500 Baskets is a beautiful new basketry book from Sterling Publishing. If you're familiar with other titles in their "500" series, you may have seen 500 Bowls, 500 Pitchers, 500 Teapots, 500 Glass Objects... and more. You also, then, know what an inspiring series this is.

500 Baskets is guaranteed to jumpstart your creativity. It's a square 8" x 8" paperback coffee table book that you can flip open at random for inspiration. We want to make clear that this is not a how-to book. It's a book showcasing 500 exquisite artisan pieces that will open basket crafters' eyes to the varied and wonderful possibilities. Sterling has included top weavers from around the world - Ed Rossbach, Michael Davis, Lillian Elliot, Gyongy Laky, Patti Lechman, Mary Giles and includes the best emerging newcomers. Baskets range from purely functional to purely decorative. Classical to ultramodern. In addition to traditional reed, the artists also incorporate more unusual objects such as plastic, paper, thread and metal wire.

Basketmakers, collectors, students, and anyone who loves beautiful items will certainly enjoy these masterworks! Honestly, I started to photograph a few basket pages to include here and my head started spinning... which ones to include?! These are amazing baskets! If you thought you'd seen every structural possibility, you need to see this. $24.95  (That's 5 cents a basket for inspiration and enjoyment~ and well worth it!) In Stock Now.

The Ultimate Basket Book by Lyn Siler. 43 basket projects and beautiful color photography. Lyn Siler introduces all the fundamental techniques—weaving, plaiting, coiling, twining, and wailing; and provides advice on adding rims, bases, and handles. With her help, it’s simple to create functional everyday baskets, such as the Twill Weave Market or Double Lidded Picnic baskets, as well as more unusual items such as a Fishing Creel. 8 1/2 X 10. 192 pages. Softbound.
 

Basketry The Shaker Tradition, by John McGuire.
This is a wonderful book. McGuire shows you how to make traditional Shaker baskets from tree to basket. Everything. The whole hoo-ha. And he does it so well! I can't even begin to go into the detail that this book has. How to shave splints, how to carve handles and rims, how to weave six very nice Shaker baskets. Plus, tools, traditions, history and special details. 
A bargain at $14.95. Softcover.

The Complete Guide to Chair Caning by Jim Widess.
A brand new (Jan 2006) book by Jim Widess. Excellent attention to detail with new features: how to install cane webbing in cabinet doors, speakers and as ventilation for boats. Book includes how to cane chairs, weave rush seats, splint seats, repair wicker and bamboo furniture, including how to make those fancy corner knots on rattan furniture when you do a repair. Great book! $24.95  Hardcover.

Making 1/12 Scale Wicker Furniture for the Dolls House

by Sheila Smith
This is an amazing book for the anal-retentive among us. (Wait a minute- is that appropriate to say?? :-) In any event, I always wondered how they made those true to form wicker repros for doll houses. Here's the secret: use index cardstock (mount card) in place of what we would picture as plywood. Then add spokes made of cake wires, and weaving done with #5 crochet cotton. There are more than 25 diverse projects here for every room in the doll house. Tea trolley, cradle, dog basket, settee, chairs, plant stand, chaise lounge, highchair, rocker chair, bed and many more! I would say that with this project book, one project would clearly lead to another! They are very, very professional looking. Softcover. $14.95 

by Donna Robkohl. This pattern booklet make 4 doll projects- bassinet and creadle. Also teaches a woven Cradle for Real Babies with a wood base. Shown in foreground of photo.

5.95

Pine Needle Basketry

by Judy Mallow, $18.95
For all of you pine needle enthusiasts! 40 projects- miniatures, trays, ginger jars, pencil holders, baskets galore- plus a special section on dyeing needles, making lids and handles, special techniques, gathering and storing materials. 112 pages (all in color), 75 color photos. Hardbound. 7x10"

The Basket Book

by Lyn Siler
Over 30 magnificent Baskets to Make and Enjoy. Softcover. $14.95

 
The Art of Basketry by Kari Lonning, $24.95.
An absolutely gorgeous book with lots of inspiration for the advanced or innovative basketweaver. This author presents principles of design and techniques, then brings them together in an array of superb examples. Spiral, vertical and mottled variations. Bonus: a gallery of projects from basketry artists around the round. 132 pages (all in color).  Non-traditional. Like round reed perfection? This book is for YOU. Hardbound. 8 7/8 x 8 7/8"

The Caner's Handbook

by Bruce W Miller and Jim Widess. $18.95
This is often referred to as the "Bible" of restoration with cane, rush, splint, wicker, Shaker tape, rawhide, Danish cord and other seatweaving techniques described in detail.  Includes plain as well as very fancy chair caning techniques. Definitely a comprehensive and thoroughly illustrated reference book for those who want to buy something more than the basic weaving pamphlet. 143 pages. 8.5x11" Softbound.

Rustic Garden Furniture & Accessories

Making Chairs, Planters, Birdhouses, Gates & More, by Daniel Mack & Thomas Stender. This book has over the 33 terrific projects. It has everything from Fun and Fast to more elaborate gates, benches, tables, chairs, -you name it! Everything in rustic furniture and then some. Plus some excellent antique photos and text on the history of this craft. The authors are award-winning experts in the field, so there are excellent tips on wood selection, preparation, etc. etc.  Hardcover. $24.95