About Carol Antrim Expertise I can answer most questions about basketry techniques, and how to or where to find instructions/instructors. Also most questions about the materials used in basketry, either preparation and/or sources. I cannot answer questions regarding value or appraisal of baskets. Nor can I address questions about locating cheap wholesale baskets for gift basket businesses, or how to fill such baskets or conduct such businesses.
Experience I have been weaving baskets since 1986. Studied with Native American basket makers from several Woodland tribes as well as with teachers from coast to coast and Canada,Japan and Russia. Have taught basketry in Indiana, Ohio, New York, Montana, Michigan and Tennessee. Had acceptances in shows and won awards in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, including purchase awards to the permanent collection at Minnetrista Cultural Center. Twice had baskets at the Indiana Governor's residence in the Indiana Arts and Artist Program, and was in 'Innovation--Baskets and Beyond' an invitational at The Firehouse Gallery in Damariscotta, Maine in 1999. My work can be viewed at http://cantrimbaskets.com/
Organizations Member of the Virtual Basketmakers Guild http://home.sprynet.com/~cpantrim/
and the Indiana Basketmakers Association http://www.indianabasketmakers.com/
Question Hi Carol, I'm not making a basket but perhaps you can recommend a material and source for me... I'm working on some indian headdresses for my Boy Scout troop. The old book I have shows the classic Mohawk "roach" (looks like a brush on the head) and says it can be made out of materials like horsehair or porcupine hair, but in the absence of those materials, one could use sisal fiber or manila fiber. They recommend 12" strands of fibers bundled, folded and tied over a cord. Are any weaving materials you use similar to this description? I haven't found a source of sisal or manilla fiber, and I'm not even quite sure what sisal or manilla is. I'd appreciate a clue to an alternate material and suppliers. Thankyou kindly. BSA Pack 198
Answer Hi Darcy,
What an interesting project!
One of my favorite suppliers, Royalwood, carries Horsehair http://www.royalwoodltd.com/
use the search feature to see the listing.
I have bought porcupine quills from Native Americans at Pow Wows, but have never seen the guard hairs for sale. I know they are available but perhaps are just traded among the Natives. You might try Primitive Originals. They carry quills and horsehair also... http://www.primitiveoriginals.com/
I have bought other things from these people and they are super nice...they also carry yucca fiber, don't know how that would compare to the sisal.
Sisal, or Manila fiber is what they make rope out of. I have bought natural Manila fiber from Woven Spirits, it's a beautiful fiber to work with and they too are lovely people to deal with... http://www.wovenspirit.com/tropicals.htm
My own recommendation would be the manila fiber if you are making more than one...you'll get a whole lot more for your money. Think I heard it takes 3 years for the horsehair to grow back out. But, I have also bought Jute roving from Woven Spirits...and it reminded me a bit of horsehair. You might want to call Sue Cooper there and ask about it.
Hope this helps and good luck with your project,
Carol
