Handmade Baskets (Re-issue)
Published on 23. March 2006
Book
Paperback/Softback
80 pages
978-1-84448-153-8 (ISBN)
Description
In almost every country in the world, there is a tradition of basketmaking, using plants that are indigenous to that particular area. But today, the plastic bag and cardboard box have replaced the basket's role of years gone by. However, there is something quite irresistible about the smell and the tactile appeal of a country hedgerow basket which is not only home-made but is sometimes even home-grown. This book aims to revive interest in the traditinal and useful craft of basketmaking.
Susie Vaughan offers a fascinating, step-by-step description of how to make a delightful selection of strong, natural-looking and colourful baskets, mostly using materials which have been gathered from hedgerows, woods and gardens.
Firstly, she covers the few tools required, then goes on to give a detailed, illustrated description of materials which can either be gathered from the annual prunings of a wide selection of bushes, or those which are farmed and can be bought from specialist suppliers. Her detailed step-by-step description of making a basket is accompanied by numerous diagrams and full-colour photographs to help explain the finer points of detail. She then explores variations in design, both of the shape of the basket and the alternative weaving patterns that can be employed to make the finished work that much more special.
Finally, a superb gallery of photographs of finished baskets is included to provide you with ideas and motivation to go on to more adventurous projects.
Susie Vaughan offers a fascinating, step-by-step description of how to make a delightful selection of strong, natural-looking and colourful baskets, mostly using materials which have been gathered from hedgerows, woods and gardens.
Firstly, she covers the few tools required, then goes on to give a detailed, illustrated description of materials which can either be gathered from the annual prunings of a wide selection of bushes, or those which are farmed and can be bought from specialist suppliers. Her detailed step-by-step description of making a basket is accompanied by numerous diagrams and full-colour photographs to help explain the finer points of detail. She then explores variations in design, both of the shape of the basket and the alternative weaving patterns that can be employed to make the finished work that much more special.
Finally, a superb gallery of photographs of finished baskets is included to provide you with ideas and motivation to go on to more adventurous projects.
Reviews / Votes
No. 170 June 2006Search Press has republished this superb book. An easy to use, step-by-step guide to making baskets out of hedgerow materials. * Education Otherwise * July 09
This step-by-step guide describes how to make a selection of baskets using materials from hedgerows, woods and gardens. The author explains which materials are particularly suitable, and gives a comprehensive list of equipment. Excellent diagrams and photographs will help the novice produce a simple round basket, and a chapter on variation in design and weave will inspire further projects. Highly recommended. * Start * February 2015
I will admit right now that I do have a weird passion for baskets. I don't know what it is - whether it's the natural materials, the lovely shapes and colours, the delightful creaking noise they make, but I am always absolutely thrilled if someone gives me a gift of, or in, a basket. So having acquired some basic willow-weaving skills, I was delighted to see this lovely book by Susie Vaughan and now feel inspired to have a go at making a basket myself. I haven't tried it yet, but it certainly makes my fingers itch. It is a 'how to' for beginners - half of the book tells you how to identify and collect the right material, and that's followed by the instructions to make a simple round basket, an oval basket, a frame basket, how to add handles, how to make interesting borders, how to make lids and then some inspirational pictures to get your creative juices going. It has made me want instantly to read for the sectors and start attacking the shrubs and tress in the garden for materials. Look out family, you could be getting very dodgy-looking baskety objects as presents this year. * The Onion Magazine * Summer 2015
This colourful and practical book was first published in 1994 and has just been reissued. If you are keen to try basketmaking using hedgerow and garden prunings,
then this is an ideal introduction to a less conventional form of handweaving.
The author first lists the basic tools you will need followed by an overview of the types of trees, shrubs and climbers which will yield suitable and attractive material, and when
and how to to harvest and store it. The types of farmed willow available for purchase are also discussed.
Following this detailed introduction, the constriction of a straightforward round basket is described in step-by-step detail, fully and clearly illustrated with line drawings and photographs.
The technical terms used are explained and the method is easy to follow. Possible problems which may arise are explained and resolved in a number of text boxes.
This basic construction method is developed in the following chapter for design variations such as oval and framed baskets. The addition of handles, lids and borders is described
in detail, as well as the introduction of other possible weaving stroke. The text is completed with a gallery of beautiful and colourful baskets, made with all the more impressive
by their humble constituent materials.
The book is very well illustrated throughout and will certainly encourage and assist you in using otherwise waste garden material to very good effect. * Journal for Weavers, Spinners & Dyers *
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Tunbridge Wells
United Kingdom
Illustrations
112 Illustrations, color
Dimensions
Height: 292 mm
Width: 387 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-84448-153-8 (9781844481538)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions
Book
11/2014
Search Press Ltd
€32.37
Article exhausted; check different version
Person
Susie Vaughan lives in Gwent, South Wales, with her husband and three children. After leaving school, she trained and worked as a journalist on the South Wales Argus. She made her first basket with willow from a tree that had fallen across a local brook, following insructions in a magazine. Her basketmaking began as a hobby but she soon decided to specialise in hedgerow baskets, intruiged by the natural range of colour and texture. She now gives talks and demonstrations and her work has been exhibited at the National Eisteddfod of Wales and many regional galleries.
Content
Introduction
Tools and Equipment
Collecting Materials
Useful Trees, Shrubs and Climbers
How to Make a Simple Round Basket
Variations in Design and Weaves
Gallery
Glossary
Tools and Equipment
Collecting Materials
Useful Trees, Shrubs and Climbers
How to Make a Simple Round Basket
Variations in Design and Weaves
Gallery
Glossary