Baskets made of baleen, the fibrous substance found in the mouths of plankton-eating whales--a malleable and durable material that once had commercial uses equivalent to those of plastics today--were first created by Alaska Natives in the early years of the twentieth century. Because they were made for the tourist trade, they were initially disdained by scholars and collectors, but today they have joined other art forms as a highly prized symbol of native identity. Baskets of exquisite workmanship, often topped with fanciful ivory carvings, have been created for almost a century, contributing significantly to the livelihood of their makers in the Arctic villages of Barrow, Point Hope, Wainwright, and Point Lay, Alaska.

Baleen Basketry of the North Alaskan Eskimo, originally published in 1983, was the first book on this unusual basket form. In this completely redesigned edition, it remains the most informative work on baleen baskets, covering their history, characteristics, and construction, as well as profiling their makers. Illustrations of the basketmakers at work and line drawings showing the methods of construction are a charming addition to this book, which belongs in the library of all those with an interest in the art of basketry and in Alaskan Native arts in general.

Weave 32 basic designs by hand from natural materials--and adapt them for hundreds more designs. Complete instructions with over 600 close-up illustrations of each step. "Practical answers...imaginative asides."--"Craft Connection."

For beginners, nature lovers, and expert weavers alike, these pages teach how to create baskets using natural materials found in the woods and fields. One of craft pioneer Osma Tod's most popular books, this guide was first published in 1933 and is still in print thanks to its timeless information and its clear instructions. Tod explains a wide variety of weaving techniques step by step, offering precise diagrams to follow, and her charming way of inspiring respect for natural materials helps make this book one of a kind. The chapters explain gathering and preparing both round and flat natural materials like leaves, roots, reeds, grasses, vines, shoots, willow, pine needles, bark, splints, and more. Instructions for making borders, lids, handles, and fasteners give many options. Projects include a cedar-bark basket for kindling, cat-tail mats, a vine birdhouse, a pedestal fruit basket of coralberry runners, sturdy bark work baskets, and dozens more.

To make the springtime gift boxes in this book, tear out a page, color the beautiful black-and-white designs of birds, blossoms, and bunnies, and then fold Get creative with your color scheme or use traditional colors from nature. Either way, this fantastic book of easy-to-assemble boxes will ensure your Easter gifts are truly special.

Since it first publication in 1901, this pioneering study by George Wharton James, once a leading collector and authority, has become a valuable source book for American Indian basketry. From Poma mush baskets to Paiute dicing trays, Indian Basketry traces the origin, development, and fundamental principles of Indian basket designs for the major tribal units in Southwestern United States and Pacific Coast, with occasional comments on the basket weaving of a number of other North American tribes.
Author of several books on the Southwest, George James has used his extensive experience in the field to compile indispensable information (much gathered directly through interviews with Indian basketmakers) covering nearly every aspect of Indian basketry: esthetics, designs, dyes, and coloration, weaving and stitching techniques (including the bamtush and dah-lah methods), basket types, tribal variation, and functional considerations, offering clear instructions for those who may be interested in reproducing these ancient American crafts. James also includes a description of various native weaving materials such as pine root, bark, sumac, willow, twigs, fern stalks, grass and palm fronds, with suggestions regarding the ways in which the Indians wove shells, feathers, beads, leather, and pine needles into their basket designs.
The book is a valuable aid for the artist, designer, and craftsman, or even for the beginner, who may wish to re-create authentic and often extinct basket forms and decorative motifs. It is also most useful to the collector, cultural historians, ethnologist, scholar, or buff, who desires to know more about specific aspects of Indian basketry, or about Indian arts in general. As an important contribution to the historiography of American Indian culture, this may be one of the most practical Indian basketry books that you could own.

A charming assortment of one-of-a-kind miniature boxes in a variety of shapes for all skill levels.

Julia S. Pretl offers crafters her original method for creating decorative beaded boxes and lids in a wide range of surface designs and shapes. Working only with cylinder and seed beads, needle and thread, crafters can create an impressive array of clever and colorful miniature containers. With step-by-step illustrations and easy-to-follow word graphs and patterns, Pretl leads the reader through the techniques for creating three-sided, five-sided, and six-sided rectangular, square, and stacked boxes. Four-color photographs of each of the 12 designs introduce each set of instructions. Detailed drawings illustrate the beading techniques.

Each title in this innovative series, contains 25 step-by-step projects ranging in complexity, and includes a gallery of work by contemporary artists. A techniques and materials section is included.

This classic text in basket-making, now in paperback, shows how to transform fragrant pine needles into stunning coiled baskets and other decorative items. It's surprisingly easy, with all 40 projects based on wrapping needles around a center. From this simple technique, however, crafters can create limitless variety through the way they shape the coils, dye the needles, vary stitches, embellish with beads and seeds, and incorporate leather and wood. Special sections address gathering and storing materials, making lids and handles, and more.

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.