The adorable, always humorous MBA Jane is my way of honoring our Sisterhood Merit Badge program, now with 4,882 dues-paying members who have earned an amazing number of merit badges so far—6,641 total! Take it away, MBA Jane!!! MJ
Wondering who I am? I’m Merit Badge Awardee Jane (MBA Jane for short). In my former life …
For this week’s Stitching and Crafting/Basketry Merit Badge, I actually followed through on the course I like to tell people I majored it in college: Underwater Basket Weaving. Minus the underwater part. I mean, maybe when I get a little more experience under my belt and dry-land basket weaving just isn’t challenging enough, then perhaps I’ll channel my inner mermaid and attempt to kick it up a notch.
I was actually pretty thrilled to learn this ancient art. I love baskets. And what holiday are we coming up on, my little chickadees? That’s right: Easter. Easter baskets! And Easter bonnets, too, don’t forget the bonnets. Is there a bonnet-making badge? I need to look into that. I’ve always had a secret yearning to be a milliner. I think it’s because of Jane Austen. Who doesn’t love Jane Austen? But, anyway, back to the basketry.
Now there are a few different types of basket weaving, and I decided to go with the one that seemed most familiar: wicker. (I do get weepy over willow.) I’ve been collecting my willow for a few weeks now, so if this is a badge you want to try your hand at (or to be more specific, both your hands), then decide when and how you are going to find your stack of appropriate materials.
These are just a few basics that we’ve used for much of our married life. I actually have two herb gardens. The first one was planted after we built our log house on the property my dad deeded to us from the farm. In that garden I have oregano, savory, chives, and mint. 
Winnie Nielsen 
Terry Steinmetz 
julia hayes 
MaryJane 
Elizabeth 
About 25 years ago, I took a basket making class and made several baskets for myself, friends and the Easter baskets for my children. Basket making is fun but it is harder than it looks to get a nice even weave and finish. In my experience, however, there is something very rewarding about making and using a basket in your life. Baskets have practical uses and their beauty comes from how they work with your life to make it easier. They are like a trusted friend. Always at the ready for a task.
Wow, another coincidence? Just a couple days ago I was on a quest to replace my rattan/wicker garden baskets; these have weaved in wicker loops~hooks which easily latch onto a fence or flat, vertical surface. I browsed 5 different garden shops that day & still came home without one replacement basket.
I’ve wanted to learn the art of basket weaving for quite a while now. I just love the natural look of pretty woven baskets in the garden. Many years ago I taped & saved one of my favorite, (an older PBS version) Martha Stewart show’s. In this particular episode, Martha visits some folks who have learned the craft of basket weaving as it was passed down from each generation of their family. Martha & the family of skilled basket weaver’s take the audience on a walk through the woods & discuss various, weave-able woods.
But it wasn’t until today & only after reading your story on your latest merit badge efforts that I really delved into the: definition; origin; and ideas surrounding the rattan/wicker weaving furniture & beyond craze. So now I’ve read about & seen some, must have wicker designs! In my futile search for the replacement rectangle baskets, I came across a beautiful, “Nantucket Bicycle Basket” & it had what appeared to be leather buckles attached. This basket was painted pink but they had other colors too:-) I was tempted…but presently still on my search for the longer version.
If any of your readers’ has seen the rectangle wicker basket for sale anywhere, would you please share? Many thanks!
I love to make baskets! It is not only relaxing, it is rewarding!