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My Favorite Basketry Book

I am a reader.  I read everything, especially in subject's that interest me.  When I started weaving 7 years ago, of course, one of my first endeavors was to find a book on baskets.  My find was "The Art of Basketry" by Kari Lonning.

In this book, is not are the pictures gorgeous, but it is very well written.  The basic instructions for bases and how to calculate your spokes for round reed weaving is the best I have found.  
Since I started weaving, I have amassed a collection of over 50 basketry books.  But this is the one that I go back to over and over again.

Learning new techniques

I always love learning new techniques that I can use in my baskets. This week, I have been busy doing just that.  Many of you know of my love of waxed linen.  I got started with waxed linen when I purchased a kit from Judy K. Wilson in 2007 when I was living in Oklahoma.  With that one kit, I was off and running and have found it to be my favorite of all materials (so far).

Judy also does coiled baskets using silk thread.  In 2008, I purchased one of those kits with the intent to learn that technique.  Well, as you know, life happens and things don't always get done.  This past weekend, I found that coiled kit and started working on it.  It is called the "Beaded Baby" and it was so much fun to do.

Well, now that has got the creative juices flowing and so far, I have done this.  This is based on another design Judy has on her website.  But it got me thinking about color and how to connect rows of differing colors.  (Don't tell my Dad, but this piece will eventually go to him, Shhh!)

Now, in the area in which I live, petroglyphs are a very big thing.  I have made one basket with a petroglyph design and have been asked for more. This one was done by knotting.

I am excited about the possibilities with this new coiled technique.  Stay tuned for more baskets using this really cool technique.

P.S.
I have found the website of Joyce Shannon who does magnificent coiled baskets using dyed and natural raffia. Her baskets look like the design was painted on after, but it is actually woven into the basket.  Please feel free to mosey on over to her website to Ooo and Ahhh.