Basket weaving

Basket weaving must be one of our oldest and most globally distributed crafts; in its most basic form, the only tool required is a knife to harvest and trim the fibres and the only material needed are the fibres which grow locally to the area. We know of baskets being in use as far back as in ancient Egypt; in Biblical times, the baby Moses was placed in a ‘Moses’ basket (as it became known) and hidden amongst the rushes to escape Pharaoh’s order to kill all the baby boys in the land. Thankfully he was then found and adopted by the Pharaoh’s daughter…but that is another story!

Articles for trade were placed in baskets distinct to their geographical location and as traders carried their wares across the continents, the art of basket weaving was also transported from one people group to another. New and different patterns were admired and copied and thus designs merged and expanded. While there is vast variation in styles, techniques and the weaving process, the beauty of basket making is that out of fibres taken from the local landscape, something practical, attractive and useful is made. Baskets are inherently regional and are intertwined with the patch of land from which their fibres are harvested. As such, they not only have ultimate sustainability credentials but also are a celebration of their particular locality. A foraging trip here in the UK could produce willow, rushes and grasses, along with woods such as oak, ash, chestnut and hazel for stronger baskets. Basket making has been a traditional rural craft for centuries, and we have a delightful connection to the past when we use handmade shopping baskets, laundry baskets, baby baskets and gardening trugs.

Macrame

Macrame (the creation of a textile product using knotting techniques) is not quite such an ancient craft but still dates back at least to the thirteenth century when it is believed to have emerged from Arab weavers, who knotted the end threads of their hand-loomed fabrics together to form decorative fringes around their creations. It became popular in Victorian England, where it adorned many household items. It then enjoyed a resurgence in the 1970s in which it is almost synonymous with the decor and fashion of the era. It is now, once again, enjoying a resurgence in popularity among crafters and buyers.

Macra weave

Macra weave is a fusion of macrame and weaving, fashioning stunning wall hangings with a bohemian vibe. As the latest trend in fibre art, it is a fun and growing wave on which to be surfing.

As crafters, we know there is something immensely satisfying and stress-busting about working with our hands. Maybe it is the rhythmic nature of the work, the sensory input we receive from the materials we use or the opportunity for our innate creativity to find expression; probably a mix of all of these. In our fast-paced, often screen-focused world there is increasing recognition of the value of practising a creative skill, whether that be arts, craft or music-based. Alongside this, there is a desire to learn these new skills, which opens up numerous opportunities for artisan crafters. Fibre art is an ideal craft to teach and pass on, as it is low in cost, the materials are readily available and it is just about mess-free! As an expert in one of these crafts, you will already be producing and selling irresistibly delightful products that are particularly eye-catching at a fair or market. Their attractive appearance not only generates sales but might also lead to opportunities to hold workshops and courses in your locality.

Now is a good time of year to book yourself into some craft fairs. There may also be local Farmers’ Markets or other community events coming up over the late spring and summer at which you could demonstrate as well as sell. Organisers are often keen to have something a bit different; a demonstration of weaving, macrame or macra weave is fascinating to watch and can be done in just about any space provided. You will need to look into market trader public liability insurance. If you are just beginning to venture into the public arena with your craft, phrases such as this can sound a bit overwhelming. However, market trader public liability insurance is, in a nutshell, insurance that covers you for any claims made against you or your staff/volunteers by a member of the public for damage or injury while at a public event. You will put all common sense procedures in place to ensure accidents do not happen, but the very purpose of insurance is to protect you and your business from those completely unforeseeable incidents. Market trader public liability insurance is not a legal requirement, but it is often requested by fair and event organisers. It also offers you peace of mind, thus giving you the freedom to concentrate on the important tasks of creating stunning products and innovative ways in which to market them. This is why we often refer to it as “sleep easy” insurance. As a family firm who have been in this business for decades, we can ensure you get the right package for your unique needs; pick up the phone or drop us an email and either Naomi or Sam will get back to you.

So, as the weather warms and the skies brighten, book yourself a space at a market or craft fair, check your market trader public liability insurance is in place, build up your unique, eye-catching and sustainably sound range of products and take the wonderful world of basket making, macrame and macra weave out to your awaiting public!