Basket making
Basket making is a traditional technique that has become trendy again in recent years. This is because it enables us to create objects that are useful, decorative, and artistic all in one.
The craft is suitable for both beginners and advanced amateurs. Basket makers can choose projects suited to their level as well as their tastes; the possible variations and customizations are endless. Plus, focusing on a concrete project and working with natural materials allows us to take a relaxing break from the hassles of modern life. This book presents 22 stylish, modern projects you can make yourself in just an afternoon or two. Some of these projects are steeped in tradition, while others are more innovative. Let’s get inspired by the art of basket making!
About the author
VIRVE BOESCH (aka Vivi) is an object designer, a workshop facilitator, and a creative entrepreneur. She is of Finnish origin and currently resides in Paris. As a cultural mediation graduate who specialized in applied arts, Vivi loves sharing her expertise with others. As a northerner, her creations are often inspired by the freshness and simplicity of Scandinavian design. During her free time, she likes strolling around Paris, enjoying a good macchiato, tinkering with her husband, and traveling to get inspired by the cultures of the world.
I would like to thank:
J-M, my husband, whose patience knows no bounds even when the house was invaded by rattan weavers.
Hilkka, my mother, who inspired me to deepen my knowledge of the craft.
Flore, my editor, without whom this book would never have been published.
Richard, an extraordinary photographer, with whom I have had the pleasure of working. Laurence, founder of L’Etablisienne, an extraordinary place of learning.
The team of the Société Rotin Filé (Spun Rattan Society), for all their help, as well as the Quatremain clan, for their encouragement and positive energy.
Reed/rattan
Rattan is a natural material harvested from a rattan palm, which is a vine-like plant that grows in equatorial or tropical forests. It is available for purchase in several diameters and is sold in many different processed forms. While rattan is the name of the general material, the word “reed” is more commonly used to described various processed rattan products commonly used in basket making, so you will see the word “reed” used frequently in this book. Reed refers only to certain specific products made from the inner core of the plant, not to all products made from the plant.
Both resistant and flexible, rattan is suitable for making many types of objects. Due to its uniformity and minimal soaking time, it is a great choice for amateur basket makers. That’s why this book exclusively focuses on rattan. If you want to vary the colors and textures of your objects, you can use certain other semi-rigid materials, like iron wire or paper strands, for example, to add variety.
Most projects in this book are created using reed made from rattan core (harvested from the core of the rattan plant). You can purchase reed and other rattan products from craft stores and specialty basket-making suppliers.
The natural color of rattan is light brown. You can also buy it stained in a wide range of colors, or you can make your own dyes to stain your own rattan.
Depending on the type, diameter, and quantity of the rattan or reed, it is usually sold either in a 1 lb. (500g) bundle or in a ½ lb. to 1 lb. (250 to 500g) coil.
Rattan in any form must be stored in a dry, dark, and dust-free place.
Raw rattan
As the name indicates, raw rattan is rattan in its natural state. It is the entire stalk of the rattan, not just a part of it as many other rattan products are. Its diameter varies from
Peeled rattan
This is raw rattan that is debarked and sanded. Its thickness varies. It is used to manufacture furniture and to provide the structure of objects in basket making.
Cane
Cane is obtained from rattan bark/skin, which is treated and cut into caning strands/pieces ranging from
Reed
The general term “reed” groups together the materials made by machining rattan core using dies.
•Round reed
This is rattan core cut into cylindrical sections.
In the United States, round reed is sized with a numbering system where a larger number indicates a larger