Willow: A Guide to Growing and Harvesting

Willow: A Guide to Growing and Harvesting by Jenny Crisp shows readers how to grow willow, harvest it and then prepare it for creating beautiful baskets. There are twenty projects included in the book with easy to understand instructions and step-by-step pictures. There is also information on how to acquire willow if you do not want to grow your own (or live in an area where it will not grow). The one downside is the list is geared towards crafters living in the United Kingdom. I like that the author included the history of basket weaving in the book. There is a chapter on basic techniques. This allows you to practice before beginning the projects. I was introduced to basket weaving in elementary school and have always to wanted to try my hand at it again. I like the diverse projects. There is something for everyone. I appreciated the detailed instructions with photos to show me how to accomplish the task. We also get a detailed list of tools needed along with a list of material plus measurements. Willow is a great guide that had me eager to explore basketmaking.

Willow by Jenny Crisp This comprehensive well explained and beautifully illustrated book tells of the willow (salix) used for weaving. There are directions for items to make and examples of items I would love to own. I almost envy the author her three decades of creating wonderful items that people no doubt enjoy and cherish. I have done basket weaving as a child but this is much different from what we did. I learned about willow and the techniques used to create and would like to someday try weaving with willow should I have the chance. I also have to say I thought about this as a potentially lost skill that with this book one could be able to create useful items should an apocalypse occur ;) Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing-Jaqui Small for the ARC – This is my honest review. 4-5 Stars