The basket maker

Basketry is presented here as both a timeless craft and a practical classroom activity, celebrated for sharpening motor skills, judgment, and an appreciation of an ancient trade. Drawing on the author’s hands‑on experience with indigenous makers and years of school‑room teaching, the guide argues that a well‑taught basket can become a cornerstone of manual training, even when resources are modest. The opening sections set the stage by explaining why the strength of a basket’s base is the key to every successful project.

The bulk of the book walks a novice through the essentials using clear language and vivid illustrations, requiring only a knife, an awl, and strips of willow or reed. Readers learn how to count stakes, choose odd or even numbers, and experiment with single‑weaver patterns, while colour‑coded diagrams reveal simple tricks for decorative effects. By the end of the first act, a student can confidently weave a sturdy bottom and begin exploring the limitless design possibilities that basketry offers.