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/
Expert: Carol Antrim Date: 6/5/2002 Subject: pampas grass
Question Hi. I am a beginner. I use the materials I can gather in the yard, etc. I notice that there are huge mounds of giant pampas grass growing in waste places near railroad tracks, and on lots no one uses. They are also volunteers in friends acres....who hate them. I look at them and think I wonder if anyone has ever made baskets from them? Everywhere I go, I wonder the same question about horse tail, also a pest in everyone's garden here. I am nervous about spreading any pests, too. Can you advise me?
Answer Hi Ginger, You would probably enjoy the book "Natural Baskets" editied by Maryanne Gillooly. It includes chapters by 7 well known basketmakers and their experiences and instructions using locally gathered materials. Diana Macomber relates her use of horsetail. Another book on using naturals is "Fibre Basketry" edited by Helen Richardson(Editor) It was written by the South Australian Guild but covers many of the plants, including grasses, that grow here in the states either wild or in gardens. And still another is "Baskets from Natures Bounty" By Elizabeth Jensen. All or any of these books, and I really can't tell you which is my favorite, should give you many ideas on what materials to collect, how to prepare them and how to use them...more than anything it should encourage you to experiment, which is the best way to figure out whether something can be made into a basket.
As to spreading "pests," horsetail spreads mostly by underground rhizomes, just avoid planting it anywhere. Since this is an unwanted plant in your friends gardens, I'm sure they will let you "weed" it out for them. Pampas grass spreads by seeds and roots....but as long as you are not fragmenting the roots or taking home seedheads, you will be OK...some varieties have very sharp edges so be careful. My brother sends me some from his yard in Texas and I wear gloves when working with it, but it is a luscious shade of yellow in a baskets so worth it.
Go for it Ginger! You are only limited by your imagination.
Carol...who will try to weave with anything but Poison Ivy and Stinging Nettle although I've heard the latter makes very fine fiber.
