The twisting and weaving of Nature's materials, grasses, twigs, rushes and vines, into useful and beautiful forms seems almost instinctive in man.  - Mary White

{HISTORY}

This how to-book on basket making written by Mary White and first published in 1901, was initially intended to teach kids how to make a wide variety of baskets for use and decoration. It became so popular that it was reprinted many times over the next several decades and turned into a helpful teaching tool utilized by both kids and adults. 

With step-by-step processes, material lists, guided illustrations and photographs, this book offers instruction on how to make a wide variety of storage baskets in all shapes and sizes using natural materials. It also teaches readers how to cane chairs and make doll furniture, placemats, and bird nest houses woven from materials including raffia, rattan, rush, and split cane. 

As one of the ancient arts, we don't often think of basketry and its important role in daily living but once you start making your own containers it will help you appreciate this beautiful art form all the more. So fun for garden harvest season, this is another way to add unique style and creativity to your space while also making functional totes for household organization and garden harvest. 

In addition to writing about her craft, Mary White taught basket-making classes in Brooklyn NY in the early part of the 20th century. She was often featured in newspaper columns of the day detailing and describing useful basket containers that could be made for home use.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• 1913 Edition 
• 194 pages
• Illustrated throughout with a special section in the back for advertisements 

{CONDITION}

In beautiful antique condition, this book contains no spots or stains. There are few pencil marks on some pages that define projects and are numbered as #1 #2 #3, etc The spine is tight and all pages are intact.

{SIZE}

Measures 7.5" inches (length) x 5.25" inches (width) x 1" inch (thickness) and weighs just over 1 lb.