Nature Basket

I learned how to make baskets about 20 years ago. I took a class in traditional basket making, using reed and rush. In this class I learned the basics, which then allowed me to brake the rules.

 This weekend I wanted to see if I could make a basket out of the nature around me. So the first thing I had to do was find vines, and other things that could be weaved. Here you will see wild sweet pea, philadendrum, two different blooms from palm trees, wild grape vine and willow.

Now I have my pieces to make my basket. First I wrap my grape vine, making two circles. Then I put my grape vine circles together, using the sweet pea vine. Now its time to put in the ribs of my basket.

In this basket I used willow for my ribs. Once the ribs are in its time to weave.

The wonderful thing about making a basket is once you have the basics down you can do any thing, so be creative. Challenge yourself.

My nature basket is finished. Texture, texture,you gotta love it! Although the colors will fade in time, there will still be variation in color as well as texture,in this basket.

I hope I've inspired you. Happy hunting and weaving!