Project description
I need a skilled willow weaver to make a coordinated set of hand-woven storage baskets for our home — five baskets in graduated sizes that nest and stack neatly on an entryway shelf and in a pantry corner. This is a commissioned project, not a purchase of ready stock, so I want to discuss material and pattern choices before work begins.
Material matters a lot to me. I would prefer buff or brown willow rods, properly steamed and sorted by length and thickness so the weave stays even across all five baskets, though I am open to a case for rattan cane or a willow-rattan mix if you explain the trade-offs in durability and cost. Please tell me how the rods will be prepped — soaked, mellowed, whether butts and tips are graded separately — since uneven prep is the usual cause of a lumpy weave.
For the weaving pattern, I like the look of a traditional randing or slewing weave for the body with a wale border at the rim, but I am genuinely open to your recommendation if a different pattern suits stacking baskets better. The five sizes should share the same base shape and rib count so they read as a true set rather than five unrelated baskets, and I would like the two largest to nest the smaller three inside when not in use.
Construction: each basket needs a reinforced slath base strong enough to hold folded linens or root vegetables without sagging, and sturdy woven or wrapped handles on at least the three larger baskets so they can be carried loaded. Please reinforce the handle attachment points — that is where cheaper baskets fail first.
Finish: I want a natural, food-safe oil or wax finish, no stains or paint, so the willow ages naturally and can go near the kitchen. Please describe the finishing product you plan to use.
Timeline and process: I would like a rough sketch or reference photo of the intended set proportions before weaving starts, and a progress photo once the first basket is done so we can confirm sizing before you commit to the remaining four. Please quote your price for the full set of five, your estimated timeline, and whether you can ship securely or if local pickup/delivery is preferred.
Material matters a lot to me. I would prefer buff or brown willow rods, properly steamed and sorted by length and thickness so the weave stays even across all five baskets, though I am open to a case for rattan cane or a willow-rattan mix if you explain the trade-offs in durability and cost. Please tell me how the rods will be prepped — soaked, mellowed, whether butts and tips are graded separately — since uneven prep is the usual cause of a lumpy weave.
For the weaving pattern, I like the look of a traditional randing or slewing weave for the body with a wale border at the rim, but I am genuinely open to your recommendation if a different pattern suits stacking baskets better. The five sizes should share the same base shape and rib count so they read as a true set rather than five unrelated baskets, and I would like the two largest to nest the smaller three inside when not in use.
Construction: each basket needs a reinforced slath base strong enough to hold folded linens or root vegetables without sagging, and sturdy woven or wrapped handles on at least the three larger baskets so they can be carried loaded. Please reinforce the handle attachment points — that is where cheaper baskets fail first.
Finish: I want a natural, food-safe oil or wax finish, no stains or paint, so the willow ages naturally and can go near the kitchen. Please describe the finishing product you plan to use.
Timeline and process: I would like a rough sketch or reference photo of the intended set proportions before weaving starts, and a progress photo once the first basket is done so we can confirm sizing before you commit to the remaining four. Please quote your price for the full set of five, your estimated timeline, and whether you can ship securely or if local pickup/delivery is preferred.
Other / Miscellaneous Cash, Bank transfer
