To Weave Or Not To Weave

That is the question I am asking myself this week. Believe me, it's a very valid question to ask. I have been a weaver of baskets for over 15 yrs and have seen this craft's popularity come and go. In the 80's, weaving was huge, and today I have to say, it's gone by the way of inexpensive imports. What a shame....baskets have been around since the beginning of time. They have been used as vessels to hold all sorts of items, from food to clothes. I can't think of a room in your home that wouldn't be better off with some sort of handmade basket. Hang one on a peg, hook, off the side of a chair, on the wall, or door knob. AND the gifts!!! Who WOULDN'T want a basket just by itself or filled with some sort of wine, muffins, plants, cookies, candy, decorator napkins, the list could go on and on. The above basket was made for my 2 year old grand-daughter's Easter basket. It was the perfect size for her to handle, and what a keepsake. I could have gone to the craft store and bought a basket that was just like a million others, but what would have been the point? I suppose if it doesn't matter, and is just a throw away vessel, then that's fine. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with store bought baskets, it depends on it's pursose in life. I think most baskets bought from the craft store probably serve there purpose and then end up at a garage sale or in the trash. If that is what you want, that's your choice. I on the other hand love something that was carefully created and crafted with love by another and is made to be passed down from one generation to another. Baskets that take on a patina with age, and like wine, get better and better. Call it appreciation from one weave for the work of another. I think maybe you may feel you have no choice as to where you select or buy your basket because it's hard to find weavers now a days. If you live on the east coast or down south, there are numerous craft shows where weavers come and sell theirs goods. That is where I would sell most of my handmade baskets. I have participated in many juried shows in VA, AZ, GA and Maryland. I loved it. So many beautiful things are offered by so many talented artists. My hope is that baskets make a way back into our lives the way it used to be. I am trying to do my part to keep this craft alive and well. At Christmas I bake lots of goodies, pack them into my handmade baskets and share them with my neighbors. So far everyone has always been home to receive them with a smile. I guess the writing will be on the wall the day all the window shades are drawn and the doors locked when they see my coming. That would be a sad day indeed.