I’m packing for next week’s Association of Michigan Basketmaker’s annual convention. It feels like I just unpacked – last week I was in Minnesota. Packing is the worst part of preparing for an event. Mostly because, though I have check lists galore, I am constantly concerned I will forget something. I don’t often mess up, but it happens. Last week I forgot the cane I dyed. I had the black cane with me, but not the box of brightly dyed cane. Basket weavers are wonderful and their baskets looked beautiful; black is a great color for Flight! Today, I think I have everything set aside for my Michigan classes … but I’ll check again.
While I am packing to teach basket classes, I know many of you are packing to come take classes. So what should you take?
Well, l first there’s the must have list, its pretty much the ‘basic tools for basket weaving’ list and then there’s the favorites list. These things should be in your class tool bag – the basic tool set:
- Sharp basket scissors
- Sharp angle or side cutters
- a good packing tool (flat tip, bent or straight)
- awl
- spoke weight
- needle nose pliers
- knife, shaver or scorp
- measuring tape
- clothes pins and/or alligator clips (depends on the size of the baskets you will be weaving)
- towel and water bucket
- bandaids
After that add your favorites:
- packing tool
- lashing tools
- and any other tools you can’t weave a basket without
What would you add?
And while I was looking for student tips, I found this great article “Taking Classes – Tips for Students” on The Country Seat website. Check it out!
And now, I had better get back to check lists and packing so I can weave a little!
Looking for basket weaving tools? Here’s a short list of suppliers:
Arnie’s Arts and Crafts www.basketpatterns.com
East Troy Basketry www.easttroybasketry.com
Royalwood, Ltd www.royalwoodltd.com
Country Seat www.countryseat.com
The Basket Maker’s Catalog www.basketmakerscatalog.com
As I said this is the short list. Where do you get your basket supplies and tools?
Spray bottle
Small Oval sandpaper
I get all my tools from Countryside Basketry Supplies.
Can I add them to your list?
Barbara – great suggestions!
And yes let’s add CountrySide Basketry Supplies http://www.countrysidebasketrysupplies.com/
Have a safe and enjoyable trip! Always love to hear about your adventures!
Hi! I was wondering if you’d suggest the same supplies for someone interested in working with rattan. Thank you! ~ Vivian
yes