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English Basketry Willows
412 County Road #31
Norwich, NY  13815-3149
(607)336-9031 (phone and fax)      e-mail


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Books

English Basketry Willows is pleased to offer books for sale in the following categories:

Historic Willow Basketry
Techniques of Willow Basketry
Willow Growing and Identification
Willow Furniture and Rustic/Living Structures

 

Historic Willow Basketry

"International Basketry" by Christoph Will
1983.  192 pages, softbound................$19.95

Through the use of thousands of photographs, this large book illustrates the tremendous range of fine historical European willow work, including pack baskets and very fine skein work.
"Osier Culture and Basket Making" by Patrick Smyth
1991.  72 pages, softbound.................$18.95

This book documents the willow growing and basketry craft in SW County Antrim, Northern Ireland in the early twentieth century.  This book is well illustrated.
"Baskets and Basketmaking" by Alastair Heseltine
Out of print--limited copies available.
1982.  32 pages, softbound..................................$12.50

A small and interesting volume with extensive photographs discussing willow cultivation, processing and historical development.  The making of a large round willow farm basket is then shown step-by-step using many photographs and drawings.
"Willow Basketry of the Amana Colonies" by Joanna Schanz
1986.  96 pages, softbound......................$8.95

With the use of many photographs, this book documents the historic willow baskets and basketmaking families of the Amana Colonies in Iowa.  Modern basketmakers are featured and patterns for six willow baskets are given.


Techniques of Willow Basketry

"Willow Work" by Mary Butcher
1995.  64 pages, softbound.....$24.95

This revised edition of one of the finest English technique books, gives step-by-step instructions for the making of 13 baskets, each building on previous skills and introducing new ones.  Full explanation in text and prolific diagrams.  Imported directly from England--not available elsewhere.
"The Complete Book of Baskets and Basketry" by Dorothy Wright
Out of print--limited copies available.
1992 printing of the 1983 edition.  208 pages, hardbound..........$27.95

A classic text covering many materials but with an emphasis on willow.  The preparation of the material is followed by a discussion of tools, weaves, bases, borders, handles and some recipes.  There is a special design section and excellent historical coverage with extensive photographs.
"The Complete Book of Basketry Techniques" by Sue Gabriel and Sally Goymer
Out of print--limited copies available.
1999.  176 pages, softbound............................$24.95

This book commences with a discussion of the range of materials and basketry forms.   There is a chapter on each of the following techniques:  bases and staking up; weaves; borders; handles; lids, fastenings and fittings.  This is a basic reference book.
"Willow Basketry" by Bernard and Regula Verdet-Fierz
Out of print--limited copies available.
1993.  355 pages, hardbound................................$26.95

A very complete textbook on willow basketry by a Swiss willow basketmaker, illustrated with woodcut drawings.  This book discusses growing willows; preparation; tools; techniques and the making of round, oval and square baskets.  A magnificent book.  Good value for the money.
"Willow Basket-Work" by A. G. Knock
Out of print--limited copies available.
1979.  51 pages, softbound...........$20.00

A classic text on willow basketmaking, covering materials and equipment; technical terms; methods of weaving; borders and handles; skein, round, oval and rectangular work.   A practical and very well-written manual for the student with some knowledge who wishes to fully explore all aspects and choices.  This book is out of print and copies are limited.
"The Ultimate Basket Book" by Lyn Siler
2006.  192 pages, softbound..............$19.95

This wonderful new book is subtitled "A Cornucopia of Popular Designs to Make."  The book contains detailed instructions for over 40 different baskets.  Bonnie Gale's "Willow Field Basket" is covered on pages 85-90 with full instructions and lots of diagrams.  The bushel basket measures 19 inches in diameter by 14 inches tall and is made of unpeeled willow.
"Wisconsin Willow-Adventures of a Basketmaker" by Char TerBeest
Out of print--limited copies available.
1985.  45 pages, softbound......................$9.95

This book is partly a personal and spiritual journey of harvesting wild willows in Wisconsin.  There is a catalogue of baskets using the material and instructions for making some styles.
"Handmade Baskets" by Susie Vaughan
1994.  80 pages, softbound.....................$19.95

This English book shows how to gather your own materials from the countryside, including willow, and step-by-step how to make a range of baskets with different color bark materials.  Full-color diagrams and photographs guide the making.
"Willow Basketry for the Very Beginner" by Joanna Schanz
1996.  64 pages, softbound................................$16.95

This book introduces the making of willow baskets using wooden bases.  Terms, tools, and sources of willow are followed by 18 projects involving exposed, enclosed and bare bottom baskets.
"Weave, Coil and Plait - Crafty Containers from Recycled Materials" by Lois Walpole
1997.  80 pages, softbound................................$17.95

Using recycled and inexpensive materials, this book show how to make a wealth of brightly colored containers and baskets.  Ideas for teaching to children.
"Paper Illuminated" by Helen Hiebert
2001.  134 pages, softbound..............................$19.95

A full discussion of papermaking, followed by 15 projects for making handcrafted luminaria, lanterns, screens, lampshades and window treatments.
"Magic Lanterns" by Mary Maguire
2002.  96 pages, softbound..............................$19.99

A brilliant British book with over 18 detailed patterns for willow/paper lanterns, from flowers, moon to large scale fish.


Willow Growing and Identification

  • Long Ashton Research Station, England

Publications on Willow Growing

Long Ashton has probably the largest collection of willows in the world and conducts extensive research on their culture.  We are pleased to have permission to offer copies of this material in North America.

(a) "Cultivation and Uses of Basket Willows"
1956.  14 pages......................................$4.50

A general account of conditions suitable for basket willow growing; the species grown; methods of cultivation and harvesting; pests and diseases to which basket willow are susceptible; and processing and marketing the final product, all with special reference to the Somerset willow growing area in the 1950's.

(b) "The Control of the Insect Pests of Basket Willows"
1934.  21 pages..............................................$5.25

This pamphlet describes in much detail the principal pests and diseases of basket species and then discusses the principles of control.  The value of combined insecticide and fungicidal washes are outlined and a spray program suggested.

(c) "Fungicidal control of Melampsora amygdalina--a homo-cyclic rust of Basket Willow"
1980.  6 pages...........................................$1.50

(d) "Control of weeds in short rotation coppice willow"
1980.  10 pages.........................................$2.50

This paper reviews the development of chemical control of weeds in willows.

(e) "Coppice willows for biomass in the U.K."
1980.  9 pages...........................................$1.75

As shown in the trials, willows cut on a coppice have great potential as an alternative and valuable energy source.

(f) "Productivity of coppice willow in biomass trials in U.K."
1982.  7 pages...........................................$1.75

(g) "Willow Biomass as a source of fuel"
1983.  9 pages...........................................$1.75

This pamphlet explores the great potential of willow biomass energy and productivity of different varieties.

(h) "Value of mulches for establishing cuttings and sets of poplar and willow for windbreaks"
1982.  3 pages..........................................$1.25

(i) "Living Windbreaks--A review of work at Long Ashton"
1977.  17 pages........................................$4.25

This pamphlet details the trees under trial (including willows) for value as windbreaks.

(j) "The choice of trees for windbreaks"
1978.  8 pages.........................................$2.00

(k) "Willows for amenity, windbreaks and other uses"
1971.  8 pages.........................................$2.00

(l) "Tree research at Long Ashton"
1981.  11 pages.......................................$2.75

(m) "Cricket Bat Willows--Sale and Utilization of Long Ashton trees"
1957.  11 pages.......................................$2.75

  • "Basket Willow Culture" by George Lamb
    U.S.D.A. Farmers Bulletin No. 622
    1925.  32 pages, softbound..................$6.50

This classic reprint discusses the cultivation of basket willows in the USA in the early twentieth century.  The booklet covers the range of willows; selection of site; soil preparation; varieties; making cuttings and planting; cultivation; harvesting; peeling; draughting; yields; markets and returns.  Many illustrations.

No. 1--1989 (index).........................12 pages
No. 2--1990 (index).........................16 pages
No. 3--1991 (index).........................19 pages
No. 4--1992 (index).........................27 pages
No. 5--1993 (index).........................12 pages
No. 6--1994-95 (index)....................16 pages
No. 7--1996 (index).........................14 pages
No. 8--1997 (index).........................16 pages
No. 9--1998 (index).........................16 pages
No. 10--1999 (index).......................13 pages
No. 11--2000 (index).......................16 pages
No. 12--2001 (index).......................20 pages
No. 13--2002 (index).......................14 pages
No. 14--2003 (index).......................12 pages
No. 15--2004 (index).......................13 pages
No. 16--2007 (index).......................24 pages

Cost is $5.00 each, which includes postage.  Each issue has many articles on the identification, growing, harvesting, processing and use of willow.

"Willows--the Genus Salix" by Christopher Newsholme
Out of print--limited copies available.
2002.  224 pages, softbound...................$19.95

This book offers the reader a comprehensive worldwide survey and classification of willows, from tiny alpine and arctic plants to the huge specimen trees found in water meadows.  Details are given on the origin and distribution of willows and their nomenclature, as well as on selection, and cultivation for garden use.  A major reference book, it includes a chapter on the uses of willows and has 65 color plates and numerous line drawings.


Willow Furniture and Rustic/Living Structures

"Making Twig Garden Furniture" by Abby Ruoff
2001.  219 pages, softbound...................$24.95

This extensive volume has 11 recipes for fencing, trellises, and arbors; 8 recipes for shelves; 10 recipes for bird houses and feeders; 8 recipes for furniture and other assorted projects.

"Tea and Cakes Under the Trellis" by Jim Long
1991.  26 pages, softbound.....................$3.95

This small book has easy directions and lots of original designs for making rustic bentwood garden trellises.  There are also recipes for tea and cakes to serve in your garden.

"How to Make Romantic Bentwood Garden Trellises" by Jim Long
1996.  32 pages, softbound.....................$5.95

A further book by Jim Long with a lot more detailed construction of garden trellises, fences and gates.

"Making Bentwood Trellises, Arbors, Gates & Fences" by Jim Long
1998.  155 pages, softbound.................$19.95

An extensive volume with step-by-step instructions on the selecting of wood and building trellises, gates, fences and arbors.

"Making Bent Willow Furniture" by Brenda & Brian Cameron
1998.  139 pages, softbound.................$19.95

After discussing tools and basic construction techniques, there are recipes for 15 projects from racks, plant stands, tables and chairs, to swings, bed and mirrors.

"Making Gypsy Willow Furniture" by Bim Willow
1998.  64 pages, softbound..................$16.95

The full color book covers step-by-step instructions of making a fan-backed chair.

"Living Willow Sculpture" by Jon Warnes
2000.  48 pages, softbound..................$13.95

A must-have British book covering the makings of living willow wigwams, domes, fences, tunnels, chairs, arbors and bowers. Good discussion of working with willows, tools and equipment.

"Willow Weaving" by Truus Stol and Janny Roelofsen
2004.  48 pages, softbound..................$13.95

The authors live in the Netherlands and have put together a very interesting book of woven willow birds, animals, hanging baskets and boats. Full recipes and many photos and diagrams.

"Green Wood for the Garden" by Alan & Gill Bridgewater
2002.  79 pages, softbound..................$13.95

This wonderful English book shows how to build 15 easy weekend garden projects and structures using freshly cut wood. Projects include all types of trellises, obelisks, and rustic furniture, including a living willow arch and woven garden border.

"Slender Reeds, Sturdy Shoots (One Gardener's Almanac)" by Tom Christopher
2006.  3 pages.......................................$5.00

A reprint of the article on Bonnie Gale's living willow structures in the March, 2006 issue of "House and Garden Magazine".

"Making Living Willow Sculptures" DVD by Steve Pickup
One hour and 15 minutes...................$50.00

This incredible British DVD covers the construction of a living willow fedge and arch.  It is created by Steve Pickup, a master living willow installer form England.  Extra features include a gallery of work, tools and materials as well as other structures.


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This page last updated on:  January 28, 2008