
Member Reviews

If you want to know how to turn natural materials into baskets, this book is for you! Half of the book covers in brief: history of baskets, types of baskets and natural fibers (things like cattails, grasses, daffodils, brambles), and a handful of artists who work in basketry or ephemeral art in nature using similar materials to the baskets. But the most wonderful part of this book is the detailed instructions to start doing this yourself. The second half of the book is comprised of 6 projects that feature step-by-step instructions, with loads of pictures, to lead you from harvest to completed project. The level of detail and advice is exceptional and is clearly designed for the reader to follow along. The projects include, woven baskets - one from bramble and one from cattails, a bark basket, 4 different types of cordage (twisting fibers, grasses, stems, etc, to make something rope-like), a net bag, and a coiled basket made from grass. The book includes information on the role of the plants in their habitats, ethical considerations, and information on sustainable harvest, as well as relevant UK laws on harvesting plants.
This book is a wonderful introduction to making cordage and baskets. It has clear instructions with lots of pictures. A great, useful, and inspiring addition to any library craft or art book collection.