Reflections: 2013 Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival

Square Bottom Round - The Art of Basket Weaving

 

Basket weaving is the process of weaving pliable materials into a form or basket.
Baskets can be made from anything that will bend to form the basket's essential elements - base, sidewalls, and rim. Basket weaving is an ancient and widespread fibre craft, its creations both utilitarian and aesthetic.

Baskets on Display at the 'Square Bottom Round' workshop

At the 2013 Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival, two regional basket makers, Meredith Fisher and Gay Hansen, offered a one-day basket weaving workshop "Square Bottom Round". Participants learned about fibres and techniques, and engaged in the very tactile 'hands-on' craft to make their own square-bottomed round baskets.

 

 

 

 

Focused fingers worked diligently under Gay and Meredith's experienced guidance. There was a quiet congenial buzz  .... a feeling of happy  productivity. One participant summed up the experience "I love baskets, never thought I could make one ... and I will - TODAY!"

 

The Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival extends a special thanks to Gay and Meredith for teaching this special fibre art and sharing their skill with festival participants.