Basket weaving is one of the oldest art forms known to man and even in our modern era they are one of the most useful, versatile and decorative items to own. A wicker basket is a popular item; they can be made by hand and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They have been around for centuries and weaving has become an art on its own. There are virtually unlimited ways of utilizing these baskets and they are a great addition to any home.
Wicker is a fiber that consists mainly of plant materials and sometimes twisted paper or plastic. Using a technique called ‘twining’ these fibers are weaved onto a solid frame made out of aluminum or wood to create a light weight basket. These baskets can be made into any shape or size and you can even use different colors to add some variety. Weaving these baskets is considered to be an art; but with some practice you will be able to create beautiful baskets. Caring for these baskets is fairly easy; you can use a damp cloth for any dirt and vacuum them to prevent dust from accumulating. Keep them away from damp conditions to prevent mold from settling in, making it hard to get rid of. A wicker basket can last for years when properly cared for, whether it is one of the many varieties of large or small wicker baskets. Wicker is also used to make all kinds of furniture and it looks great in any home. It can be used to make indoor and outdoor furniture and is considered cleaner since it won’t collect as much dust as normal materials used in other furniture.
The use of wicker to make furniture and baskets dates back as far as 3000 B.C. and it is believed that this started in the Egyptian era. The grasses along the Nile River were originally used and these items soon became very popular. It was introduced to America in the mid nineteenth century and since then quickly spread worldwide. As the demand for outdoor furniture grew throughout the centuries this became a popular item to own. Since then there have been an increase in the variety of wicker items made, including the wicker basket, which is a very popular item today because of its versatility and various sizes. Having any of these items in your home will provide added functionality and décor to any room; they also make great gifts for family or friends so it’s a must have for everyone.
