bask:basketmaking

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revision Previous revision
Next revision		 Previous revision
bask:basketmaking [2026/03/10 14:26] – Dave Darbybask:basketmaking [2026/03/26 18:33] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1
Line 1: Line 1:
-# Basketmaking+This topic is part of [[gt:crafts|Crafts & making]]. 
 +====== Basketmaking ======
  
  
Line 10: Line 11:
  
  
-## What is basketmaking?+===== What is basketmaking? =====
  
 It's creating containers from the weaving of plant fibres. Basketry (the craft of basketmaking) is a tradition in every region of the world where plants grow, and the type of baskets will reflect the naturally-occurring plants in that region. The plant material needs to be long, strong and pliable. Willow fits that bill very well in Europe, and it's one of the main basketry plants in the UK. It's creating containers from the weaving of plant fibres. Basketry (the craft of basketmaking) is a tradition in every region of the world where plants grow, and the type of baskets will reflect the naturally-occurring plants in that region. The plant material needs to be long, strong and pliable. Willow fits that bill very well in Europe, and it's one of the main basketry plants in the UK.
Line 113: Line 114:
  
  
-## What are the benefits of basketmaking?+===== What are the benefits of basketmaking? =====
  
 - more people want to learn traditional skills these days, especially those involving natural materials. There is a desire to connect with history and with nature, as well as environmental concerns over the use of plastics and oil-based products - more people want to learn traditional skills these days, especially those involving natural materials. There is a desire to connect with history and with nature, as well as environmental concerns over the use of plastics and oil-based products
Line 142: Line 143:
  
  
-## What can I do?+===== What can I do? =====
  
 Attend a course and get hands-on experience. Basketmaking isn't something you can learn easily from a book, although books can give you lots of ideas after you've mastered the basics. You don't need much equipment to get started - just secateurs and a sharp craft knife. Then practice, practice, practice. As with most things, you need to do it a lot to get really good at it, although almost everyone will be able to make a functioning basket at their first attempt. Plenty of companies sell willow and other materials, and when you learn with a basketmaker, they will give you information on sources of materials; or you could just get out there into nature and see what you can find. Just experiment and see what works well. In the UK the three main traditions are willow, rush and split wood basketry. But there are many other suitable plants in the UK - if it's long, strong and flexible it's worth a try. Attend a course and get hands-on experience. Basketmaking isn't something you can learn easily from a book, although books can give you lots of ideas after you've mastered the basics. You don't need much equipment to get started - just secateurs and a sharp craft knife. Then practice, practice, practice. As with most things, you need to do it a lot to get really good at it, although almost everyone will be able to make a functioning basket at their first attempt. Plenty of companies sell willow and other materials, and when you learn with a basketmaker, they will give you information on sources of materials; or you could just get out there into nature and see what you can find. Just experiment and see what works well. In the UK the three main traditions are willow, rush and split wood basketry. But there are many other suitable plants in the UK - if it's long, strong and flexible it's worth a try.
Line 192: Line 193:
  
 If you're serious about making a living from baskets, it might be an idea to get an apprenticeship with an [established basketmaker](https://basketmakersassociation.org.uk). You can also obtain [City & Guilds](http://www.cityandguilds.com/) qualifications in the craft itself, with relevant business skills, and you may be able to get useful advice and information from the Heritage Crafts Association. If you're serious about making a living from baskets, it might be an idea to get an apprenticeship with an [established basketmaker](https://basketmakersassociation.org.uk). You can also obtain [City & Guilds](http://www.cityandguilds.com/) qualifications in the craft itself, with relevant business skills, and you may be able to get useful advice and information from the Heritage Crafts Association.
-## Further resources+===== Forum ===== 
 + 
 +This topic belongs to the section [[gt:crafts|Crafts & making]]. You can ask questions or add information on the corresponding [Forum section](https://forum.growingthecommons.org/t/crafts). 
 + 
 +===== Further resources =====
  
 - [Basketmakers' Association](https://basketmakersassociation.org.uk/) - [Basketmakers' Association](https://basketmakersassociation.org.uk/)
Line 199: Line 204:
 - [Woven Communities](https://wovencommunities.org/basket-type/) - beautiful site about basketmaking in Scotland - [Woven Communities](https://wovencommunities.org/basket-type/) - beautiful site about basketmaking in Scotland
  
-## Related topics+===== Related topics ===== 
 + 
 +- [Hurdles](hrdl:hurdles) 
 +- [Living willow structures](livw:living_willow_structures) 
 +- [Willow sewage treatment systems](wsew:willow_sewage_treatment) 
 +- [Craft production](craf:craft) 
 +- [Wattle & daub](watd:wattle_and_daub) 
  
-- [Hurdles](https://knowledge.growingthecommons.org/doku.php/hrdl/hurdles) +===== Specialist curators of this topic =====
-- [Living willow structures](https://knowledge.growingthecommons.org/doku.php/livw/living_willow_structures)  +
-- [Willow sewage treatment systems](https://knowledge.growingthecommons.org/doku.php/wsew/willow_sewage_treatment) +
-- [Craft production](https://knowledge.growingthecommons.org/doku.php/craf/craft)  +
-- [Wattle & daub](https://knowledge.growingthecommons.org/doku.php/watd/wattle_and_daub) +
  
-## Specialist curators of this topic 
  
 {{tag>[arts_crafts]}} {{tag>[arts_crafts]}}
  
  • bask/basketmaking.1773152813.txt.gz
  • Last modified: 2026/03/10 14:26
  • by Dave Darby