There are still a few openings at the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch Basket Retreats in Sandpoint, Idaho. One opening in Retreat I (April 30 to May 3) and three openings in Retreat II (May 7 to 10). For more information go to https://squareup.com/market/western-pleasure-basket-retreat.
This is a clear and beautifully illustrated, step-by-step guide to coiling for the beginner, as well as for those who wish to explore more advanced techniques. Sande is a member of the Bay Area Basket Makers and the Redwood Guild of Handweavers. She lives in Santa Rosa.
“With its irresistible combination of form and function, wicker basketry has captivated artisans for hundreds of years. Use these timeless techniques to make elegant and practical baskets for modern use. Whether you are a beginner or experienced weaver, illustrated step-by-step instructions offer a range of techniques and tips for making both round and oval bases, making handles, preparing to weave, and adding color. Projects include a simple plant basket, a bread basket with beads, a lidded sewing basket, and a large double-handled shopping basket. A glossary of basketry terms, a listing of suppliers, and instructions for designing your own basket is included. This book is great for weavers and crafters of all skill.”
An ever-widening range of materials is being used by today’s crafters to weave and coil baskets and to decorate gourds. Over 350 color images display the raw materials, techniques for their use, and final works of art created with them. Along with traditional materials such as reeds, white oak, ash, vines, plants, grasses, and bark, kudzu, grapevines, iris, sweetgrass, paper and wire provide new possibilities. Information is included on where to find natural materials, and how to collect and prepare them for weaving. Exciting uses for alternative materials are also explored, including wire, mesh, and recycled materials. Tutorials and projects from well-known weavers and gourd artists, along with an extensive list of resources, make this book a must have for weavers, crafters, and anyone with a passion for handcrafted fiber art.
This knotted piece by Nancy Briemle was inspired by the granite rocks in the Sierras and took 12 years to complete. Waxed linen and metallic threads are knotted over a carved Styrofoam base with lid.
Aloha. Here is the newest book by Jim Widess. Hot off the press. How to Weave Authentic Hawaiian Lauhala Bracelets. For weavers who don’t live in Hawaii, there are lots of materials that can be substituted to weave the patterns in this book. Jim says this was a really fun project and he hopes it helps keep weaving alive on Hawaii. You can find Jim on Facebook and share your reviews of his new book. 
