'The Woven Basket' is the extraordinary autobiography by Joyce Thackeray. It covers her youth and the end of white colonialism in East Africa and gives a real sense of perspective of colonial life as seen through the eyes of a growing girl.

"With the inborn wisdom that has guided them for so long through so many obstacles, Hopi men and women perpetuate their proven rituals, strongly encouraging those who attempt to neglect or disrespect their obligations to uphold them. One of these obligations is to respect the flora and fauna of our planet. The Hopi closeness to the Earth is represented in all the arts of all three mesas, whether in clay or natural fibers. What clay is to a potter's hands, natural fibers are to a basket weaver."--from the Introduction Rising dramatically from the desert floor, Arizona's windswept mesas have been home to the Hopis for hundreds of years. A people known for protecting their privacy, these Native Americans also have a long and less known tradition of weaving baskets and plaques. Generations of Hopi weavers have passed down knowledge of techniques and materials from the plant world around them, from mother to daughter, granddaughter, or niece. This book is filled with photographs and detailed descriptions of their beautiful baskets--the one art, above all others, that creates the strongest social bonds in Hopi life. In these pages, weavers open their lives to the outside world as a means of sharing an art form especially demanding of time and talent. The reader learns how plant materials are gathered in canyons and creek bottoms, close to home and far away. The long, painstaking process of preparation and dying is followed step by step. Then, using techniques of coiled, plaited, or wicker basketry, the weaving begins. Underlying the stories of baskets and their weavers is a rare glimpse of what is called "the Hopi Way," a life philosophy that has strengthened and sustained the Hopi people through centuries of change. Many other glimpses of the Hopi world are also shared by author and photographer Helga Teiwes, who was warmly invited into the homes of her collaborators. Their permission and the permission of the Cultural Preservation Office of the Hopi Tribe gave her access to people and information seldom available to outsiders. Teiwes was also granted access to some of the ceremonial observances where baskets are preeminent. Woven in brilliant reds, greens, and yellows as well as black and white, Hopi weavings, then, not only are an arresting art form but also are highly symbolic of what is most important in Hopi life. In the women's basket dance, for example, woven plaques commemorate and honor the Earth and the perpetuation of life. Other plaques play a role in the complicated web of Hopi social obligation and reciprocity. Living in a landscape of almost surreal form and color, Hopi weavers are carrying on one of the oldest arts traditions in the world. Their stories in Hopi Basket Weaving will appeal to collectors, artists and craftspeople, and anyone with an interest in Native American studies, especially Native American arts. For the traveler or general reader, the book is an invitation to enter a little-known world and to learn more about an art form steeped in meaning and stunning in its beauty.

There is nothing like the satisfaction of owning a beautiful handmade basket. They brighten any room, are useful around any home, and make cherished heirloom gifts. This magnificent collection of over 30 baskets draws on the long, rich tradition of basketmaking and uses a variety of fascinating techniques and easy-to-find materials. In a matter of hours, you can proudly produce a handsome basket that will be admired for generations to come. You'll appreciate the step-by-step instructions, including over 400 illustrations, colorful full-page photos and helpful hints and suggestions. Gorgeous watercolors of baskets are interspersed throughout, making this book as beautiful as it is useful. Book jacket.

· Learn the methods to the art of traditional rib basket weaving · Features 15 classic folk basket patterns, including egg, potato, and Appalachian baskets · Provides 3 complete projects with step-by-step instructions and photography · Focuses on proper techniques instead of just the how-to on an intermediate level · Author Lora Irish is an accomplished artist and maker of many trades

Modern weaving projects like you've never seen—within easy reach of anyone. Weaving is a satisfying hobby for making home or clothing accessories that look plucked from your favorite stores. Here are Pinterest-worthy projects for creating earrings, clutches, pillows, wall hangings, and more, all organized by skill level. From complete beginner to intermediate, Weaving Within Reach allows you to craft at your comfort level, even if you don’t yet know the difference between the warp and the weft. Lacking a loom? Most of the materials can be woven on found objects—such as an embroidery hoop or cardboard box—or achieved with a simple over-under pattern using no loom at all. As you progress, there are plenty of exciting designs for a frame loom to keep you inspired. With a detailed introduction, stunning lifestyle and step-by-step photographs, and a helpful resource section, Weaving Within Reach unravels the possibilities of the beautiful things you can make with your hands.

This new and original survey details the beautiful styles and designs of woven plaques and baskets made by Hopi women artists of Third Mesa in Arizona. It presents 67 different design categories through over 475 color photographs. The history of the Hopi people, weaving materials and techniques, different uses of the baskets and plaques, and their values today all are dicussed. Explanations of the named pattern designs, including Sunflower, Wedding Basket, and Dragonfly, as well as unnamed and the coveted Katsina plaques are given. This valuable refereance enables readers to more easily identify old and contemporary examples in private collections, museums, and art galleries.

Since 1973, Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins have offered practical, hands-on instructions designed to help readers master dozens of country living skills quickly and easily. There are now more than 170 titles in this series, and their remarkable popularity reflects the common desire of country and city dwellers alike to cultivate personal independence in everyday life.

With its irresistible combination of form and function, wicker basketry has captivated artisans for hundreds of years. Use these timeless techniques to make elegant and practical baskets for modern use. Whether you are a beginner or experienced weaver, illustrated step-by-step instructions offer a range of techniques and tips for making both round and oval bases, making handles, preparing to weave, and adding color. Projects include a simple plant basket, a bread basket with beads, a lidded sewing basket, and a large double-handled shopping basket. A glossary of basketry terms, a listing of suppliers, and instructions for designing your own basket is included. This book is great for weavers and crafters of all skill.