Basket making is one of the oldest crafts. People have been weaving vessels for collecting, storing and transporting goods and food for thousands of years.
I have been fascinated with basket making for more then 15 years now. I work in particular with willow, an easily grown material here in Ireland, Northern Europe. It grows abundantly, is very flexible and is easy to harvest.
A willow basket (in the stake and strand technique) is started by weaving the base. Then the uprights are added and the side of the basket is woven. Lastly the top border is woven to finish the entire basket off.
I have filmed a beginners series, showing you each step of the process. It is entirely free. You can register for it here.
You will find that you too can make a basket, quite easily, and once started you will want to learn more. Be warned, it is addictive!
Happy weaving!
