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Basket Weaving
Basket weaving is a traditional craft that is certainly growing in popularity. Hundreds of years ago every village would have a basket weaver. These strong, study vessels where perfect for carrying almost anything around both the home and farm, so there was huge demand. The weaving of baskets was a skill that was passed down from generation to generation to ensure the craft lived on. When industrialisation began in the UK, the craft became increasingly unpopular as more durable, longer lasting containers could be produced on mass scale. Thankfully the beauty of baskets and weaving in general was never lost, and the reappearance of the skill is now enjoyed by thousands up and down the country.
Basket weaving requires very little in the way of specialist tools. The baskets are made from anything that is pliable; all kinds of organic fibres from plants and trees are woven into shapes that will produce a strong and hardwearing container. Reed is frequently used for basket weaving as it is easily available throughout the country. Many of the arts and crafts stores that you will find here stock a range of fibres for basket weaving. Reed can also easily be dyed to match other fibres, such as oak or hickory. The tools that are needed are as simple as a sharp knife and an awl, used for piercing and poking through the reeds. Handles and bases can also be easily bought from arts and crafts stores, meaning that you can be totally ready for any basket project.
As a craft, basket weaving can be found all over the world. Aboriginal tribes and Native Americans used basket weaving extensively and work hard to maintain their history and much of the traditional crafts of the home included basket weaving. Many different materials were used, either for spiritual significance or dependant on what was available at certain times of the year. Baskets were also used in rituals as well as being sold and traded for goods.
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