by offering customization options for all ages and sizes, honoring each individual with dignity and respect. The weaving process holds profound potential to aid in the grieving journey. Participants can weave alongside as we craft a loved one's coffin or they can create their own with their own hands. Sharing in weaving not only honors the loved one but also provides solace and connection during this tender time. It is a deeply meaningful way to infuse personal love and care into the creation of a final resting place, fostering healing and closure.

Hand woven willow coffin

WOVEN  AFTER  DEATH SUSTAINABLE VESSELS

 

WOVEN WILLOW COFFINS, SHROUD CARRIERS OR  TRAYS
& URNS.  ALL CRAFTED WITH LOCALLY SOURCED    WILLOW.​

Living Funeral Ceremony

LIVING FUNERAL CEREMONY 
DEATH COMMUNITY BUILDER
SUSTAINABLE COFFIN MAKER

ENGAGING    COMMUNITY

ENCOURAGING  CONVERSATION

INSPIRING THROUGH CURIOUSITY

Journal End of Life

THE EMPOWERED EXIT: YOUR GUIDE TO THOUGHTFUL
END  OF LIFE PLANNING

PUTTING YOUR WISHES TOGETHER WHEN YOU DON'T SHARE CONVENTIONAL VALUES

COMING SOON!​​

Request a Custom Quote

Our handcrafted vessels range from:

Shroud Carrier, Stretcher, or Tray

$2,000 – $3,000 CAD

Fully Lidded Coffin

$4,500 – $5,500 CAD

Pricing includes the option to join for 1–2 hours of weaving.

Complete the form below for a personalized quote.

GET IN TOUCH

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Thank you!

Hand woven willow coffin

“The artist's role is to raise the consciousness of the people.  To make them understand life, the world and themselves more completely.”

- AMIRI BARAKA

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