The basics to beginning in the art of basket making.
Today we are able to purchase various containers for nearly any use in nearly every store. There are plastic, glass, wood, ceramic and fabric containers, both plain and fancy, available for the consumer to buy. There are antique, collector's and prized vessels which can be purchased for decoration with the right amount of money. However, you will not always be able to find the right kind of container for your particular need. Learning basketry will enable you to create baskets for not only decoration but for practical uses as well.
Getting started in basketry does not have to mean a major shopping trip to an out-of-the-way store. Nor do you have to track down a local specialty store for supplies and materials. On the contrary many supplies are available at craft stores as well as through company catalogs and on-line ordering.
There are some basic tools you will need in order to fashion your baskets. Though not all of them are necessary, they are suggested as they will make learning the trade easier. These tools are:
old pair of scissors
small pruning sheers
whittling knife or small rasp
ice pick or awl
dressmakers measuring tape
large dishpan or 5-gallon bucket
wooden clothespins
The scissors and pruning shears are for cutting and trimming reeds and vines to length. Use the old scissors for smaller, thinner pieces of material and shears for the larger, thicker materials.
A whittling knife or small rasp is for shaving excess wood or material and for shaping. You can purchase a shaver, however, you do not need one to begin with. An old Buck or pocket knife or woodworking rasp will do fine.
An ice pick or awl is mainly used for opening spaces and holes for your weaving material to pass through. Though it is not mandatory this tool will make your work somewhat easier.
A dressmaker's measuring tape is used to measure the length of your materials. A standard tape measure could be used but its lack of flexibility can not only make it difficult to use but more aggravating as well.
The large dishpan or preferably a 5-gallon bucket is used to soak your materials. Weaving materials must be soft and pliable to work with them and get them to do what you want them to do. You will need a large enough container to hold the spokes and weavers; this is why a 5-gallon bucket is preferred.
Wooden clothespins are used at the end of the process of making your basket. The clothespins hold the rim material in place until it has dried and will hold its shape. You may want to purchase several dozen as it will almost always take more than you first expect.
In addition to the supplies listed above you may want to purchase either a book of patterns with detailed illustrations or a kit to begin with. Detailed instructions are always helpful and, at times, necessary when you are just beginning. A kit will come with the material you need for the specified basket in the amounts you need. This takes the worry out of choosing the right type and/or amounts of materials. Another suggestion is to find a group in your area or learn with a friend. Learning in a group makes it easier to deal with your mistakes when you see others making them as well. Learning with a friend makes it more fun.
