Is Basket Weaving Being Threatened In S.C.

It appears that basket weaving is being threatened in Charleston County according to Business Week publication.

This is happening because of the booming coastal development that has made finding the long swaying sweetgrass much tougher, and also because the upscale homes have been built on the traditional harvesting places. Gated subdivisions, many with "plantation" in their names, will often not let the weavers pass through to pick the long grass that they coil up with palmetto fronds, some bulrushes and pine needles, just the way their parents and grandparents taught them. This shortage appears to be threatening this centuries old American folk art.

The Stokes Marshall and some other local leaders are trying to preserve this art of sweetgrass basket weaving.

Researchers are currently taking an inventory of all buildings, stands, churches and all other sites that are related to the sweetgrass weaving tradition that could be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. But this still means that there is no requirement that eligible sites will be preserved.

This would be a great shame to let this art in this area die out.

Would like to hear what you think.

Underwater Basket Weaving - Ever Wanted To Try It?

Have you ever wondered whether underwater basket weaving was fact or fiction? Well it's true, there is such a thing and it does not just mean "an easy collage course" and you will not need to put on a diving suit and air tanks.

Here is the definition I found from Wikipedia about "Underwater Basket Weaving."

"Underwater basket weaving is the process of producing wicker baskets which will involve dipping reeds or stalks of plants into or under water and allowing them to soak. This soaking process will provide a supple and flexible reed which can then be woven into baskets, given enough time. The baskets will then will be allowed to dry which will provide a sturdy container. Example, some types of basket weaving is done with the weaving canes fully submerged in water from the Arabian sea to preserve suppleness."

Another interesting fact is that the University of California began offering an underwater basket weaving class in 1984. Indiana's Saint Joseph's College, Simon Fraser University in Canada and Reed College in Portland offers this class also.

The University of Central Arkansas recently actually went as far as issuing documentation outlining a proposed "Doctorate" in Underwater Basket Weaving, complete with required courses, for an example, The College Chemistry Levels I and II, to determine the waters pH. (presumably satirical)

So who knew that basket weaving could be so serious?

If you have an interest in starting this craft for a hobby or to save money on buying gifts or to turn your hand to it professionally for monetary gain, then I alway recommend to my students as a good starting point to read this material by David Davis: Basket Weaving Made Easy

Thinking Of Starting Basket Weaving?

Basket weaving is an inherent part of every culture on this earth, it is a very easy, satisfying and relaxing activity that will allow you to have a free flow of all your creativity. Weavers will look for ideas and inspiration in both the old traditional and new sources.

It is not expensive for a hobby and it requires a minimal set of tools and supplies to begin. A basic set of tools and materials that you will require are....

• A sharp pair of scissors or pruning Shears
• A pencil
• Some twist ties
• A bucket for soaking the reeds
• Some clothes pins and small clips
• A spritzer bottle full of water
• A tape measure or ruler
  
• An awl
• A packing tool
• A craft knife

Some basic basket weaving materials

• Some assorted reeds
• Some sea grass
• A selection of dyes to add some color to your baskets

This is all you need to start producing your own woven baskets or containers.

So what is stopping you from trying this addictive activity. Get the easily obtained tools and materials and get weaving!

Basket Weaving - Being In Touch With Nature

Here is a quote about basket weaving that I read some time ago...

"When we are basket weaving we are making a meaningful connection to our past and continuing to maintain a feeling of belonging to something of great value that lasts across the generations. Doing this, we can go through a great sense of bonding with the earth that has always nourished us and nurtured our souls. That affinity results in a sense of us realizing our genuine identity that is priceless."

A romantic definition? Maybe, but I do think that making a beautiful useful object using pure natural raw materials, that are replenish-able and earth friendly, and using methods that our ancestors used quite self satisfying.

Making an item yourself will bring you greater and longer satisfaction than any bought synthetic, mass produced product.

Try basket weaving yourself for an interest that will last you a lifetime.