Product Review

For beginners, nature lovers, and expert weavers alike, these pages teach how to create baskets using natural materials found in the woods and fields. One of craft pioneer Osma Tod's most popular books, this guide was first published in 1933 and is still in print thanks to its timeless information and its clear instructions. Tod explains a wide variety of weaving techniques step by step, offering precise diagrams to follow, and her charming way of inspiring respect for natural materials helps make this book one of a kind. The chapters explain gathering and preparing both round and flat natural materials like leaves, roots, reeds, grasses, vines, shoots, willow, pine needles, bark, splints, and more. Instructions for making borders, lids, handles, and fasteners give many options. Projects include a cedar-bark basket for kindling, cat-tail mats, a vine birdhouse, a pedestal fruit basket of coralberry runners, sturdy bark work baskets, and dozens more.