Basketmaking From The Beginning

Step-by-step instructions complete with detailed color photographs. Includes a chapter on dyeing reed at home. 4 basic basket projects for the beginning weaver.

Try your hand at one of the world's most ancient crafts! Basketmaking has been an artisanal staple across cultural and national boundaries for hundreds of years. Now you can make your own beautiful and functional baskets thanks to Lyn Siler's elegant designs and clear, engaging instructions. This magnificent collection of over 30 baskets to make draws on lengthy global basketmaking traditions and includes a variety of techniques and easy-to-find materials. With this book as your teacher, you'll be well on your way to weaving handmade baskets of your own that will be admired in your family's home and used for generations to come. Featuring over 400 illustrations and diagrams which accompany the clear step-by-step instructions, as well as lush, specially commissioned watercolors by Carolyn Kemp scattered throughout, The Basket Book will guide you gently through the process of constructing heirloom baskets of your very own. Whether it's a simple Melon basket, a traditional Cherokee Indian basket, or a dramatic fishing creel, you'll be proud to display your handiwork or give them as unique gifts to friends and family. Begin your adventure with this time-honored craft today!

Go beyond just following the steps and learn the methods to traditional basket weaving. With step-by-step instructions and photography for 3 rib basket projects, followed by 12 additional designs to accomplish independently, you’ll acquire all the proper techniques you need to become a successful basket-weaver, from measuring and adding spokes to learning various weaving patterns.

This easy, accessible, and fun approach to basket making offers instructions for 18 beautiful and useful baskets. Beginning with simple basket designs and progressing to more-advanced techniques, you build new skills with each project. Follow along from one to the next, or jump ahead to the more advanced baskets to expand your intermediate skills. The practical projects include a market basket, square-to-round storage basket, spiral twill basket, catch-all bathroom basket, cat-head bowl, and many others. Instructions for adding embellishments, color, and shaping are included to help new basketmakers turn a project into a personal treasure. A chart for designing your own market baskets in six different sizes is invaluable, and photos of work by today's top basketmakers serve as inspiration. This book is the ideal guide for anyone interested in learning to make handbuilt baskets.

Basic instruction of basket weaving covers: selection of materials; use of tools and equipment; care of tools and material; and technical terms. Individual chapters discuss reed basketry, willow basketry, rush work, coiled basketry, raffia work, Hong Kong grass, working with plastic, problems with handles, dyeing reeds and raffia, various stitches, and more.

- Step-by-step instructions complete with detailed color photographs - Includes a chapter on dyeing reed at home - 4 basic basket projects for the beginning weaver The art of basket making is described in detail for the beginning or experienced weaver. Complete with a chapter on tools and materials to get started, this easy-to-use guide explains and illustrates how to weave reed, incorporate premade handles, finish basket rims, and a host of other basket-making techniques. It also contains a chapter on dyeing reed, a simple and cost-effective way to obtain desired colors and results. Complete instructions for making a Flared Bun Basket, Small Market Basket, Napkin Basket, and Easter Basket teach necessary skills.