How to Make Baskets from Countryside Materials

In almost every country of 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 irristible about the smell and the tactile appeal of a country hedgerow basket which is not only home-made, but is sometimes even homegrown, and this book aims to revive interest in this traditional and useful craft. The book offers a step-by-step account of how to make a selection of strong, natural-looking baskets using materials gathered from the annual prunings of a wide selection of bushes, and those which are farmed and can be bought in shops. There are step-by-step photographs of the five basic stages of making a simple round basket, followed by photographs of variations of design and weave, such as oval baskets, handles and borders. Finally, there is a picture gallery of original creations which incorporate other gathered materials such as pine cones, leaves and shells.