Now, I’m not here to teach you how to weave a wicker basket,  but just take a quick look at this picture tutorial with instructions on how to make one.  http://www.bushcraft.ridgeonnet.com/basicbasket.htm .  It shows just how much goes into making a wicker basket.  Baskets are still made by hand, and even though these basket makers are really good at what they do, it still takes some time and many steps to finish one. 

I should know.  Back in high school (Syosset High School) , I choose to make a wicker basket for a class project.  I made a Navajo Native American Wedding basket that was used in wedding ceremonies.  The actual basket was supposed to be about 14 to 18 inches in diameter, but after 25 hours, mine was only 7 inches.  Yes, I soaked and dyed the reeds myself,  but that wasn’t what took most of  the time, it was the actual weaving. Here’s a picture of what mine looked like. The design has particular ceremonial meaning for a wedding.

 I won’t go into detail here, but if you are interested, here’s an article I found that explains it all. http://www.navajocrafts.net/site/618450/page/853656.

I got an A++ on that project and ended up giving it to my teacher, Mr Lukazuski, because he loved it so much. That was a long, long time ago, but I’ll bet he still has it.

So, the next time you see anything wicker, take a moment to appreciate the time and skill it took to make it….and while you’re at it, send one filled with interesting goodies for any occasion.

Lisa