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Basketry: The Oldest Craft
By
Patti McCormick
In today's high-tech world, many people have taken great interest in learning about handmade items
and the handicrafts of yesteryear.
Of all the old crafts -- candlemaking, candymaking, spinning, etc., -- basketry is the only craft
that cannot be easily automated. Therefore, all baskets, even now, are essentially "handmade."
Basketry, of course, is centuries old and is thought by many to be the oldest craft. To me, it is
also one of the most interesting, relaxing and useful crafts of all. I started making baskets
about ten years ago, and have been addicted ever since.
 The sense of accomplishment over a finished basket is a wonderful feeling. I was so excited when
I hooked up to the internet and found all the wonderful information just waiting there!
The internet is a great tool for gathering information and learning new things. There are
virtually hundreds of basketry sites on the web today. Below are a few of my favorite sites that
I return to time after time.
The sites I have chosen here are mainly on the history and instruction of basketmaking, but a few
also deal with supplies and sales of completed baskets, kits or patterns.
Baskets, Etc.
One of the most complete and comprehensive basketry sites on the Internet today. This site is for
basket makers of any level of expertise - from beginner to advanced.
There are tips, feature articles, and pictures to help make your basketry experience pleasant and
successful. There's even a page dedicated to the "humor" of basketmaking. Especially helpful
when that basket just doesn't look like it was supposed to!
Basketweaving
The history of basketmaking is fascinating all by itself, but if you don't have lots of time,
Basketweaving 101 has the short version! Some quick resources and a step-by-step pictorial on how
to weave a fruit
basket will get a beginner started in no time.
A Personal History of Splint Basketry in Denmark and Sweden
A longer, more detailed history of splintbasketry in Denmark and Sweden can be found at this home
page of Per-Olof Johansson. There are also instructions here on how to make a splint basket.
These instructions are accompanied by historical photos of the production steps used long ago
including detailed explanations. Great background information.
Contemporary Basketry
A continually changing website dedicated to providing helpful information on basketweaving,
collecting and using natural materials, and also the drying and storage of these items. A great
place to come to learn the basics about dying your baskets fibers and a section on cleaning your
baskets.
Basketry!
A veritable basketry FAQ! The questions most frequently asked by beginners all answered here!
"Do I have to take a class?" "What kind of basket should a beginner start with?" and "How should
I store my reed & cane?" are just some of the questions answered at this site.
Weaver's Words
 A full service basketry site complete with links to classifieds, a chat room, bulletin board and
an email newsletter - all for free!
Browse through the history section to learn all you every wanted to know about baskets and
basketry or peruse the back issues of the newsletter WeaversWords. There is also wallpaper and
clipart here for those of you who would like to set up your own basketry web site.
Handweaver's Guild of America
For the more advanced weaver, the Handweaver's Guild of America offers a Certificate of Excellence
in basketweaving. For details, go to their site and click on Educational Programs.
There, you will find not only information on the certificate, but also information on learning by
correspondence for members of the guild to receive in-depth guidance with feedback from someone
who is experienced in basketweaving.
Native American Technology and Art
For more info on natural basketry and materials, the Native American Technology and Art site's
section on basketry is well worth a look. They have information on splint, coil and pine needle
basketry.
In this history-rich site, you will learn how baskets were made, dyed and decorated by the Nipmuc
people of Southern New England as far back as 1643. There is also an extensive section on coiled
baskets and detailed instructions on how to make a pine needle basket that includes illustrations.
Just Patterns
This is one site that you can't afford to miss. Although mainly a site to order a quarterly
magazine for basketweaving patterns including a devotional message in each issue, there is more to
this site than that!
Check out the Weavers Exchange for patterns of baskets to make, all free and ready to print out
and use. There is also a helpful bulletin board, a "tips" section, recommendations for books and
links to suppliers. Overall, a very nicely organized site.
I hope that these links will get you started, and that you too will develop a love of
basketweaving that will remain with you for years to come. Happy weaving!
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