We’re all looking at screens far too much these days.
According to a report last year by Uswitch, the average person stares at some variation of screen for around five hours a day, whether it’s scrolling news on the commute, the nine-to-five itself, or flopping in front of a box set in the evening.
Or, you know, learning about excessive screen consumption online on a list like this: trust us, the irony of you reading this on yet another screen is not lost on us. But we’re here to save your rapidly square eyes from yourself.
How? By bringing a hobby to your attention that requires no screens whatsoever. It’s wholesome, you can do it alone or with a friend, and you’ll create something pretty once you’re accomplished at it. No, not Mongolian throat singing - we’re talking about basket-weaving.
It may be deemed a hobby now, but basket weaving is an ancient craft that’s been around for far longer than pottery, or even stone carving. The earliest examples are up to 12,000 years old, found in northern Africa. The method of intertwining reeds, grass and strands over and through each other to create strong containers designed to store or transport items is an art that can be found on every continent.
While it’s no longer essential to make them to aid the smooth running of a community or household, they are a lot of fun to make, offering a calming antidote to today’s frenetic world. Like watercolours or knitting, you can lose hours basket-weaving, leaving all other thoughts at the door. It’s among the most popular arts and crafts hobbies out there.
What can you make? As well as standard baskets, hampers and bowls, basket-weaving can help you create lampshades, chairs - even garden furniture once you get going.
If you’re looking to try it as a new hobby, the good news is that there are plenty of beginners basket-weaving kits to choose from. Taking rookies through the basic steps of technique or making a specific item, they offer a light taster of basket weaving so you can decide if you want to go further.
We’ve found some of the best options below. Shop now
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WonderWeaver Design Paper Waste Basket Diy Basketry Kit
Be the maker who gets hands-on with their materials and craft a basket with WonderWeaver. Once made, this wicker basket kit can be used to hold dirty laundry, paper waste or store things like clean towels and blankets. Contents include everything you need to make the item, from a wooden blank, cane and coils of various sizes and crucially, a set of illustrated instructions to help you on your journey.
Buy now £35.00, NOTHS
WonderWeaver Design Round Mini Basket Diy Basketry Kit
Looking to embark on this new hobby with your little one? This easy-level kit is perfect for grown-ups and kids, and will leave you with a sweet little basket by the end of your efforts. Use with supervision for children under the age of 14.
Buy now £26.00, NOTHS
Baker Ross Basket Weaving Kits
One for the kids, this is the perfect party favour or activity if the usual ideas leave you feeling uninspired. Available as a pack of four or 16, the kits take you through the basics of basketry, finishing up with a multicoloured 10cm basket made from raffia. It’s an excellent introduction for adults who are brand new to the hobby too.
Buy now £6.95, Baker Ross
Rachel Harwood Willow Hare Kit
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s onto the next challenge. Try your hand at making this sitting hare statue which incorporates the basics of basketry and takes them to the next level. The set includes willow, a soaking bag, string and instructions to make your very own 3ft-tall friend. A sustainable way to add garden decor.
Buy now £49.00, Etsy
Emily Chilvers Craft Basket Making Kit - Fruit Bowl
Will your five-a-day be more appealing if it’s displayed in a bowl forged by your own hands? There’s only really one way to find out. With this kit, you’ll make the bowl from natural and orange-coloured cane with help from a detailed guide. Designed for adult beginners, you will need odds and ends from around the house to help - think scissors, a tea towel and a bowl - but once made you’ll see it’s well worth the effort.
Buy now £22.00, Etsy
