The First Nations people in this area perfected the art of basket weaving with the inner bark of the western red cedar tree. Even collecting the bark and getting it prepared is an art. I decided to try my hand at it and found out that there is a lot to learn. My first attempt at cedar bark basket weaving. It won't hold water or small items but it could be used to gather berries if needed.
Well, we were out hiking and we passed by some soft small rushes. So I harvested some and tried my hand at a small rush basket. Don't laugh when you scroll down to see it. Obviously watching YouTube how-to-do-it videos doesn't make you a basket weaver - practice does. And Nancy Jacobs - Basket Master - makes it look sooooo easy. Found out what one of the many mistakes is on my first basket. The cedar has to dry first before getting it wet and cutting it. It shrinks. My basket can now be used as a sieve there are so many gaps in it.
Woodwidow, I think they look nice. I cut down some ash last year and bucked everything into firewood size. Then I saw a vid on how to make ash baskets. Dang. Bet you never thought you'd be a basket weaver, huh?
No Christmas gifts of baskets this year. I need a lot more practice. I am working on knitting socks. Almost got a pair finished but I keep getting sidetracked by FHC website and making baskets.
