Riffing on the antler basket (thanks Shawnna for the photos and videos) on Pinterest I scrolled past a basket using a vintage potato masher as a handle. The metal part was woven into the base with the handle sticking up in the center of the basket. It made me want to run to the thrift store. What other found objects could we incorporate into handles? Driftwood Belts Upcycled pieces from clothing? Any more ideas?

Happy Monday weavers! Time for a fun challenge. Your mission: Weave a basket using nothing but scrap reed. Dig into that tangle and use what you've got — odd lengths, leftover colors, random bits. Any of these patterns work beautifully with scraps: - Scrappy Basket (especially great for color scraps) - Bread Basket - The Garlic (perfect for round reed scraps) - Hanging Vase Baskets - Tobacco Tray - Candle Lantern Or design your own. There are no rules here — just use what's already lying about, threatening to engulf you like a hydra.😂 When you're done, come back and post a photo. Let's see what you make.

There was some chatter last week about reed taking over your life/house. Post a photo of your basket work area or reed stash. Helpful organizing tips are welcome - but so are the "hot mess" photos. Reed takes on a life of it's own once you clip those ribbons. There isn't an ounce of shame around here for creative messes - we love them. This is going to lead very nicely into next week's challenge.

Just added something to the Start Here course — the Basket Weavers Roadmap. (Classroom > Start Here > Basket Weavers Roadmap) It's a roadmap for the classroom — because when you've got 20+ projects to choose from, "just pick one" is not actually helpful. The Roadmap suggests where to start and what to tackle next based on where you are right now. Go check it out and let me know... Does this kind of tool help you? Would you use more resources like this to stay organized and track your progress? Cheri's working on a Basket Weavers Journal. A dedicated place to track your projects from first sketch to finished piece. But I want to know if that's actually useful to you before we build it. Drop a comment: yes, more tools like this — or nah, I'm good with just the making? And if you have any requests for printable/organizer/cheat sheets let us know.

Putting this here to give me a push to start on my Adirondack pack basket. These aren’t mine, they are pics from a seasoned weaver (Jill Choate). I have her pattern kit for one of these packs in orange, purple and teal. Will keep you posted. I’m nervous.