basketmaking for beginners: the base

[@CN-rw6dq]

Thank you! This is exactly the kind of ADHD-friendly, fast paced, informative and straight forward with no off-track/off-topic instructions that I’ve been trying to find since I decided to teach myself basket weaving a year ago! I rarely give up on things like this, but this time I couldn’t figure out how to do it. And it didn’t help that I had two kittens that treated my failing attempts as Cat toys and playtime, resulting in further failure on my part. But after this I think I get how to do it now! And my kittens are now «grown-ups», Yay! Will watch your other videos to prevent future failure😂 I never read instructions or join courses😂

[@santanaB87]

The the best video I have come across for “how to weave baskets”!! Thank you. Great step by step. Easy to see and instructions very clear! First time weaver and excited to start!

[@HannaVanAelst]

You are so welcome!

[@francesvaughan1938]

Ռմ

[@nikistarkdevlin570]

I love the way you’ve used the music to help focus. The pause and start is superb and really works for my brain. Superb, instructive, clear video. Well done you ❤

[@GodBearOutoors]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It's an amazingly beautiful and wonderfully useful craft.. Certainly one that shouldn't be lost. Once again thank you. 👍🤠👍

[@brendalucas15]

Thank you Hanna for this informative video. I think the music is a distraction from your teaching too. Thank you again for taking the time to do this video. I'm just learning to weave and I am collecting willow bundles right now. Once they have dried and been soaked (which I also learned from one or two of your videos) I will start the process of learning to make a basket.

[@HannaVanAelst]

Noted! Happy weaving!

[@kikilong7911]

Thanks for this! Your video is easier to follow & understand than some others I’ve tried to learn from.👍

[@babyunii]

Thank you for going slowly and being very clear with instructions

[@HannaVanAelst]

You’re welcome 😊

[@comeonnowu]

Hanna thank you so much for this video! What a fantastic gift you have as a teacher and a remarkable artist. I have grown some willow for basket making but had no idea where to start! So this is an exciting find. You are a remarkable basket maker.

[@HannaVanAelst]

You are very kind, thanks for your encouragement. Delighted to hear my videos are helping you get to grips with weaving!

[@sharonkayknowles6536]

Im loving your channel! I love your voice. I'ts so easy to listen to your directions. I have 2 young willow trees with the fresh green fonds, of springtime. Got me to thinking, hum, basket? Maybe I could use those branches, and there you are just full of everything I need to know! Thank you so much for being here!

[@HannaVanAelst]

Hi Sharon, how lovely to hear! Thanks!

[@susanbanack4855]

Love that you are sharing your expertise! Thank you

[@AbbeyFlamRotbart]

you are amazing! Thankyou for sharing!

[@thepandaman]

Thanks for this! My friends and I had our first go at weaving using this guide at the weekend. Definitely learnt a few lessons along the way, you make it look a lot easier!

[@philliusphoggwick8299]

Amazing thank you so much. This was a good video, it's not gonna be easy so expect like 1000 consecutive watches from me lol. Off out with my clippers now.

[@melvynrutterreedbeds]

Oh I've been missing this info, and it is so wonderful to find it. You are my hero thank you

[@dougsmith7580]

Thank you for a great tutorial ! Now all I have to do is find enough willows to work with. The music was a little much but I could tune it out by concentrating on what you were saying, reading lips and watching closely as you explained the weaving pattern.

[@debbiedigger4939]

Fantastic tutorial. Thank you. We’ve just ordered some basket making willow stems and can’t wait to have a go.

[@beneiseoleinmheart5614]

Where did you order your willow stems from please?

[@LauraHeupink]

Such a nice video! I feel confident trying this, thanks to your explanation. 😊

[@aislingoriordan8364]

I've been watching your videos these past few days and really enjoying them and learning lots. Thanks so much for sharing your skills with us. I've been collection some willow this week and will get more soon. I'm based in Tuscany so I'm hoping the 4-5 months drying-time needed in Ireland will translate into 2-3 months here.. could that be? Starting the harvest/drying cycle I guess is the part that requires the most patience. Which I don't have. So I'll end up getting some dried willow from a basket weaver in my town. I can't be waiting that long. My hands are itching hahahaha Love your work. xx

[@HannaVanAelst]

Hi Aishling, I guess your drying time will be significantly reduced compared to mine but your soaking time will be longer as the rods are more likely to be fully dry. Happy weaving!

[@marinaregueiro4639]

I am just learning to make baskets,,, and I found your explanations very acute,,, thanks very much... I was in Ireland 50 years ago...learning English as many Spanish young women did in those times...as a Gallician..I just loved it. I will subscribe to your channel.

[@HannaVanAelst]

Wonderful!

[@colinmcintyre6397]

Fantastic video, thank you for sharing your skills!

[@karenabrams8986]

Loved this! And that music! Very cool. Thank you! I’m getting ready to go to a workshop being taught by a Pomo native near where I live in northern Cali to try this. So excited. Been watching every video to mentally prepare. I’m only used to weaving coiled baskets. Very helpful video!

[@emmaschauer5409]

Thank you! I don't have willow nearby, but I am thinking about planting berry bushes in my garden. Great video! Maybe I will practice with yarn or something in the mean time.

[@foreverflowers7753]

Thank you! Checking out the Free Course now!

[@jeannelocke8852]

Very clear instructions. Thanks for posting!

[@cleargoldsmith3456]

I have just started following your tutorials and am already addicted! Thank you so much hannah I'm enjoying every moment . Clare g.

[@HannaVanAelst]

So glad!

[@SupporterYi]

Thank you so much for the educational video Hanna Van Aelst!

[@HannaVanAelst]

Very welcome!

[@Siya._564]

Loved this .amazing

[@tothelighthouse9843]

This is an excellent video! Your explanations are clear, but more important: your movements are slow and clear, so we can visually follow exactly what you're doing. It's a shame about the music, it's a little over-powering & I don't think it's necessary. But fantastic video, & you've inspired me to learn more. Thank you for sharing your knowledge & skills!!!

[@anniebird248]

Great instructional video. Thank you!🍃🍃🍃

[@tamarakonczal7975]

Hi Hannah! I am just starting this journey with wild willow. I like the idea of working with wild stock but wonder this: what three varieties of willow would you plant? I am especially interested in historic varieties. Thank you for your generosity!

[@HannaVanAelst]

Hi Tamara, there are many different willow varieties and all grow different in different parts of the world. Some of them are cultivated for basket making, most come from wild stock. And then they all cross pollinate as well! That means that every willow plant is historic. People have always used materials that were locally available to them....

[@ЕленаХодан-ж8я]

Hanna, спасибо, привет из Минска.

[@anc279338]

Thank you so much for all of this wonderful knowledge. You are a true expert

[@HannaVanAelst]

You are very welcome, thank you!

[@dustersinternational221]

Thank you for sharing (I have been to many willow classes, though easy to forget when not making everyday and I have dyslexia) I find your videos very helpful (music is distracting, and too loud, I have tinnitus, maybe just bird sea sounds)

[@HannaVanAelst]

Glad my video's are helpful. Sorry about the loud music, still learning on that front!

[@RubyDaisy91514]

You should sell the material the right length, width etc. For what you are showing. Thank you for sharing, your videos are great! Now to find the right supplies 😁

[@HannaVanAelst]

we will in future.

[@lilianmendez4296]

Me encantó !! Felicidades. Un abrazo.

[@carolvandale5597]

I like the music! Wonderful teaching approach and teamwork. I'm wondering about the bodkin and other tools. What basics do we need to have? And where to find them? Thanks!!🤗💚🌠

[@passingthrough777]

Thank you for taking the time to show us how to do this my friend but the music was a little bit distracting.

[@beggsnachin]

Liked and subscribed. I have a book on how to do basket making, but a video is so much easier to follow. Howdy from Western Washington State, USA. I have been practicing using blackberry vine bark and also swamp grass/rushes since we have that in abundance here. This twisting method has been a game changer for me. Looking for next video on how to transition from the base to the sides of the basket. I always mess that part up really bad.

[@HannaVanAelst]

Hey so happy you are here! I have a video on the side weaving, a 3rod wale, in my free online course. Link should be on the website hannavanaelst.com Happy weaving!

[@riannon75]

Hello! Sorry if it's mentioned elsewhere, might have missed it, but what materials would you reccomend for use in weaving? Which vegetable materials i mean (the branches) 😊 thanks for this GREAT video!!

[@johnbuilds3449]

For me i used anything long and flexible (like a thick stem of a creeping cucumber) but it would be best to use vines

[@nickdunbar2967]

That was great Hanna. I'm doing a short course with Jane Short in Cambridge who recommended your work. I look forward to seeing more .Thanks

[@HannaVanAelst]

Thanks Nick!

[@barrystraughan]

Thank you! You are very good instructor! I've just trimmed my apple tree and have a lot of long and short straight very pliable pieces. Unfortunately, right now I don't have time to spend making a basket. Is it ok to leave them dry out until I have time, then soak them to make the pliable later. If so how long do I have before they wouldn't work any longer? One more question is would it be a good idea to strip the pieces of their bark for a different look and still get positive results?

[@indigomicciche8193]

so nice thank you! I went to your website to learn more but you can't currently register an account on there, I tried 2 devices, just so ya know!

[@juliahelland6488]

Great tutorial! 💯 thanks for sharing ❣

[@HannaVanAelst]

You’re welcome 😊

[@Alina-ut2zg]

Wow this was so helpful! Thank you!

[@HannaVanAelst]

Glad it was helpful!

[@guyosborn615]

Thank you so much for your lovely video

[@HannaVanAelst]

My pleasure 😊

[@banksarenotyourfriends]

What the video doesn't show, is just how strong your grip is! I just went out and tried this with some green willow - it looks like the dog made it but I'm happy with my first attempt, thank you for making these videos, or else I wouldn't have a clue where to start with it. Do you have any advice on how fat/thin the weavers should be, I think I've probably been using stuff that's far too fat 😂

[@HannaVanAelst]

have a look at my other video on how to select willow for basket making...

[@dinkydog56]

Excellent!

[@emersonburch927]

Thank you Hannah! This is a great set of instructions. I’m definitely going to weave a basket soon! Can this style of weaving be done with thin vines, as well?

[@craftjoy6936]

Wow amazing 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@HannaVanAelst]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@vincentoleary6942]

Lovely job

[@HannaVanAelst]

Thank you! 😊

[@leanneames855]

Fantastic, thank you so much.

[@stephenbutterfield3978]

Hi Hannah I have a willow dome that I have taken some cuttings from in order to weave, these have been drying out in my shed for approximately 1 year, they have become very dry, I have soaked them for 1 week but they have snapped when I tried to weave with them, also they still have the bark on. Could you advise me if I have left them drying too long and if I should remove the bark. Thank you Steve

[@Mari-hh6it]

I loved it! I will make my own baskets from now on =) xoxo

[@HannaVanAelst]

Hi Mari, that's great! Delighted!

[@maddiefloyd5]

Wow best video…

[@HannaVanAelst]

Thank you so much 😀

[@lisabaxter7786]

Great job thanks

[@justinewilmot379]

Hi, I live in Manitoba, Canada. I harvested about 70 willow whips last week. I want to make a basket. Should I dry them out inside first then re-soak them before I start the basket making process? Also, how long should I make whips for the base. I'm guessing you might say however long you want your basket. But would you suggest a particular length for a first time basket? might be a silly question.

[@HannaVanAelst]

Hi Justine, yes I would advice you to dry out your willow and then resoak to make sure the willow does not shrink too much after weaving the basket. This would make it loose and wobbly. For practising though semi-green willow is fine. That means you can let the willow dry out a little, until you see little wrinkles on the skin, and then use it to weave. It will still shrink but not as much. As a first basket I usually let students start with 30cm/12" base sticks. Enjoy the weaving!

[@littlebickley]

Hi Hanna - first of all thank you so much for your fabulous tuition. As the previous person says yours are the best and have encouraged me to soak my withies. However, now that I have come to weave my withies are splitting and shredding - I have soaked them in the bath for 3 days they are 3 footers. Have I soaked them too long or should I have let them stand out of the water overnight?

[@HannaVanAelst]

What kind of willow are you using? Is it buff? Or brown? ( with the skin on)

[@littlebickley]

@@HannaVanAelst Thank you so much for getting back to me Hanna. I am not totally sure as it was given to me as a birthday present! It is skin on and a reddish brown typical looking withie. Its from Musgave Willows Somerset which is where I live. x

[@HannaVanAelst]

Very strange. This should usually not happen at all unless it is buff willow, boiled willow without the skin. They only need half an hour per foot to soak... you can send me any pictures via email and I will have a look?

[@littlebickley]

@@HannaVanAelst ok yes ok. I did leave the willow overnight wrapped up in an old sheet and a practice bit seemed a bit better but still a bit splitty so I wetted the sheet this afternoon and thought I would check again in the morning. I'll check out your website for your email.

[@bulletman124XXL]

Great job! Thank you 😊

[@HannaVanAelst]

Thank you too!

[@bulletman124XXL]

@@HannaVanAelst I try to make a basket but I'm not that good at it. Your video is awesome,, Love it!

[@sarahlambert5116]

Hi Hanna, I have just started weaving and love your videos, they are really easy to follow and very relaxing to listen to also. I am keen to find out where you got your bodkin from as i have looked for one on the internet without much success! I'm in England and not sure if they are available here but ones i have seen are not tapered. Did you buy yours locally in Ireland? Sarah.

[@HannaVanAelst]

Hi Sarah, delighted to hear you are enjoying the video's. Yes I buy my tools in Ireland through the Irish basket makers association. You need to be a member. But when you are you get tools at cost price.

[@HannaVanAelst]

Just realise you are in England. Have a look at Musgroves willowgrowers website. They sell tools.

[@AminUrmia-em1yu]

Thank you very much👏👏Great work👍

[@HannaVanAelst]

Welcome 👍

[@AminUrmia-em1yu]

@@HannaVanAelst 🌹🌹👍

[@rrradelle]

Send this lady a thanks! It’s just past the download button above.

[@angeliquegunnels7433]

Best one!!!

[@hushpuppyhiraeth9764]

This may be rude. But I couldn't understand you when you said the name of that spike tool used to split the wood. Do you mind telling me what it is?

[@HannaVanAelst]

It's called a bodkin.

[@emilyrakos]

Did you soak your willow in warm water before this?

[@mcoop488]

Do you soak the pieces or are they fresh cut?

[@Duckgoesquach]

If I work on the base do I need to keep it moist to add the body or is it okay to let the base dry out?

[@HannaVanAelst]

It is totally fine to let the base dry out before adding the uprights ad weave the sides and border. I actually do that all the time!

[@lisabaxter7786]

Sharing is caring

[@rrradelle]

Thanks!

[@dwellinglogs6860]

Thanks so much!

[@liselottechristensen2993]

Tak!

[@HannaVanAelst]

Many thanks!

[@drippzy801]

Can you use kudzu vines for this?

[@monicakeehn3052]

What do I do if the first sticks I used don't bend evenly like yours did? Maybe I didn't soak them long enough. It is not very evenly spaced.

[@HannaVanAelst]

Hi Monica. It is highly likely that your first base will not look like mine as I have had years of practice. I would suggest you practice and make it again and again and again. Seems boring and maybe not exciting advice but making a good basket takes time to learn as does any craft. Best of luck!

[@222foont]

Can I put my partially formed basket in water to keep it pliable?

[@HannaVanAelst]

Yes you can for a short time, overnight.

[@Javaman92]

The willow I tried to use just broke, it wasn't anywhere as pliable as what you have here. What is the secret to getting willow that works?!

[@scoffy2]

Hi Hanna, can I use the willow from a willow tree to make baskets? I have been trying but they seem to snap very easily.

[@HannaVanAelst]

Yes, we all use willow from a tree. The problem is not all willow is good for basket making. To test it, wrap the rod around your wrist. If it does not snap it will be good for weaving.

[@markcheshier3225]

Wow!

[@kathleenegan6658]

I found this really helpful; the video was very easy to follow, especially since when I slowed it down to .75 playback speed. Like Dusters, though, I found the music really distracting, and unfortunately had to mute the instructions. Not the calming, grounded vibe I need while learning an ancient craft out in nature!

[@HannaVanAelst]

Check out my other tutorial on the base without background music.

[@davidschmidt270]

Did she say that she's making the baskets out of willow??? I wonder about different alternative wood you could use🤔🤔

[@trailcattoffee]

What are those "sticks" in the beginning? Theres no exlanation of harvesting the materials used for the base

[@HannaVanAelst]

check out my video's on harvesting?

[@donnarudd1]

Hi Anna where is the link for the free class please, i cannot see it 😊

[@HannaVanAelst]

find it on my website hannavanaelst.com/

[@babyfaceladyface9119]

I've been trying to follow but my weavers keep splitting when it turn them at the angle. Does this mean the willow needs to be soaked for longer?

[@HannaVanAelst]

Yes it definitely sounds like your willow is either not soaked correctly or of the wrong variety. Some willow varieties are just not suitable for weaving and will snap too easily.

[@lisabaxter7786]

Appreciate you

[@reeganheavyrunner4048]

Where did you get these materials?

[@HannaVanAelst]

I grow them.

[@name6100]

than you 😊

[@TheSirbrown]

How wet do you have to get these to weave nicely ?

[@HannaVanAelst]

check out my latest video on soaking willow.

[@Cartamandua]

Really enjoyed this but the music could have been less intrusive.

[@HannaVanAelst]

Noted! Thanks!

[@MrKapeji]

Tried to sign up for the online course but have had no email back, nothing in the spam box either, is the site automatic or am I awaiting a personal response?

[@HannaVanAelst]

Hi, yes this is an automatic email, but sometimes it can go wrong. If you won't mind sending me an email at [e-mail] I will add you manually. Sending much love

[@MrKapeji]

@@HannaVanAelst Thanks Hanna, email sent.

[@JJ63428]

Thumbs up and a request for no music, please.

[@basketshandmadekh1702]

Nice

[@HannaVanAelst]

Thanks

[@BackyardBerry]

Oh darn the course is gone. 😢

[@dakotakl6729]

what material did you use?

[@HannaVanAelst]

I use willow, Salic genus.

[@donnarudd1]

Where is the link🤔

[@SimonHaestoe]

This guide is amazing 👏👏but the music is so distracting with that rhythm that doesnt gel with your speech pattern... :(

[@lisabaxter7786]

Teach how nice

[@Rumade]

I used your tutorials to try and weave a basket out of dock weed stems- not as flexible or strong as willow but I gave it a go. If you'd like to see me struggling along, I made a video of my process: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3S3aWyQgNFggNU

[@sharronstrick1126]

I found the angle of the camera difficult.

[@rudolphwatson1088]

why did you quit

[@paulawakefield7869]

Nice camera but the music interferes with your instructions and distracts from your skill.

[@patrickcarty2186]

Hi hanna, are you still active I have tried to contact you several times to no avail

[@HannaVanAelst]

Send me an email, you will find it everywhere.

[@patrickcarty2186]

@@HannaVanAelst hi Hanna thanks for your reply, I am having problems getting anything to work (could be me lol) I have tried contacting you on your main page for the free course and none of the links have worked there for me.

[@HannaVanAelst]

Email me [e-mail]

[@katienorthenmore1892]

I really like the video. But the music is off putting. As I can't hear your voice well. Its only feed back. Thank you.