Himalayan Blackberry Bramble Bark Basket

At long last, it's finished!
I've been meaning to make this video for the past five years, and now here it is.
Instructions on how to safely collect Himalayan blackberry (Rubis armeniacus) vines and peel the bark for use in flat weave basketry. Other large-stemmed brambles could probably also be used here as well. Between this technique and the round weave method shown in my Pacific blackberry basketry video, the sky is the limit!
My original blackberry basketry video:
kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6Gpaoqrba6okMU
Fun fact: I went back a week later and made a second basket to reshoot a couple of scenes that weren't clear enough. See if you can spot the difference!

[@BlackDragonMirage]

This is why I love the internet; incredible, informative stuff you'd never think to look for directly. Thank you, sir :D

[@PacoWarabi]

You're quite welcome! If I search the internet for something and I don't find it, sometimes I'll figure it out and make the video myself. I feel like I can make my own small contribution to the collective knowledge that is the world wide web.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@conqueringlion420]

Are we still doing the this is why I like the new internet era comments 30yrs later?

[@Child-of-Astara]

Aha! My heart sunk for a quick moment when you said I needed a specialised tool... then began smiling a much-needed smile when you showed the stick. Wow! Been wondering about all this and so glad I found your channel!!!

[@sarahhendricks13]

I just discovered your videos and I'm hooked. I'm a pine needle basket weaver and saw your video using Scotch Broom. My son has Himalayan blackberries growing in his back yard and we've tried to kill them every year for a long time but with no luck. SO, I'm going to try a blackberry basket as well. LOVE the idea of putting a jar of blackberry jam into the basket (my Christmas gift for my brothers this year has been discovered! I'm searching for a place where I can get to some Scotch broom and try my hand at a basket this week. (I'm 71 with some mobility issues, so I need to be aware when I'm walking around brambles, etc.) You look like life is a lot of fun for you wandering around the woods and finding things to do with everything you find! You're keeping old skills alive and introducing them to a whole new audience! Thank you for sharing!

[@PacoWarabi]

Thank you for your kind words! I'm sure you're better at pine needle baskets than I am at Scotch broom baskets. I've worked with Ponderosa Pine needles, and they feel so much nicer to work with than Scotch broom. But I'd rather try something new than do something well.

[@teresaellis7062]

I once needed to clear a large patch of Himalayan blackberries to put in a garden. Seeing how you remove the thorns and the side branches off the vines was very cathartic for me.😁 Those thorns are nasty. I bought welder's leather gloves to protect me and still ended up losing more blood than I would have liked. I should have bought cowgirl chaps to protect my legs!

[@rebeccamaracle2878]

"A specialized tool called..." *grabs pencil and paper* "A stick" *tosses pencil away* No wait! That can be my stick!

[@cryptelligence]

I love everything about this! Anything to encourage people yanking up the invasive Himalayan Blackberry! Have you done any weaving with English Ivy? As I understand, it can be harvested all year round for baskets 🧺 Thank you so much for sharing this knowledge and creating this comprehensive video! I’m inspired and want to use more invasives for crafts!!!

[@katescarratt4267]

That sounds ideal for my garden, but unfortunately I haven't got time to sit and make baskets at the moment as I'm having to cut back so much hawthorn, blackthorn, brambles and ivy! Is there a way to store these vines until I've got time to do something useful with them? Right now I'm just putting everything through the shredder to make mulch.

[@StefaniaFruitarianFarmer]

Thank you! I am a willow basket weaver but have never tried bramble weaving...You are a lovely person and very humble...take care!

[@PacoWarabi]

I'm jealous. I don't have an easy supply of willow; otherwise, I might never make another bramble basket again. I love willow weaving!

[@lalystar4230]

For the split cutting, to make it safer and easier, you could drive a knife into a piece of stable wood, then just push/pull on the vines on the stabilized knife. I find that to work easier. You could also stick 2 or three knives down like that, to make a temporary rig that makes sure the vine gets cut somewhat in the centre without too much work, making it a lot easier, faster and consistent. works also to make the weavers.

[@PacoWarabi]

I've thought of making a rig, but I've never gotten around to it. Good idea!

[@julianefaria7508]

If I ever get into a survival situation I will have tons of baskets and no food But really your vids are amazing

[@PacoWarabi]

I'm hoping that after the Zombie Apocalypse, I become the village basketmaker while others find food and protect me.

[@rachelpeham4800]

@@PacoWarabi lol we will try our best!

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@beggsnachin]

I put my material in a bucket of water because it was drying too fast. I also did my basket start different, just doing the twining from the get go because that square pattern just drives me nuts and I haven't gotten the dexterity to get it right yet. I was surprised to find that blackberry bark when dried makes a surprisingly strong basket all by itself.

[@kelsworthy]

Excellent! Easy to follow. Nice result!

[@bobbyesamdahl]

thank you like your homemade stick tool

[@katescarratt4267]

If you carried on with the basket to make it taller, it would make a nice holder for a bottle.

[@schokey3513]

"...using fingers as buffer" - Good common sense point made regarding knife safety, early in video. With practice, very easily accomplished. So sad weaving is a dying art. Keep it going for !! Very good video.

[@PacoWarabi]

If you're going to cut towards yourself, then it's important to teach how to not cut yourself. I've never cut myself doing this, although I've definitely hurt myself with other tools (one of the best (worst) scars I have is from a manual coping saw). My most popular video by far, with over a million views, is my other blackberry bramble basket video, so I hope that weaving is making a comeback.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@sarahlangdon1965]

Thank you I can’t wait to try this!

[@joanofirk6216]

Excellent tutorial. Your camera angles were very good. Thanks for sharing.

[@PacoWarabi]

Thanks! I shot most scenes multiple times to try and get the camera angles right. I ended up making 2 different baskets on different days because I didn't like how some of the first shots turned out.

[@joanofirk6216]

@@PacoWarabi we're about to move into a house that has been abandoned for over a year. The back slope is covered in blackberry brambles and this is a perfect use for them. Thanks again.

[@PacoWarabi]

@@joanofirk6216 Check my Blackberry Wreath video for some ideas of what your can do with the brambles in the off season. They can be used year-round!

[@gailland8681]

nice basket

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGi6m6porLp-Y7M ، kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHu8gp2jbbKtl9k .. ...

[@huemanexperience1738]

I don't have Himalayan blackberries, thank goodness, no thorns on mine. However, I grow mine for food. Now I know what and how to use the vines that are old and won't produce anymore berries. Mine only grow fruit on second year vines. So no cutting any vines with flowers for me, that's the future crop I'm counting on. You made this video four years ago, and there's still someone out there, Me! , that's wondering if my old vines could be used practically. Very informative and will be giving this a try next spring. I will have a ton of vines that will be "spent" and I'll be trimming back next year. However, I will be "attempting" a much larger basket and two handles. Thanks for sharing your talent!! ✌️❤️💯

[@PacoWarabi]

One note - this can only be done on new canes, before the fruiting season. That's the only time of year that you can separate the bark from the core. I don't know if it would work in your situation. I do, however, have plans to make another video showing how to use the vines later in the season, which might be ideal for using the "spent" canes. Stay tuned . . .

[@huemanexperience1738]

@@PacoWarabi after I wrote this I realized that...the second year vines are "harder". However, they are flexible. That's why I went looking for videos. Maybe not separate the vines, make sure they're thinner ones. Kinda like the grapevine weaves I've seen. Will look forward to seeing your future video though. Would really like to try something new and show my grandkids. ✌️❤️💯

[@katescarratt4267]

You have thornless blackberries?? You don't know how lucky you are. Mine are vicious and personal!

[@BoredWithBen]

i was watching the videos of guys building houses and pools in the forest from scratch and i'm like "hey i can do that,But lets start of simple with a basket!"great video man love it!

[@PacoWarabi]

I watch those guys sometimes as well. But I think I'll stick with baskets. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@G0zdniM0z]

Great video and idea, I'm gonna use it on my youth summer wilderness camp. Thanks Paco!

[@PacoWarabi]

It's a great way to keep youth occupied when they have no cell service ;-)

[@twilightgardenspresentatio6384]

I totally ran into this video by accident and you just made everything easier thanks dude. I need to catch up!😊

[@katescarratt4267]

Me, too!

[@lisascenic]

That’s really brilliant!

[@melodyst.claire5389]

Love love your basket!

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGi6m6porLp-Y7M ، kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHu8gp2jbbKtl9k .

[@beggsnachin]

I have made this basket, using the older, thick vines, like an inch or so wide. I used wider strips like this. Theres another video outnthere that says to use the younger green vines gor making cordage. She used a butter knife to scrape the bark off the outside (young, small green vines) and then split the vine in half with her fingers to take pit the pith. I found my resulting bark basket dried pretty quickly whike I was weaving, so I pit the pieces in a bucket of water. The resulting basket is SUPER string. Probly why the bb vines jist destroy my weed whacker. Dont ever use those electric string trimers. So lame. I caugnt two on fire. They hate blackberries. Lol I'm actually on here researching things to spin for clothing. Nettle is one, I know. Flax. I have a little of each of those. Not enough. But I have lots.of bb and lots of thistle.

[@PacoWarabi]

I know this was four months ago, but I do have another video about bramble cordage. Short answer, you can use the inner bark of bramble to make a very strong cordage, but you have to scrape off the outer bark, and you can only do it in the spring.

[@abbiemurphy7098]

The stick to open the tie off I was never taughtr. THANKYOU

[@destination...diamond3892]

😍 beautiful!

[@monitoot]

Thank you 😊 now I know how to make a basket from palm leaves 🌴and then I'll fill it up with delicious dates 👌🏼

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGi6m6porLp-Y7M ، kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHu8gp2jbbKtl9k .

[@francescaa8331]

Love the old crafts, thank you.

[@PacoWarabi]

Himalayan blackberry is not a native species here, so it's an old craft with a new material. I love mixing it up!

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGi6m6porLp-Y7M ، kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHu8gp2jbbKtl9k . ......

[@charlesatwell9976]

You are a good teacher. Thanks.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGi6m6porLp-Y7M ، kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHu8gp2jbbKtl9k .. ......

[@thaelfern]

so excited to try this, we have tons of blackberry vines on our property, they get huge and super woody, so i imagine the dried result is very strong!

[@editherman.2555]

Thank you for these videos! I really enjoyed them!

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGi6m6porLp-Y7M ، kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHu8gp2jbbKtl9k .

[@emm_bee]

I live along the Sac/American River and there are tons of wild berries. I can’t wait to try this out now. Thanks for sharing!

[@PacoWarabi]

Oh great! Yes, take as many of the invasive blackberries as you want. The wildlife will thank you for it. As an FYI, I'm guessing it's too late in the season to use this technique. The bark is probably too stuck to the core at this point. You may have to wait until next year, although if you find some fresh growing sections, you might have some success. Good luck!

[@loisraymcinnis6006]

I love learning this. Thank you.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGi6m6porLp-Y7M ، kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHu8gp2jbbKtl9k .. ...

[@hannahstine1126]

I appreciate you sharing your knowledge on this platform. It really helps people get a more basic understanding on crafts.

[@PacoWarabi]

The way I see it, I'm not the best basket weaver. I'm not the best video maker. But I'm pretty good at combining the two, which allows more people to learn these skills.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@Dragonfly0314]

Great teaching style. Thank you.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGi6m6porLp-Y7M ، kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHu8gp2jbbKtl9k .

[@zigabregant6924]

a specialized tool called a stick :DDDDDDD

[@PacoWarabi]

You never know. In some areas, they might not have sticks.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGi6m6porLp-Y7M ، kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHu8gp2jbbKtl9k ...,,, ,,,,,

[@TheTedazerty]

So cool! Thanks for sharing !

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGi6m6porLp-Y7M ، kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHu8gp2jbbKtl9k .. ...

[@thevagabondsageinthewoods]

Very informative and enjoyable. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@PacoWarabi]

You're very welcome. I believe very strongly that knowledge is an unlimited resource, so we might as well share.

[@thevagabondsageinthewoods]

PacoWarabi The first basket I make from shrubbery on my new land will be in your honor for teaching me this! I mean that!! Paco is an easy name to remember!

[@PacoWarabi]

@@thevagabondsageinthewoods Aww, thank you! Paco is a good memorable name. That's why I picked it back in high school and have been using it for around 25 years.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@MH-mx3xv]

This is really, really great!!!

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@SuperPhoneDialer]

Paco you absolute legend

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[@aurinslady7119]

I can't wait to try this.

[@PacoWarabi]

I can't wait to hear how it goes!

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGi6m6porLp-Y7M ، kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHu8gp2jbbKtl9k .

[@crochetart2691]

Beautiful 👍👍👍👍

[@RG-rl6hj]

my local forests are covered in blackberries and I can't wait to use them! Thank you

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGi6m6porLp-Y7M ، kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHu8gp2jbbKtl9k .

[@porkchop0711]

That looks so good thanks

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@romonaelrod7870]

Pretty basket. Looks like it is easy to make.

[@PacoWarabi]

It really doesn't take that much work. And once you've done it a few times, it just comes naturally.

[@cr8cat794]

Excellent video, exemplary communicator / demonstrator. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@PacoWarabi]

Thank you!

[@HaphazardHomestead]

That's so great! That's such a great camp craft. I'm going to be taking a stick to some blackberry canes, for sure! I wonder how many potential baskets there are in the Pacific Northwest, lol. We all better get busy with it! And then put a jar of blackberry jam in our basket. Thanks! :D

[@PacoWarabi]

One of the best things is to make a little blackberry basket now, and in a month, fill it with blackberries. Best gift ever for out of town visitors! The baskets are made with the first-year primocanes, and the berries grow on the second-year floricanes, so any baskets you make now won't affect the harvest later in the season (not that it usually matters anyway -- there are so many berries!)

[@sonneneinhornandrelina744]

Du hast große Bewunderung von mir, sooo schön hast du das gemacht...alle deine Videos sind sehenswert und man kann viel lernen von dir....ich wünsche dir alles liebe auf deinen Weg.

[@PacoWarabi]

Danke schön

[@julianefaria7508]

PacoWarabi Wusste garnicht das du deutsch sprichst

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@DryLog420]

Right on! Came here from your suggestion last night and I think it'll be a relatively nice project. Thanks for sharing man! Decent man! Hahah

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGi6m6porLp-Y7M ، kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHu8gp2jbbKtl9k .

[@monicajohnson4473]

Beautiful! Thank You!

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@Dona-fu9zh]

love these sort of videos, making something useful, a form of upcycling...motivated to make a basket out of lantana, (using Pacific Blackberry method) and other environmental weeds...thankyou.

[@PacoWarabi]

Do you know the difference between a weed and a desirable plant? People just haven't figured out how to use the weeds yet.

[@lyndagreen8294]

Love your video. I think I will try making a basket.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@samsen3965]

Exactly what I wanted to know. Thank you dearly for this great tutorial and excellent content. Thumbs up

[@PacoWarabi]

You're very welcome! You should know that there are many palm leaf basketry videos out there, so if this technique doesn't work, you could definitely try one of theirs.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@lzeph]

Really enjoyed this one. I have a LOT of blackberry brambles in my back yard. Think I'll make some baskets. Thanks!

[@PacoWarabi]

Once you get a feel for the material, there are so many other things you can make with blackberry bark as well. I even have a hat band made from the stuff!

[@lzeph]

That's so cool!

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@BLK2000]

wow, another cool crafty make :) x

[@PacoWarabi]

Glad you're enjoying them.

[@usualsuspect5173]

Brilliant...good video

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@SpeakUrMindShareUrWords]

🌺Another very informative video. Love your ikebana scissors😊 Aloha from Hawai’i.

[@PacoWarabi]

THAT'S what they're called! I was having a hard time finding the name of them (I've had this pair for 15+ years).

[@rbratek63]

I just about fell over when I saw those scissors! I have a pair just like them but could never find info on them. I came to your comment section hoping someone would mention them...I wasnt disappointed. Thanks for the basket weaving instruction AND for the info on the scissors!

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGi6m6porLp-Y7M ، kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHu8gp2jbbKtl9k . .

[@erikah6118]

Thank you for this! I didn't know it was possible to weave baskets with these awful plants. I need to get me a set of decent gloves so I can attempt this.

[@PacoWarabi]

My ultimate goal is to figure out how to use Himalayan blackberry plants in as many ways as possible, because no one will mind me taking as many as I want. I've gotten to the point where I barely even wear gloves for the dethorning any more. The stick trick works quite well to remove the thorns.

[@erikah6118]

@@PacoWarabi I've done tea from young leaves and buds (wash, then ferment by stuffing them in a jar and leaving it for a week or so.) It tastes kind of like oolong! I wonder if the vines are durable enough to make brooms with.

[@PacoWarabi]

@@erikah6118 I've experimented with the vines, and if you find a really thick one in the winter, it might be strong enough. They do shrink substantially when they dry. If you're in the Pacific Northwest, I'd try Scotch broom as a broom handle (and the bristles!) or mullein. I've experimented with the tea, and you can also pickle the young canes. They make cute star-shaped pickles. Apparently you can also cook the tender canes as an asparagus substitute, but I've never tried it myself.

[@erikah6118]

@@PacoWarabi I gotta try that -- thank you! Now that bamboo shoot season is over, it'll be nice to try another tender shoot for stir fries and such.

[@PacoWarabi]

@@Lawknee @Loni Carr Heh. I actually have another video on how to make mullein walking sticks. You remove the leaves and clean off all the fuzz, then let it dry for a couple of weeks, and you could make it into a broom handle. My 2015 New Year's video features a mullein handle broom. It's more a decoration/prop, but it looks really cool!

[@darklordrowan6152]

Nice thanks for making this video, definitely gonna try it :D

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@couturehomestead5826]

Saw your firrst video.....These are the king of blackberries Ii have. Yay!!!

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@suttonelms1]

Fascinating; thank you.

[@PacoWarabi]

You're very welcome!

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@gillianbc]

Well done - such a cute little basket. It'd be great as a biodegradable planter. I have plenty of brambles in a weedy corner of my garden. I also have lots of native english hop vines which grow like crazy, so I might try those too.

[@PacoWarabi]

Thanks! I think the biodegradable planter sounds like a great idea, although I'm not sure if it would biodegrade before the season is over, ruining anything you planted inside. It would be worth an experiment! The English hops sound intriguing. If they're anything like the hops I'm used to in the US, you would probably want to use my basketry techniques from my other bramble basket video. That's better for round weaving materials. I'd love to see the finished product!

[@tamilouduplechin7927]

Another awesome video. Lol funny end

[@sandrastreifel6452]

I’m going to make one this spring, when I see the brambles flower!

[@PacoWarabi]

Great idea!

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@larryd6143]

Thanks Paco, my neighbor has enough blackberries to make a million baskets. Let me know if you run short. Both videos were very informative.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGi6m6porLp-Y7M ، kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHu8gp2jbbKtl9k ,

[@elsagrace3893]

This is really amazing info. I’ve always wanted to try it but no lessons to be found anywhere and during the late 70s I remember jokes being made about college students being educated in “basket weaving 101” as though it was an utter waste of time and resources. No learning is a waste as it can always be applied in some situation. Thanks Paso.

[@PacoWarabi]

I actually had to search all over my university's catalog to find a basketweaving class. They had it hidden under a title like, "Special Problems in Art," or something like that. I learn a lot from KZbin. And if I can't find the exact instructions I want, I try to make that video, to add to the common knowledge bank of the world. Glad you find it useful too!

[@adymode]

Where can I acquire one of those specialised de-jagging tools? As a discerning shopper Im looking for a top quality "schtik"

[@PacoWarabi]

I believe you can find them on Amazon. I got mine from a master craftsman.

[@sylviemaraj3166]

Bravo très bien expliqué .image claire 😊

[@cyberp0et]

You've just got yourself a new subscriber. Presumably you know how to make rope as well

[@PacoWarabi]

Glad you enjoyed it. I've made a video on how to make cordage from blackberry vines as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnzOnHaefbiaipo

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@trspriyadarshini2468]

Awesome

[@ateleskier7066]

Excellent video - so much information in here, so many techniques and tips that can be adapted. It's interesting to me how similar your countryside vegetation looks to that in Britain. At a casual glance that hedgerow at the start could easily have been in England. I'm going to try this with our UK brackberry vines, but this technique could also be used with our flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) whose leaves are also great for making rope for basket-seating. Looking forward to more videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@PacoWarabi]

Do you know about the Douglas Fir? I've heard there are areas of Britain that the Doug Fir has become naturalized. I'm not surprised that we have similar plants growing. We have flag iris here as well, but it's an invasive species (much the English Ivy and the Himalayan Blackberry). We've gotten a lot of species from Europe -- even Europeans!

[@ateleskier7066]

@@PacoWarabi Yes, we have the Douglas Fir here in Scotland, mostly on the Atlantic West Coast where it's milder. Thanks again.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@MelindaIsSus]

nice!!

[@melissajarvis4829]

Love this basket. Nice addition to your original basket making video. However, I don't think our vines ever get so thick in diameter. And, I'm sure it's also the wrong season right now. 😞 Oh well.

[@PacoWarabi]

This is just an example of flat material weaving. I learned this technique with flat reeds, but I've seen people do similar things with bamboo, or even paper. I don't actually know what I'm doing. I just try stuff until I like the results.

[@reallyabilbo2096]

Suuupah cool! Thanks!

[@zandemen]

3:04 fingers are no longer a buffer and your left hand is at risk. Use a thinner blade that doesn't need to be pushed so hard, will be a bit safer.

[@loadapish]

Excellent buddy thanks

[@PacoWarabi]

Glad you found it. After I made the first video, I knew I needed to make this other one for the larger stemmed vines.

[@loadapish]

@@PacoWarabi well i thought id update u. I gave it a go. I found it to be quite hard work collecting the vines and stripping them down. I had a lot goin on, so i didnt have hours to devote to it. I left it overnight and when i went back to it today they had dried a good bit so it was hard to split them and separate. Almost impossible to separate the bark. Anyway i still had some bark so i sprayed them with water and gave it a go. It was a learning curve and i enjoyed it. Only got about 4 wraps round the outer walls before i ran out material. It was small but good for a first attempt. I didnt realise how time consuming the process is. Thanks for the idea and the lesson 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@PacoWarabi]

@@loadapish Thanks for the update! It might still be too early in the season to really get it going. With the new vines, the bark just slides right off. I could probably split a vine in a couple of minutes, and pull the bark off in less than a minute, but that will be in another month or so. Right now, it would take forever. And returning to them after they dry out makes it harder still. Give it a month, and you'll be astonished at how easy it can be.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@howarthe1]

I love this project so much.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGi6m6porLp-Y7M ، kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHu8gp2jbbKtl9k .

[@elsagrace3893]

A mounted upright blade would be awesome for splitting tons of vines just by pulling them through.. wow this is awesome info. Som many blackberries and they grow so easily. This material looks so tuff.

[@PacoWarabi]

The problem with just an upright blade is that they wouldn't split equally. They end up pulling to one side (I've tried it). I've spent many an hour thinking about a device that you feed the vine into, and it dethorns and splits all at the same time. Like a hollow tube with a blade. The tube knocks off the thorns and the blade splits it. Hmmm . . . Now I'm thinking about it again . . .

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@matematicaespirituyarte1740]

Gracias.

[@PacoWarabi]

De nada.

[@ludouglas1]

good job, Paco. Love it. I like how the base has wide warps and then the sides are finer. I love it. But I'm loving all of your woven baskets and tutorials and I didn't know that about the blackberry bush - splitting it and using the outer only. I'm learning all the time I was nervous as you cut the branches with the knife coming nto your hand. I'd be too afraid I'd slip - I do wood whittling and it reminded me of that kind of action. :-0

[@PacoWarabi]

I know it looks dangerous, but this is an old technique used when you're splitting wood rods down the middle. If you have your hands in the right position, it's impossible for the blade to slip and cut you. And that's coming from someone who has some pretty good scars from woodworking. I'm pretty careless when it comes to safety, but I've never hurt myself on this technique specifically. Glad you're enjoying the videos! I've got one more I'd like to do this summer. We'll see if I get to it.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@brightautistic]

I just came from the other video and damn you grown!

[@PacoWarabi]

You should see me now. The pandemic has made me grow wider . . .

[@romonaelrod7870]

@@PacoWarabi lol

[@shelleypilcher3812]

What happens once it stays? Can you get it wat often? Will it desenigrate fast? How long?

[@clubritz]

Thank you so much for the videos. Now I will go outside and see which thorn removal technique will work here. Hoping the stick works because I’m not sure I have canvas.... Off I go.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGi6m6porLp-Y7M ، kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHu8gp2jbbKtl9k .

[@vancezwalt4667]

Thank you based basket weaver

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@lilianmendez4296]

Gracias por compartir .❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@PacoWarabi]

¡De nada!

[@gwanma]

love your video...where did you learn so much? Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@PacoWarabi]

I'm fascinated by the world. And I don't have a TV.

[@dawngale3457]

I have problems using grapevine so I glad to know have other choices.

[@PacoWarabi]

The good thing is that you have permission to use anything you want. Some techniques work better with some materials, but really, try everything!

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@daieast6305]

i ate ma whole breakfast while watching this guy make a basket

[@PacoWarabi]

I've heard it aids in digestion! At least it's less likely to give you heartburn than watching the news.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@pearish]

I just started learning how to weave with palm (just basic palm mats, mostly) and was looking for an easily accessible and more sturdy material for actually attempting baskets. What better material than the Himalayan blackberry, the scourge of all rivers in Northwestern America!? Thank you for the incredibly informative and helpful video :) going to bike over to a cluster where the Himalayan species is choking out or native Californian variety and give em what for.

[@PacoWarabi]

Yes, do it! Although it might be the wrong time of year right now. The bark comes off easily in the late spring (the general rule of thumb is when they start blossoming). And as an FYI, I also have instructions on using the California Blackberry (known as the Pacific Blackberry around here). But if it's a battle between the two species, take out the Himalayan for sure.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@shelleypilcher3812]

Do u ever make baskets that are so tight to carry water? How do they stand up to long use?

[@yonwife5879]

I’ve just found your channel, thank you so much for sharing. Is there anything you can do with the hard inner part of the bramble, the bit that gets thrown away?

[@PacoWarabi]

Compost it, maybe? I generally just throw it back in the bramble pile, where it will eventually decompose. They're an invasive species that only live for two years, so I don't mind "wasting" part. I do have another technique that uses much more of the entire vine, but I'll have to wait until later in the season to demonstrate that. To be continued . . .

[@yonwife5879]

@@PacoWarabi ah thank you. I’ll be using British blackberry stems. Looking forward to seeing your next videos. 🌸

[@jep9092]

Whered his hippy hair go? I just came from that other video and I liked how he looked

[@PacoWarabi]

Check my New Year's videos from 2013 and 2014. I liked how it looked, too, but biology and Male Pattern Baldness had other plans for me.

[@peety6323]

He made a basket with it.

[@PacoWarabi]

@@peety6323 Ewww! Actually, I did read about how people would nälbind (something like knitting) horsehair into clothing items. So if you could do that with horsehair, why not with people hair?

[@katk7505]

@@PacoWarabi people do it with dog hair too, make yarn out of it and then use it for clothing

[@PacoWarabi]

@@katk7505 I've seen cat hair yarn as well, and knowing what people's houses sometimes look when they have longhaired cats, it makes me want to gag.

[@kdm1234gmail]

thats so cool. I see so many possibilities. maybe i can find some trees that have sappy build up on the outside of their bark and use that build up like a clear coat. boil it to a liquid and brush it onto the basket. That would seal the edges and water proof it to a degree as well.

[@PacoWarabi]

That would be pretty cool! You might make the bark waterproof, but I doubt the basket would hold water with all those holes . . .

[@kdm1234gmail]

hehe who knows? Least the basket would stay drier and keep the berry juice from picking berries from staining and soaking into the materials.

[@PacoWarabi]

That's true. After filling the basket a time or two with blackberries, the inside of the basket has definitely been stained. Not that I mind the new coloring, but it would be nice to be able to wipe up the stickiness so I don't attract ants.

[@kdm1234gmail]

yeah. Ants do tickle an awful lot.

[@dirtypagan5793]

FYI I’ve learned birch sap is very effective for that purpose, the Huron used it to waterproof their canoes.

[@chrissysnakedwisdom4699]

Had me laughing at the beginning. Great stuff.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@Marialla.]

Hi, Paco! Thx for your cool weaving/foraging videos, they're my favorite! Maybe someday make a video about cedar tea. Nobody seems to know about it, and it's my favorite tea! I drink it every day. I live in the PNW same as you, so I'm sure there's cedar in your area. Just chop the leaves and brew like any other tea. (Always fresh leaves, never dried.) Very mild, not bitter, almost flowery or fruity flavor. Only tastes resinous if you steep it WAY too long. Full of vitamin C and antioxidants. Thought I'd share the idea with you in case you're not already familiar. I'm sure you'd love it!

[@PacoWarabi]

I'm not familiar with cedar tea. I'm assuming you're taking about Western Redcedar? That's fascinating. Does it matter what time of year you harvest them? I'd love to see a video. Next spring, I definitely recommend you try Douglas Fir spring tip tea. You get the fresh green tips from a Douglas fir, and make tea from those. Very citrusy. I'll just chew on a few needles as I walk down the trail. Delicious!

[@Marialla.]

@@PacoWarabi :D I have had tea from douglas fir tips and it is very good! Never tried chewing them raw though. I've tried teas from all the pines, firs, spruce, cedar etc. in my area because I heard ALL of them are edible, and they are all interesting. But cedar is beyond question the very best. Spring leaves are excellent, but you can use leaves any time of year, so I wouldn't wait if I was you. Yes Western Red Cedar is the one we enjoy in the PNW but I've also heard pretty much all cedars are also good, except one weird one from the East Coast but I'm not there so whatever. It has also been said that every single tree will have its individual flavor, so I have a personal love for my home tree, and talk to it a little bit whenever I harvest a branch. Lil' friendly forest witchery there, I guess.

[@pointsoftruth421]

Thanks for sharing! God is good!

[@dirtydan179]

huh?

[@JoRiver11]

Paco is good.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@heidinein645]

its awsome.. thank you very much.. its possible to combine it with other barks.. like trees right?

[@PacoWarabi]

Oh, definitely. There are a lot of mixed materials baskets out there. It can be used for aesthetics or for structural reasons. Mix it all you want!

[@Hemmings-qd6hg]

Thanks!

[@PacoWarabi]

You're very welcome!

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@shelleypilcher3812]

Can I store a bunch of bark vines for winter use and when they dry out just soak them in water before I start a project with them?

[@daxhopkins7312]

Yes, but normally I'd separate the bark while fresh. Keep only the bark. It does feel quite different to work that way, but still makes useful products Edit: on re-reading, i think i should clarify that i wouldn't soak the dry fibres to work with them for most things; I would dampen them. At most, dunk them briefly in water. At a minimum, wet your hands regularly.

[@lauralauklein5825]

hi paco! love the video. would you say that using the black berry bramble before it flowers is too young? It is just beginning to leaf out here in the south east and I am eager to try this technique! Thanks for the video!

[@PacoWarabi]

What you want is either the first-year growth (coming from the ground), or the second-year growth that is coming from the pre-established canes. At least around here, the only canes available are last year's growth, and the bark is too strongly attached. However, that's my experience with Himalayan blackberry in the Pacific Northwest. It may be different where you live. Go chop off a two-foot piece and see if the bark comes off easily. No one will mind!

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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[@BanjoBumbleBee]

Superb video. Obviously theres a lot of downtime when you go camping. From start to finish how long do you reckon this takes?

[@PacoWarabi]

Thanks! When I'm making this art, I lose track of time as I go into my flow state, but I'm thinking maybe an hour or two from start to finish. I can definitely say that it takes a lot longer when you're also trying to film and get the camera angles right and reviewing the footage to make sure the instructions are clear and making a second identical basket because you're not satisfied on how one of the steps turned out.

[@user-is4ev3cr5b]

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