cherokee & apache coil reed basket
objective: students create woven baskets inspired by the cultures of cherokee and apache culture and design.
history:
See below link for history, project objectives and additional details:
prezi.com/zmb_dcapxzxx/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share
prezi.com/zmb_dcapxzxx/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share
steps:
Choose your base. A wider circular base will give you a larger diameter basket. A smaller circular base will limit the amount of space you have to weave inside. A square or rectangular base will drastically alter the shape of your basket. *You can also weave your own bottom, please see more for additional steps should you not want the pre-made bases.
spokes
soaking
Coil reeds work best when they are wet, therefore we will keep all the reeds in a tub of water throughout the duration of the unit. Should you want different reeds dyed, please see teacher for soaking and prepping techniques. You should also dip your basket back into the water each day to make sure the reeds you've already woven don't snap and break.
weaving
You will need to use one coil reed which will be referenced as a WEAVER. This weaver will be used to go over and under the spokes you already have in place. Weavers are they are lighter, thinner and more flexible than the spokes, to enable them to be woven in and out.
weaving styles:
There are a few basic styles of weaving that you can utilize to make your basket unique.
Over-Under Weaving-As the title suggests, you continue to take your weaver over one spoke, then under the next. Repeat around the entirety of your basket. The TIGHTER you pull your weaver, the more your basket will contract and move inward. The LOOSER you pull your weaver, the more your basket will expand and move outward. These techniques will help give your basket shape!
Double Weave-Note that double weaving is the same form but two weavers are used at once. This is an effective weave on large surfaces, and in bands or patterns of the same or a contrasting color. Pairing may be used with an odd or even number of spokes. Two weavers are started behind two succeeding spokes, and crossed between them, so that what was the under weaver becomes the upper weaver each time.
Triple Twist Weave-Here, three weavers are placed behind three consecutive spokes, starting with the back one, over two and under one spoke, each on its way to the back of the third spoke being laid over the other two weavers.
Double Weave-Note that double weaving is the same form but two weavers are used at once. This is an effective weave on large surfaces, and in bands or patterns of the same or a contrasting color. Pairing may be used with an odd or even number of spokes. Two weavers are started behind two succeeding spokes, and crossed between them, so that what was the under weaver becomes the upper weaver each time.
Triple Twist Weave-Here, three weavers are placed behind three consecutive spokes, starting with the back one, over two and under one spoke, each on its way to the back of the third spoke being laid over the other two weavers.
enhancements:
You can use beads and other materials to enhance the design of your basket. Check out these photographs below and see me in class for demonstrations.
finishing your basket:
There are many different ways you can finish the top of your basket. Look at which style best fits the theme of your basket. See class demonstration and examples for the below.
Loops-If you are choosing the looping method, you will cut your coil reeds and loop them into the spokes.
Beaded Loops-You can choose the looping method and add some flair to it by adorning the loops with a variety of beads.
Woven Folds-A woven fold is similar to the way you wove your entire basket. In an "over-under-over-under" method, you will cut your reeds and follow this format. This style blends nicely with most of the woven baskets.
Handle/Other-Should you be interested, your basket can have a handle or you can come up with your own way of finishing.
Loops-If you are choosing the looping method, you will cut your coil reeds and loop them into the spokes.
Beaded Loops-You can choose the looping method and add some flair to it by adorning the loops with a variety of beads.
Woven Folds-A woven fold is similar to the way you wove your entire basket. In an "over-under-over-under" method, you will cut your reeds and follow this format. This style blends nicely with most of the woven baskets.
Handle/Other-Should you be interested, your basket can have a handle or you can come up with your own way of finishing.