Earn It!

Basketry Merit Badge

Climbing is not a sport that requires tremendous muscular strength, it demands mental toughness and the willingness to practice hard to master a set of skills. The adventure of climbing can also provide a new way to enjoy the outdoors.

Requirements

Describe precautions you should take to safely use basketry tools and materials.
Do the following:
1. Show your counselor that you are able to identify each of the following types of baskets: plaited, coiled, ribbed, and wicker.
2. Describe three different types of weaves to your counselor.
Plan and weave EACH of the following projects:
1. a square basket
2. a round basket
3. a campstool seat

Resources

Books

Barratt, Olivia Elton. Basketmaking. Henry Holt, 1993.
Crook, Georgia. Basketmaking. Crowood, 2000.
Doney, Meryl. Baskets. Franklin Watts, 1997.
Hoppe, Flo. Contemporary Wicker Baskets. Sterling Publications, 1996.
LaFerla, Jane. Making the New Baskets: Alternative Materials, Simple Techniques. Lark Books, 1999.
Peabody, Sarah, and William A. Turnbaugh. Indian Baskets. Schiffer Publishing, 1986.
Siler, Lyn. The Basket Book. Sterling Publications, 1988.
Yamane, Linda. Weaving a California Tradition: A Native American Basketmaker. Lerner Publications, 1997.

Organizations and Web Sites

Association of Michigan Basketmakers
1258 South Drive
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Web site: http://www. michiganbasketmakers.com

BasketMakers
Web site: http://basketmakers.org

Basketry: The Oldest Craft
Web site: http://www.folksonline.com/ folks/hh/tours/1999/basketry.htm

Indiana Basketmakers Association
1405 Hargis Creek Trail
Austin, TX 78717
National Basketry Organization
Web site: http://www.nationalbasketry.org

Basketry Suppliers
Basket Menagerie
210 S. Edgehill Drive
Fruit Heights, UT 84037
E-mail: jrfrazier@peoplepc.com

Gratiot Lake Basketry
Star Route 1, Box 16
Mohawk, MI 49950
Telephone: 906-337-5516
Web site: http://www.gratiotlakebasketry.com

Inter-Mares Trading Co. Inc.
1064 Route 109
P.O. Box 617
Linenhurst, NY 11757-0617
Telephone: 631-957-3467
Toll-free telephone: 800-229-CANE
Web site: http://www.canefish.com

Suzanne Moore's N.C. Basket Works
130 Main St.
P.O. Box 744
Vass, NC 28394
Toll-free telehone: 800-338-4972
Web site: http://www.ncbasketworks.com

V. I. Reed & Cane
8522 Lakeview Bay Road
Rogers, AR 72756
Web site: http://www.basketweaving.com