Basketry Process | Martha Bird

Martha Bird

Basketry Process

Sculptural Basketry

Traditional Basketry

Basketry Process

All baskets are made by a pair of hands. The shape is a unique combination of the materials interacting with the artist's hands. Basketweaving engages my body, mind and spirit. It strengthens my fingers and arms, increases my range of motion, and keeps my whole body limber. Problem solving challenges my mind. Bringing chaos into form feeds my spirit.

I've Got My Eye On You

Sort the willow

Hand position for the Perigord Technique

Complete the initial braid

Make space to add more willow

Initial braid with all 26 extra sticks added

Time to start the spiral

More willow sticks need to be added to complete the spiral

Up and over the head

Halfway round finishing the rim

Not enough willow to complete the rim

Japanese eye

Rim secured and complete

Final view--back

Final view--front

Nebula

Prepare the rattan

Inventory prepared materials

Begin

Figure out next step

Begin the spiral

Add more spokes

All new spokes added

Check progress

Figure out how to soak it so the material stays pliable

Keep weaving

Get perspective

Wet the ends before adding the border

Evaluate how to complete the border

Put the finishing touches on

Get it home

Nebula

Amana Colonies Willow Basket

Willow has "mellowed" overnight after soaking

Gather materials for base

Secure base spokes

Add first set of base spokes

Upsett spokes and shape (bag of salt, clamps)

Create a system to keep the spokes from tangling

Add next set of base spokes

Upsett spokes and weave carefully around corners

Add cross bars to keep square

Build sides

Cover with wet sheet overnight

Complete the sides

Before doing the border, set aside the basket

Practice: Secure spokes

Practice: weave sides

Practice the border

After completing the basket border, turn basket upside down and attach the heel

Amana Colonies Willow Basket

Irish Skib

Harvest

Carry in

Get it home

Sort it by diameter

To prepare the dried willow for weaving...

Cover and "mellow" for 24 hours

Start the base

Secure it

Weave the base

Shape it

Check to be sure it is even on all sides and flat

Add the spokes

Weave around them to finish the base

Upsett the spokes

Pound down the sides as you weave

Weave the border

Irish Skib (Potato Strainer)

Irish Shopper with Aran Island Stones

Start the base

Weave and create shape and spacing with fingers

Finish base

Add spokes

Upsett spokes and weight basket so it stays in place

Build sides

Weave the border

Mark where the handle will go

Finish handle

Irish Shopper with Aran Island Stones

Fishing Creel