Coiled Basket Making - Funnel Tool

I've been making coiled baskets this summer. Thinking of how to keep the strands of grass together while I worked, I thought a funnel-type tool would be useful. So I made one out of a rolled up and taped bit of plastic bottle. It works really well.

[@yosipko5282]

Been doing newspaper baskets for years like presents for family, and now im gonna try this thing with straw or dry grass. Thanks for the video. ✌️

[@11Frivole]

I love making newspaper baskets too! I hope you'll enjoy this type of basket making if you decide to give it a try. :-)

[@forest487]

Really great way for people with less mobility and finger dexterity to get into it thank you❤️❤️

[@11Frivole]

You're very welcome! Yes, I think it also really helps keep the size of your coil consistent as you work. :-)

[@melanieknowles6253]

Fabulous. I now want to do a basket weaving workshop. 😊💜

[@11Frivole]

Go for it! There are so many wonderful crafts to learn, aren't there? :-)

[@barbb8117]

What a great little tool! Thank you for sharing!

[@11Frivole]

You're welcome, glad you like it! :-)

[@paulap5933]

Brilliant! I have a huge stand of Mexican Feather grass, Nassella tenuissima, that I want to make into baskets.

[@11Frivole]

Sounds great! I hope you enjoy making it into baskets. :-)

[@janesun794]

So clever, simple and highly functional. For handcrafters, funnel relieves stress in the coiling hand, very ergonimic tool. For youngsters who are developing fine motor coordination, funnel allows them to engage the activity. I b will use it in school program.

[@11Frivole]

Hi Jane, thank you for your comment. I'm very glad you found the video and information useful and even more pleased if this will help youngsters! :-)

[@starzart1979]

Wowww. I've never seen this done before. Looks super relaxing. I could use that in my life 😉

[@11Frivole]

Hi, yes, it was certainly relaxing to do and fun to try something different. I'd love to try other basket making techniques too.

[@kan-zee]

That is a great tip....you have a good son...he makes good needle for mama

[@longyarn4288]

I'll bet you could use a nalbinding needle as well. Which can be found on etsy.com.

[@11Frivole]

Yes, you're right! I really like my wood needles! :-)

[@forest487]

Love the acorn it’s so beautiful

[@11Frivole]

Glad you like it! :-)

[@pujanaik93]

Hello dear... Thank you so much to share your beautiful wok🙏 hope you and your family are well..... Thanks a lot 😊

[@11Frivole]

You're very welcome! Thank you for your comment. :-)

[@lisamaiaambrose6968]

Very clever! Thank you for sharing

[@11Frivole]

Thank you for your comment Lisa. I had so much fun making those baskets! :-)

[@LighthouseJan]

Fabulous!

[@11Frivole]

:-)

[@Naturlich133]

Gorgeous!

[@11Frivole]

Thank you! 😊

[@yaseminb811]

Wonderful. Thanks for sharing.🙏👏😊

[@11Frivole]

My pleasure 😊

[@knackfulknitter]

So clever! Thank you!

[@11Frivole]

I'm glad you like it - thank you of your comment!

[@ancientpathnewmoon]

Wonderful idea. Here in Israel, we have so many wild grasses such as wild barley, oats, wheat, and many others! I keen to try this! What is the binding cord that you are using, please?

[@11Frivole]

Hello, thank you for your comment. Yes any wild grass would work well and I hope you enjoy it if you try. I think I was using a linen cord for that one but many string materials would work too, depending on your preference. I like using a natural material for the cord to keep with the "natural" theme of the project.

[@ancientpathnewmoon]

@@11Frivole thanks for your reply, I'll let you know how it goes

[@sugengpurnomo6766]

👍👍👍...

[@11Frivole]

😊

[@ms.5779]

Really smart!!

[@11Frivole]

Thank you! :-)

[@d00dl3SEd]

amazing, thank you

[@11Frivole]

Glad you liked it!

[@alyssawright3681]

I’ve wanted to try basket making for awhile.. does any grass work and how would you prepare grass for basket making?

[@11Frivole]

Hi Alyssa, I'm afraid I can't tell you what specific type of grass I used... it was just what was growing around where we were on holiday. No preparation needed, the grass was dry (it was in August), we just pulled it out of the ground and got basket-making! The baskets are now over 3 years old and they look just as good as when I made them. I guess the most important thing is that there is no damp in the grass at all... but I have to add the caveat that I'm not a professional basket-maker. Good luck and happy basket-making! :-)

[@marylousallette1817]

Does your son sell the needles?? If so how much are they and what about shipping? Thank you 💐

[@11Frivole]

Hello MaryLou, I'll check with him but I'm pretty sure he'd be happy to make some for sale. I could then list them in my Etsy shop for you to purchase. I'll give you an update when I know more. Where are you based (for shipping)? If you don't want to write here, you can contact me through the "About" tab on my channel.

[@heidicuznets5786]

How can I buy this handmade needle

[@11Frivole]

Hello Heidi, I really enjoy using my handmade needles... but sadly they're not for sale, made by my son for me (I told him he should start a shop!) :-)

[@lisawilson6734]

What kind of grass are you using?

[@11Frivole]

Hi Lisa, I'm so sorry but I don't know! We were at a house in the country and there were lots of dry wispy grasses growing all around. It was late summer and they were all dry so we just grabbed some and made baskets! There now a few years old (the baskets) and look as perfect as when we made them. So whatever the grass was, it was good! :-)

[@lisawilson6734]

So any type of dried grass can be used? (P.s. I just noticed I have the exact same dress as you!) Lisa

[@11Frivole]

@@lisawilson6734 Yes, I believe so, as long as it's completely dry! Ha, funny about the dress! :-)

[@Woodchuckinthesouth]

genius! now, how can something like this be made from natural materials? hmm... something to ponder...

[@11Frivole]

I suppose maybe a piece of birch bark rolled up? Would that work?

[@Woodchuckinthesouth]

glued with some pine pitch... awesome. :-)

[@11Frivole]

Sounds great! I'll look forward to seeing your basket-making funnel in action in the future then! :-)

[@NouriaDiallo]

You could maybe use a large pastry bag nozzle?