Anyone do basket weaving?

[Gromit]

Hiya all,

I want to start making baskets, but I'm having trouble sourcing basket weaving kits in the UK. Has anyone got any ideas, craft shops etc that I may be able to go to?

 

[purplepolly]

fred aldous, they're in manchester near piccadilly station

http://www.fredaldous.co.uk/shop-online/cane-work.htm

 

[Arch]

Does Jim still live on the boat next to Steve the Boat? I think he used to do willow weaving - not quite the same, but he might have an an idea of suppliers for basket willow....

Dryad, Leicester, are the people who make craft kits, including baskets I think, but a quick google doesn't seem to find them...

 

[wafflycat]

I'd love to go on a basket weaving course. Hmm...

 

[ufkacbln]

David Hembrow does some brilliant woven bike bits. I believe he used to source his wicker from Somerset.

 

[ufkacbln]

I'd love to go on a basket weaving course. Hmm...

I had similar thoughts....

 

[Gareth]

Try obtaining some step by step photo lessons fom google. Then rather than buying expensive basket wicker, try you first attempts with green willow whips, and bramble runners taken from waste ground, etc.

You can rub all of the thorns from the bramble runners by pulling them through your fist whilst wearing a good stout pair of leather gardening gloves or an old pair of welders gloves.

 

[Mr Pig]

I'd love to go on a basket weaving course

Know what you mean. I have to fight the urge daily. But it is hard...

 

[XmisterIS]

I'm a basket case ...

 

[purplepolly]

I'd love to go on a basket weaving course. Hmm...

My dad went on one. Strangely appropriate.

 

[mr Mag00]

start with rush, excellent and essy to use, ui was part of project here in dorset for a while, vbery esasy to pickup, and v easy on the hands

 

[rich p]

start with rush, excellent and essy to use, ui was part of project here in dorset for a while, vbery esasy to pickup, and v easy on the hands

You are Stanley Unwin AICMFP

 

[vernon]

My dad went on one. Strangely appropriate.

I learned how to basket weave in junior school and became quite adept at it. I used pre-drilled wooden bases and rattan cane to make a range of wares including tea trays, flower baskets and flowerpot holders. It is a very soothing and absorbing activity and easy to master.

The only tools that you'll need are round nosed pliers and side cutters.

Weaving with willow is a different kettle of fish....

 

[Arch]

gromit, you have email about this. I saw some stunning basketwork sculptures today, done by a chap who too it up after he retired.