There are not many people in the world that have not had at least one basket in their lifetime. But, were they handmade baskets or inexpensive machine-made ones? Were they natural or man-made fibers? Think about those colorful Easter baskets filled with goodies. What about that nice big laundry basket? If a person has enjoyed the experience of having a handmade basket made of natural materials, it is clear they are the best. Handmade baskets are stronger and last longer.
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Choose Handmade Baskets
When a person chooses a handmade basket, they are not only purchasing a superior product but are also helping a craftsperson make a living. It takes a lot of effort to make a basket. Making handmade baskets is time-consuming and takes skill.
- First, the craftsman needs to decide on a basket design.
- Next, they need to gather the best materials.
- The materials used in basket making need to be prepared in time-honored ways.
- Then, traditional basket-making techniques are used to produce the basket.
- When the basket is finished, it is time to market it or get it to the consumer.
Handmade baskets are works of art with every one being just a little different. Baskets can be made from many materials, and there are multiple shapes and sizes to choose from depending on the way the basket will be used. For instance, a laundry basket will be a lot larger than a bread basket.
Handmade Basket Materials
Handmade baskets can be made from many materials following the same basic techniques with adjustments made for the material chosen. Some materials commonly used for handmade baskets include:
- Canes that are long, flat strips cut from fibrous plants such as palms and reeds
- Twigs from different types of trees, like willows
- Plant roots
- Different kinds of grasses
- Vines such as grape or honeysuckle
- Rattan made from Asian climbing palm trees
- Cedar bark
- Recycled fabrics
- Recycled papers
- Man-made materials
- Rope
Traditional Uses For Baskets
There are many uses for well-made baskets. Some of them include food gathering and storage, furnishings, ceremonial uses, art, laundry baskets, shopping baskets, and more. Baskets can be used to store things as large as firewood or as small as jewelry. Baskets can be used as pet beds or to store linens. Baskets’ shapes and sizes can be chosen for the end purpose of the basket. So, baskets can be short and wide or tall and round. Baskets can be square, round, oval, rectangular, or other shapes.
Baskets can be made of natural color materials and the materials can be dyed any number of colors. Baskets can be all one color and a basic design or be multi-colored and include intricate designs. Basket design can be dictated by a person’s location and history. The art of basket making is often passed down from one generation to another with favorite designs kept in families.
Basket Making Techniques
There are four main basket-making techniques including coiling, twining, plaiting, and wicker. But, there are also many variations on each of these techniques. Each basket maker has their own preferred basket-making techniques and variations, which are like a trademark. Collecting unique baskets by accomplished artists is a good hobby, and a person has usable art.
