Fine Willow Basketry

Excerpt from Fine Willow Basketry While it is strongly urged that traditional methods be adhered to, the same argument does not apply, in the case of designs, and a large variety of pattern and an infinite variety of shape is possible, the latter being suggested by everyday objects such as boxes, bowls, vases, and other brie-a-bmc found in every home. The baskets of commerce can also be taken as models and produced in miniature as, for example, the familiar Christmas hamper. In this little manual restraint has been exercised with regard to the designs used as examples and the reader is recommended to master the traditional forms exemplified here before giving rein to his fancy. One thing is important. As soon as the novice gains some mastery over his material, he should endeavour to work strictly to a shape and measurements previously determined upon. Nothing is easier than to allow the work to get out of hand and if this happens it is useless to attempt to make it come right. There is only one remedy and that the drastic one of cutting down the work to the point where it started to go wrong and doing it over again. In the practice of basket-making speed is an important factor as the work is mainly a repetition of a few simple weaves or strokes. The expert attains speed not by strain and hurry, but by the elimination of all superfluous motions, a point to which the novice should give careful attention, particularly in the preliminary cutting out of material, For example, it is far quicker to slype all the stakes at one opera tion than to do each one separately and insert it in the bottom before doing the next. An hour or so spent in watching an expert basket maker will be an eye-opener in this respect. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

This handbook provides aspiring & experienced basketmakers with access to a wealth of traditional forms & techniques for willow basketry. You ll find info. on the shop, the tools, the cultivation & harvesting of the willow plant, the processing of rods, weave patterns, basket design, & construction techniques. The informative, detailed, step-by-step illustrations guide you through the process of learning. Offers instructions for making 8 Old World basketry projects. You ll learn how to plan a project & work the materials to create your own variations on round, oval, & squarework forms. Extensive glossary & bibliography. List of willow & basketry sources in the U.S., Canada, & Europe

Through a series of easy to follow step by step projects, this book will teach you the fundamental skills and techniques as used in many every-day baskets. Clear instructions and more than 280 photos and diagrams will guide you through every aspect. Projects include 'your first basket', a simple bowl; a log basket; a garden trug; a potato basket; and a foraging basket.This book is designed for the beginner. Everything you need to know is covered, including guidance on sourcing the willow either from a specialist grower, or the countryside."Basketry is a rewarding craft. Being able to take some humble sticks and weave them together into a beautiful and functional item is extremely satisfying. Even after weaving hundreds of baskets, I still get a 'buzz' when finishing a new creation. The satisfaction doesn't stop there either, using your hand-made baskets for jobs such as picking berries or gathering produce from your garden, is a joyful thing." Jonathan RidgeonNote: The full range of projects are those pictured on the cover.

Willow weaving is an exciting and rewarding craft for anyone who wants to reconnect with the natural world. This essential book gives all the information and tuition needed to get started and includes projects on sculpture, basketry and folk-art decorations. Thirteen projects are set out in clear and detailed stages, ranging from practical baskets to planters, lifelike scultpures and wreaths. Advice is given on adapting recipes and designing your own baskets.Topics covered: Basic techniques and basketry terms are explained and clearly illustrated, along with selection and preparation of materials; Chapters describe four different basketry forms, each with a different set of structures and skills to learn; Sound, practical tips throughout to smooth your progress and help overcome difficulties. Beautifully illustrated with 160 colour photographs and 17 drawings.