Willow Craft

This book will show you how to make some of the most popular and inspiring willow craft projects other than baskets. There are items for both the home and garden, and all are great fun to make. You do not need any previous experience, the detailed instructions have been designed to guide you every step of the way.

Plant Craft features 30 step-by-step projects inspired by the natural world and made out of live plants, cut flowers, foraged branches, and more.

As natural materials such as wood, leather, rattan and cork continue to be used in the home, handmade woven objects, from bread baskets and trays to stools and screens, are fast becoming the must-have accessories of the contemporary interior. Master basket maker and willow grower, Jenny Crisp, teaches you some of the key weaving techniques to make 20 simple willow projects without the need of complicated tools. Jenny’s approach is innovative and moves forward beyond the old patterns and boundaries, to allow the reader to make work that is fresh and for contemporary use.

A guide to the history of basketry and willow weaving, from ancient times to today, plus photos and information for crafters. The story begins in prehistory, when people first wove plant fibers together to create containers, shelters, and fences. This book explores the ways in which basketry and willow weaving has continued to be important throughout human history in artistic, economic, and functional terms. It brings us up to date via interviews with modern basketry and willow weaving artisans who generously allowed the author a window into their studios and discussed the way they use and adapt traditional methods, techniques, and tools for the twenty-first century. Photos of their work and their working environments offer a unique view into the world of this ancient craft. Finally, in case you’re inspired to try your hand, the book also has a resources section that includes a valuable list of suppliers of plant fibers, plants, and tools, as well as information about training courses, useful websites and more—everything you need to get started.

Learn to grow, harvest & weave willow to make twenty simple projects—from napkin rings to laundry baskets—without the need of complicated tools. Handmade objects woven from natural materials are fast becoming the must-have accessories of the contemporary interior. Master basket maker and willow grower Jenny Crisp teaches you the key basket-weaving techniques and shows you how to make woven objects for the home and garden without the need of complicated tools. Jenny’s approach to her craft is innovative and moves forward beyond the old patterns and boundaries, to allow the reader to make work that is fresh and for contemporary use, and that will enhance the style of any interior.

Through detailed stage by stage instructions, this book will show you how to make 10 different bird feeders from willow using classic basketry techniques.You do not need any prior basketry experience to undertake the projects. Everything you need to know is here, including guidance on tools and materials."As a basket maker and nature enthusiast, I have had a lot of fun making the projectspresented in this book; as well as the continued joy of watching the birds feed from them. My aim in writing this book is for you to experience the same, and also be inspired with the basketry; a craft which can be put to so many uses!" - Jonathan Ridgeon

The View from the Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 O Snow Rollers in New England . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 A Weekend of Driving at Newport . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 The Development of Automatic Tops for Carriages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Shepherd F. Knapp . . .. .. . . . . 119 Willow Basket Bodies for Carriages and Sleighs . . 121 Beechwood Farm 125 Polish Carriage Collections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 World Four-in-Hand Carriage Driving Championships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Carriage Association of America Annual Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Conservation Versus Restoration 139 The Names of Carriage Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Wei Is Fargo and the Concord Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 Roaming Around California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Questions & Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 The Carriage Trade . . 152 Book Reviews 153 There's Nothing New Under the Sun

Bim's unique and varied life is reflected in his observations, humor, and the wonder he experiences in every day. This book represents a collection of entries, poems, and thoughts from the journals of his life.