I weaved my first basket ever, following the instructions in Susie Vaughan's book Handmade Baskets From Nature's Colourful Materials. The actual weaving took me 2 days but it took several weeks of preparation. Reading the book raised my enthusiasm as she advocates using the raw natural range of textures and colors from hedgerows and wild growths. Harversting increased my awareness of the nature of all that grows in my surroundings. I am grateful to each cutting of willow the river bank offered me. The shrubs around the house were happy to contribute their prunings to my artistic creation, and I was happy not dumping them in the garbage. I let my assortment of branches and suckers partially dry out for 2 or 3 weeks. Assembled my courage and a few essential tools. Selected an appropriate space in the house that would not mind getting wet and dirty. Reread the instructions till I was confident I understood every step. Sorted out my rods, picked the ones that would be appropriate for each function and bundled them in sets ready to soak in the bathtub once I cried GO. For once the material has soaked in warm water until flexible enough, the weaving has to come to completion before it all dries out again, or before it goes slimy from being kept moist in a towel for too long. I am proud of the lovely rustic basket that took shape between my dancing fingers!
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