Baskets are great tools for display in the home and for adding a touch of warmth to any setting. They are one of man’s oldest inventions, dating back thousands of years. Baskets were used by Sumerians to bury their dead, and traces of baskets have been found in Egyptian pyramids. The Bible mentions baskets several places. Early baskets were made for practical purposes, but it’s interesting to note that even in early times, basket weavers were creative in the weaves they invented. As trading and travel became prominent, different weaves made their way across the world, resulting in a number of beautiful patterns that we use today.
Baskets are made of a variety of materials, including grasses, fibers, pine needles, cloth, and even newsprint. Some of the methods today include coiling, splint weaving using flat materials like reeds, canes, or vines, and round fibered weaving.
You can use baskets for decoration or for practical purposes in your home. Layer a variety of baskets above your kitchen cabinets. Use them to hold magazines, newspapers, or kindling in the living room. Nail a flat basket with its back against a wall in the bathroom and add rolled towels or toilet paper.
A basket with toiletry items in a guest bedroom will make company feel welcome and at home.
You can also nail a basket to any wall to act as a frame for other objects or use baskets on a desk to hold paper, cards, or objects like seashells or rocks you’ve picked up during your adventures.
Baskets in cupboards in the kitchen or laundry room make it easier to keep small objects together and organized. Add baskets under the bed for extra sweaters or linens storage.
You can even use baskets in your garden shed to hold seeds, sprinkler heads, or flowers and herbs that you’ve gathered. One of my favorite uses for baskets is to combine several small gifts for a friend in a festive setting. They make a colorful, fun present for any occasion.
Baskets can be found at most thrift and antique shops for nominal prices. Try adding some to your décor this spring!
Sources: Linda Herbert, "Basket Beginnings" and Helen Polaski, "Short History of Baskets and Basket Making"
