Willow basket weaving

[SaraR]

I went to Ogmore-by-Sea today for a basket weaving course with Out To Learn Willow.

I got to revise some techniques I was familiar with and learnt some new ones too. My main goal with the day was to maintain control of the stakes etc and I think I managed that quite well.

This basket is the least wonky willow thing I've made and I'm very pleased with it.

 

[Broch]

That looks like a strong, aesthetically pleasing, and useful basket!

 

[SaraR]

That looks like a strong, aesthetically pleasing, and useful basket!

Thank you! Yes, it's very sturdy and a good size too.

 

[Toddy]

Oh excellent I love the colours and the whole piece looks really sound too.
Looks kind of like an apple basket, practical

Thank you for sharing; I miss threads like this.

 

[SaraR]

Oh excellent I love the colours and the whole piece looks really sound too.
Looks kind of like an apple basket, practical

Thank you for sharing; I miss threads like this.

Well there will be at least five more from me since I've signed up for several courses.

 

[Toddy]

Well there will be at least five more from me since I've signed up for several courses.

So very pleased to hear it
Basketmaking is such a useful skill, and we have such a rich history of making them in the UK. It's also amazing just how many materials can be used to make something so practical.

M

 

[Broch]

Unfortunately we don't have much willow around here. In Mid Wales (and I think North Wales) baskets have traditionally been made using hazel but to do that you have to split off the weave material (the first layer under the bark) from the cut stems which takes a long time (for a total beginner like me). It also hurts the fingers

However, seeing such great work inspires me to persevere and have another go - I'll buy some more plasters

 

[Toddy]

You can make baskets from all sorts of plants though.
The oldest basketry example that we know in Europe is a fishtrap and it's made from privet. Yep, the same stuff that grows hedges. If you don't cut it them it grows long whippy stems that are excellent for basketry.
Dogwood, rushes, flag iris, brambles, briar roses, oak and chestnut splints....the list goes on and on. I've even made a tiny wee basket from linen thread, just to prove I could
The little one I made from the iris leaves is still going strong, and it was simple to make.

Hazel and willow do make really strong baskets though, but you don't need that 'strength' for everything. The original backpack of these isles is made from straw and rush rope. It's incredibly lightweight for the load that it'll carry.

M

 

[Muddypaws]

That looks, to my eyes, a mighty fine basket. I am in awe of your skills!

 

[Robson Valley]

I like your color shifts in the design. Could be hundreds of years old.
Paleo people made hundreds of these, out of grasses as well, for winter food storage.
My _first_ reaction was "I need that for a fruit basket!"

Q: What's the trick to keep the willows from sprouting? My brother created a shrub in his kitchen.

 

[Broch]

You can make baskets from all sorts of plants though.

Agreed; I need to be more adventurous. I was fortunate to have spent part of my childhood education in a North African school and we had a lesson each week on traditional crafts. I particularly remember sitting outside under the shade of a big eucalyptus tree platting raffia then stitching it into place mats and small baskets; great education

 

[Toddy]

You lucky man
Education ought to be so broad, it really should.

M

 

[spandit]

I've harvested my willow for the last couple of years and it's drying now. Hope is that once it's a bit warmer I am going to sit by my pond in the sunshine and try making a basket or two. I'll be soaking the willow in said pond. I've planted a woven willow fedge on the island which should provide some shelter too.

To the OP - that's a beautiful looking basket

 

[John Fenna]

Most of my baskets are made from bramble - lots of it around!

 

[SaraR]

I like your color shifts in the design. Could be hundreds of years old.
Paleo people made hundreds of these, out of grasses as well, for winter food storage.
My _first_ reaction was "I need that for a fruit basket!"

Q: What's the trick to keep the willows from sprouting? My brother created a shrub in his kitchen.

I think keeping it dry would be thetmain thing. And perhaps keep out of the sun if it's fresh willow. You can also use buff willow which has had its bark removed. And it's easier to work with too.

 

[SaraR]

I've harvested my willow for the last couple of years and it's drying now. Hope is that once it's a bit warmer I am going to sit by my pond in the sunshine and try making a basket or two. I'll be soaking the willow in said pond. I've planted a woven willow fedge on the island which should provide some shelter too.

To the OP - that's a beautiful looking basket

Thank you!
I have been thinking of planting some myself but not sure if I've got a good enough location available in the garden.
When I was a kid I planted a living willow domed hideaway in my parents' garden and I'd love to do some live willow structures in our current garden too, it looks so nice and is so sturdy.

 

[SaraR]

That looks, to my eyes, a mighty fine basket. I am in awe of your skills!

It's only my fourth willow basket ever, so plenty of things left to learn.

 

[SaraR]

Unfortunately we don't have much willow around here. In Mid Wales (and I think North Wales) baskets have traditionally been made using hazel but to do that you have to split off the weave material (the first layer under the bark) from the cut stems which takes a long time (for a total beginner like me). It also hurts the fingers

However, seeing such great work inspires me to persevere and have another go - I'll buy some more plasters

There are a couple of willow growers south of here and into Pembrokeshire actually.
I bought some from Musgrove just to have some good stuff to start out with, before trying out scavenged materials.

 

[Janne]

Fantastic, it looks very professional!

 

[Janne]

A great European tradition. So muchcan be made from this wonderful material, from whips for animals to beds.

Yesterday’s plastic, except harmless and more lasting!

I confess that I went on a course too, in Simrishamn in Skåne.
Made a large fruit platter.
30 years ago or so! ( I was the only guy apart from the course giver)