Craft-a-long: Foraging Basket 🧺

Live: Saturday, June 14th @ 12:00PM CST

Ok, so I have been itching to get into another basket weaving project. I absolutely love how my last one turned out (pictured below). So, join me for another foray into the world of baskets making as I attempt to create another for more foraging adventures. Whether you’re gathering herbs, mushrooms, or berries, I will guide you through creating a sturdy, nature-inspired basket that’s both practical and probably a little witchy looking.

Here is the stem/flower gathering basket I made in the first basket weaving craft-a-long

Even though this is our second basket weaving session, it is absolutely beginner friendly. I mean, I am winging it most of the time anyways...

🌿 What to Expect:

-A guided walkthrough of basket weaving techniques, including forming the base, creating the walls, and finishing the rim.

-Tips for incorporating natural or decorative materials for added charm.

-Suggestions for customizing your basket to fit your foraging needs.

-Plenty of time to connect with fellow weavers and share progress in a supportive community.

📌 What you will need: Tools and Resources: If you are new to basket weaving, they make pre-made kits, which might be a good idea to start with so you can learn the concepts without investing too much time in supply research. Here are some potentially fun kits: Basket Weaving Kits for All Skill Levels | HH PerkinsKentucky Berry Basket Kit – Basket Makers Supply10" Chesterfield Farm Basket KitContrasting Carrier Basket Kit

If you are braving it and making your own basket, here is a supply list:

Essential Supplies: Links provided are for product information and not a direct endorsement of the vendor.

• Basket Weaving Reed or Cane – Flat or round reed in various sizes for the base, spokes, and weaving. Here are the sizes I, so far, like working with, they also sell pre-dyed reed if you want fancy colors, or you can dye your own:

  • Weaving (for in between the spokes: 1/4 flat reed - 350 ft.

  • Base, any style (round, half-round, or flat) I like using round, but there are a lot of options. The 5/8" size is pretty workable: 5/8" Half Round - 40 ft. | 5/8 flat reed - 140 ft. | #10 round reed - 80 ft. ***#0 Round Reed - 2200 ft. good for weaving in beads and other addons throughout your basket

  • Spokes: #7 round reed - 160 ft.

• Clothespins or Clips/Clamps – To hold reeds in place while weaving. I picked mine up at a hardware store. Link to order some: https://a.co/d/9uGmsW0

• Plastic tub full of warm water – For soaking reeds to make them pliable.

• Spray bottle with warm water – Helps keep your reeds from drying out while you are working with them.

• Scissors or Pruners – To cut reeds to the desired length.

• Measuring Tape or Ruler – For precise measurements.

• Small Towel – For wiping off excess water from reeds.

• Protective Cover – A towel or plastic sheet to keep your workspace dry.

Optional Supplies for Customization:

• Accent Materials – Twigs, vines, or decorative fibers (like jute or raffia) for unique touches. I used sinew for the webbing on the basket I made above, and a broken piece of antler as the grip for my basket handle, very witchy indeed!

• Beads or Charms – Can be woven in using raffia or the smallest reed size #0 Round Reed - 2200 ft.

• Sealer or Shellac – Optional to seal and protect your basket for outdoor use. Spray can is easiest to apply.

Gather your weaving materials we're about to make something for your next outdoor adventure!🌿