For young kids, try making a simple basket using colorful ribbon and a pint-sized berry or tomato container (from your grocery store or local farmer-s market). Take the ribbon and weave it through the open holes in the container, starting at the bottom and ending at the top. You can even add a ribbon handle at the end! This project is great for making simple Easter baskets or Christmas decorations.

For slightly older children, you can purchase a ready-made basket base or make one yourself. This makes the basket easier to start and is less frustrating for beginners. String the soaked reed through the holes along the edge to form the warp, making sure the ends are even. Once this is done, begin weaving with another soaked piece of reed to the desired height, making sure to push down the reed after every row. To finish off the basket, fold the vertical pieces of reed through the last two rows of weave, making sure they are secure, and clip off any excess.

Flat reeds, hardwood reeds, willow, rattan, cane, sea grass or wicker is used in weaving the traditional basket. Traditional woven baskets have the four corners. Both modern day and traditional basket weaving incorporates twining, crocheting, macram, weaving and coiling. Others may utilize fibers and grasses. Some people utilize materials into their patterns such as lace.

The tools in which basket makers used traditionally were bone awl, a stone knife, a shell or stone to polish. Fingers, fingernails and teeth were used. Basket weavers hunted around the earth for the materials needed. Women used flowers, grasses and beans to dye the basket colors. Modern basket weavers use more modern tools such as knives and commercial dyes.

If you are looking to create a basket for an anniversary why not make one in the shape of a heart? This would not only say I Love You but it also gives them something to remember for a long time. You could fill it up with all kinds of treats and goodies to go along with your anniversary theme.

For your children you can create a basket in the shape of a letter of their name. Not only will this give them something special just for them but it also allows you to tell which basket belongs to which child. How much more personal and special can you get?

The options are endless when it comes to basket weaving. No longer are the days of the simple square. Now you are free to be as creative as you want to be.

Perhaps you need something to corral all of your toddler-s socks. Weave a basket with soft pastels to hang on a hook in your child-s bedroom. You-ll smile with pride when your friends ask where you bought it and you divulge that you made it yourself. Is your house too small to display all your holiday cards on the mantel? Use some green and red dye to weave a holiday themed basket for a festive display that saves space. Or combine the joy of giving with the joy of creating by constructing a basket that will serve a purpose for your friends and family.

In our fast-paced world, the art of slowing down and creating something beautiful is one small way to find joy. Imagine the possibilities of beauty, function, creativity and giving coming together. Start weaving: you may just find yourself going ballistic over baskets.