Creative Basket Weaving

Nature is a constant source of inspiration,” writes Bégot (Basketweaving for Beginners) in this innovative guide to making woven projects from wild plants. Bégot lays out what tools are needed for basic weaving (such as a folding tool and a pruning knife), along with project-specific add-ons (including a staple machine and a hot glue gun), and succinctly covers common weaving techniques. The 23 projects are organized by material: cattail leaves create a shoulder bag, tree bark becomes “Windmill Earrings,” willow stems are used for a bird feeder, and iris leaves form a “Double Heart” decoration. Clear photographs accompany Bégot’s detailed instructions for harvesting and trimming materials (“cattails must be cut at the base with pruning shears,” for instance). A glossary breaks down basic terms and proper positioning (she suggests sitting “at a table or on your knees,” and “using a cloth to protect you from getting wet and dirty”). Resourceful crafters will want to give these eco-friendly projects a look.– “Publishers Weekly”

Sylvie Bégot is a basketry instructor and the author of Basketweaving for Beginners.