Basketry Bliss: Unboxing My V.I. Reed & Cane Kits

Hey there, fellow SCAdians and craft lovers! Guess what? I’m absolutely buzzing with excitement! Remember those 6 Traditional Crafts basketry kits I mentioned recently? Well, I decided to take my basket-making adventure a step further and ordered some kits from V.I. Reed & Cane. And you won’t believe it – they arrived yesterday!

Let me tell you, this Introduction to Basket Weaving Kit is a real treasure trove. It’s packed with authentic reeds, perfect for crafting classic basket styles. The kit is super user-friendly, with clear, illustrated step-by-step instructions. Plus, it comes with all the essentials like hardwood basketry handles, hoops, and an abundance of reed and cane. And the best part? There’s extra reed for me to experiment with once I’ve completed the first five kits. And, ladies and gentlemen, those baskets are the Beginner’s Basket Kit, the charming Cape Cod Blueberry Basket Kit, the unique Ear of Corn Basket Kit, the lovely Melon Basket Kit, and the adorable Mini-Heart Basket Kit.

But for me this is more than just basket-making; it’s a journey to expanding my basketry skills! The handout shows I’ll be diving into techniques like working with flat reeds to make square bases, creating bases with round radiating spokes, attaching notched handles, and perfecting the cut-and-tuck method, whatever that is. There’s even a chance to try my hand at lashing rims and constructing baskets with the intricate God’s Eye pattern. And who can resist the challenge of crafting heart-shaped baskets?

This kit couldn’t have come at a better time, especially after the basket-making class at Lauritzen Gardens was canceled. These reed and cane kits should be the ideal next step to refine my basket weaving skills. So, stay tuned as I delve into this basket-weaving thing more. I can’t wait to share my progress and, of course, the final creations with all of you!