Handmade burial vessels of
willow, wool and wood
Handmade Burial Vessels
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina, Moss and Thistle Farm embraces the beauty of nature while crafting sustainable and biodegradable caskets, burial trays and shrouds. Led by the skilled hands of Sarah Lasswell, willow grower and casket maker, our burial vessels are meticulously handcrafted with locally sourced willow, grown on Appalachian family farms, and unfinished pine, poplar, hemp, cotton, linen, and wool. Our farm upholds environment- and human-friendly growing and harvesting practices, ensuring that each casket we create leaves a gentle footprint on the earth.
Welcome to Moss & Thistle Farm
We are so glad you are here
Welcome to Moss and Thistle Farm, a haven of artistry, compassion, and reverence. Led by the skilled hands and compassionate heart of Sarah Lasswell, our farm is dedicated to crafting bespoke natural caskets, burial trays and shrouds that honor lives and legacies. At Moss and Thistle Farm, we understand that farewells are deeply personal journeys, and we strive to create meaningful experiences that transcend the ordinary. Through our artful craftsmanship, heartfelt collaboration, and a profound connection to nature, we invite you to embark on a transformative process that celebrates the beauty of life and nature. Step into a world where willow weaves eternal bonds, and memories are cradled with the utmost care - welcome to Moss and Thistle Farm.
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The days we spent weaving my casket on the farm were full of laughter and tears and such profound peace. I will forever be thankful for this experience.
--John Cater
Working Together
When you work with a local casket maker, you have the opportunity to be more closely involved with the burial vessel you are choosing for yourself or your loved one. When you call our farm, you will talk directly with us, and we will do our best to answer all of your questions and walk you through each step of the process. Working together can take many forms, from interactions that are entirely over the phone, to hands-on participation in the creation of the vessel yourself. Clients might--
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Make design choices including handle styles, lid closures, and color palettes...
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Visit the farm, shake the hands that made the vessel, visit the workshops, walk in the willow...
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Provide special personal fabrics or select meaningful elements or colors to incorporate into the interior of a casket or shroud...
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Provide special plants or other natural materials to be woven into a casket or burial tray...
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Join us side-by-side in the creation of the vessel...​
