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Willow: A Guide to Growing and Harvesting - Plus 20 Beautiful Woven Projects
As natural materials such as wood, leather, rattan and cork continue to be used in the home, handmade woven objects, from bread baskets and trays to stools and screens, are fast becoming the must-have accessories of the contemporary interior. Master basket maker and willow grower, Jenny Crisp, teaches you some of the key weaving techniques to make 20 simple willow projects without the need of complicated tools. Jenny’s approach is innovative and moves forward beyond the old patterns and boundaries, to allow the reader to make work that is fresh and for contemporary use.
- GenresNonfictionCrafts
144 pages, Hardcover
Published October 23, 2018
2 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 26, 2018
If i could only use one word to describe Willow by Jenny Crisp i would have to say inspiring.
As Jenny explains, willow work, basket making and weaving is a dying art, it is hard to find tutorials and information on the topic and there are less and less experienced people in the field.
what Jenny has put together here is priceless, the step by step instructions that not only cover growing, cutting and preparing willow, she also brings a modern twist on an age old tradition.
The projects are well explained with beautiful photos too.
This really is a lovely book that would make a great addition to any home , school or library, and will certainly be getting a place in our house.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As Jenny explains, willow work, basket making and weaving is a dying art, it is hard to find tutorials and information on the topic and there are less and less experienced people in the field.
what Jenny has put together here is priceless, the step by step instructions that not only cover growing, cutting and preparing willow, she also brings a modern twist on an age old tradition.
The projects are well explained with beautiful photos too.
This really is a lovely book that would make a great addition to any home , school or library, and will certainly be getting a place in our house.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 9, 2019
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.
September 20, 2018
This is a well intended book. It is sort of arts and crafts porn, in that the crafts are quite beautiful, and the information on how to achieve the results are well documented. The problem is that most of us do not have access to willows, nor do we have a place to grow them. But we can still dream about it, and read about it.
The instructions are step by step, and it looks like a fun hobby to take up, although, as the author points out, in the old days, an apprenticeship would take three to five years.
So, while the steps are well documented, and the results look quite good, I would think that this might be more a a guide to use, once you have found someone to also teach you how to weave. projects.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
The instructions are step by step, and it looks like a fun hobby to take up, although, as the author points out, in the old days, an apprenticeship would take three to five years.
So, while the steps are well documented, and the results look quite good, I would think that this might be more a a guide to use, once you have found someone to also teach you how to weave. projects.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
October 15, 2018
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
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
September 30, 2018
Weaving baskets is an ancient tradition. This book shows you how to grow willow, how to cure the willow twigs for basket weaving and teaches you some basic and advanced weaving techniques.
Although I have had the pleasure of learning how to weave baskets as a child, I still learned a lot of things from this book. I'd recommend it for beginners and more advanced crafters alike.
Although I have had the pleasure of learning how to weave baskets as a child, I still learned a lot of things from this book. I'd recommend it for beginners and more advanced crafters alike.
April 23, 2019
I enjoyed Willow very much. Never had any basket making experience yet found it very interesting. For someone who knows the basic this is a very good book.
It covers the history and how to grow, cut and prepare willow for crafting. High quality pictures are beautiful and shows clear step by step instructions, showing basic and advance weaving techniques. Before this book I had no idea how much work goes into creating beautiful woven items, Now I have a totally different vision.
Many thanks to Netgalley for sending me a kindle copy to read.
It covers the history and how to grow, cut and prepare willow for crafting. High quality pictures are beautiful and shows clear step by step instructions, showing basic and advance weaving techniques. Before this book I had no idea how much work goes into creating beautiful woven items, Now I have a totally different vision.
Many thanks to Netgalley for sending me a kindle copy to read.
January 7, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Willow is a weaving/crafting tutorial on growing, harvesting, and creating objects from willow. Released 18th Oct 2018 on Quarto's Jacqui Small imprint, it's 144 pages and available in hardcover and ebook formats.
Author Jenny Crisp has combined the ancient craft of creating with willow along with more modern design elements. I was impressed to see that this book also includes a fully usable introduction to sourcing materials including a solid beginner section on growing one's own canes. That alone is worth the price of the book.
The book starts with a good introduction to history and craft as well as the section on sourcing and growing materials. The next sections deal with sorting and preparing materials as well as an introduction to necessary tools. The basic techniques chapter which follows covers the different braiding techniques as well as hand care and suggestions for safety. The last 2/3rds of the content are complete tutorials for 20 different projects, beginner to advanced. These are fully photographed and clear and concise including measurements, materials, and necessary tools. The photography is beautiful and clear and fully supports and illustrates the instructions. The end of the book includes a resource page slanted to the crafter living in the UK.
Wonderful introduction to crafting and weaving with wood/willow. The projects are very attractive and most are functional (baskets, vessels, screens, etc). There are some purely decorative pieces included (a simple door wreath, a decorative star, napkin rings, etc).
Probably the best basket weaving tutorial book in my library and certainly the only willow specific one in my library. Highly recommended.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Willow is a weaving/crafting tutorial on growing, harvesting, and creating objects from willow. Released 18th Oct 2018 on Quarto's Jacqui Small imprint, it's 144 pages and available in hardcover and ebook formats.
Author Jenny Crisp has combined the ancient craft of creating with willow along with more modern design elements. I was impressed to see that this book also includes a fully usable introduction to sourcing materials including a solid beginner section on growing one's own canes. That alone is worth the price of the book.
The book starts with a good introduction to history and craft as well as the section on sourcing and growing materials. The next sections deal with sorting and preparing materials as well as an introduction to necessary tools. The basic techniques chapter which follows covers the different braiding techniques as well as hand care and suggestions for safety. The last 2/3rds of the content are complete tutorials for 20 different projects, beginner to advanced. These are fully photographed and clear and concise including measurements, materials, and necessary tools. The photography is beautiful and clear and fully supports and illustrates the instructions. The end of the book includes a resource page slanted to the crafter living in the UK.
Wonderful introduction to crafting and weaving with wood/willow. The projects are very attractive and most are functional (baskets, vessels, screens, etc). There are some purely decorative pieces included (a simple door wreath, a decorative star, napkin rings, etc).
Probably the best basket weaving tutorial book in my library and certainly the only willow specific one in my library. Highly recommended.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
September 30, 2018
From Netgalley for Review:
I admit, I never really gave much thought to willow weaving before this book, which is honestly a bit shameful because wow, what a beautiful form of functional art! The book includes lots of photos showing clear instruction on how to weave willow branches into baskets and decorative items, it also includes a section on how to grow the branches needed for the weaving. I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves nature and homesteading crafts!
I admit, I never really gave much thought to willow weaving before this book, which is honestly a bit shameful because wow, what a beautiful form of functional art! The book includes lots of photos showing clear instruction on how to weave willow branches into baskets and decorative items, it also includes a section on how to grow the branches needed for the weaving. I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves nature and homesteading crafts!
August 14, 2021
A unique and exemplary guide.
October 7, 2018
.Jenny Crisp’s book is not only a “How-To” instruction manual of willow crafts but worth reading for the lucious photography of beautifully crafted pieces.
September 21, 2018
I've always loved willow baskets and chairs/benches, but didn't know much about the process of making them. Though various types of willow cuttings can be purchased from specialty suppliers (a list of resources is included), Crisp gives advice on setting up a willow bed to grow and harvest your own in only a year. The various types of willow are discussed along with how to prep materials for weaving, tools needed and finally, weaving techniques are detailed.
The final 2/3 of the book is comprised of projects, grouped together by the weaving technique used. Projects range from small home decor and tableware items to pieces of furniture and even outdoor screen panels. Each project's instructions are accompanied by photos showing the steps. I especially love the bird feeder made using a spiral weave - so much nicer than plastic ones mass produced! This book has given me a whole new appreciation for the work that goes into creating beautiful woven items.
Thank you to Jenny Crisp, Quarto Publishing Group - Jacqui Small and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. All comments are my own, unbiased opinion.
The final 2/3 of the book is comprised of projects, grouped together by the weaving technique used. Projects range from small home decor and tableware items to pieces of furniture and even outdoor screen panels. Each project's instructions are accompanied by photos showing the steps. I especially love the bird feeder made using a spiral weave - so much nicer than plastic ones mass produced! This book has given me a whole new appreciation for the work that goes into creating beautiful woven items.
Thank you to Jenny Crisp, Quarto Publishing Group - Jacqui Small and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. All comments are my own, unbiased opinion.
September 27, 2018
This is an excellent resource for those interested in useful, all-natural crafts. The history of basket making is covered, along with tips on growing and harvesting your own willows for crafting. All of the projects included are for practical, highly useful household items (laundry basket, garlic holder, bread tray, and even a small boat).
October 10, 2018
The author tells the reader how to do willow work, basket making and weaving is a dying art, it is hard to find tutorials and information on the topic and there are less and less experienced people in the field. The problem is that most I do not have access to willows so I can only read the book and dream about doing willow work.
October 22, 2018
A truly beautiful book. Some lovely ideas and projects in this book. An informative book which has a variety of techniques helpful for beginners to advanced. Beautiful pictures of some beautiful projects.
October 27, 2018
This is a nice book for those looking to use willow twigs for crafting. The author made some really nice stuff especially the flat mat used with the teapot. I'd love to have that. But one thing crossed my mind during the section of the craft tutorials. I wonder if she ever gets hit or nicked by those willow sticks. they seem quite bendy and me being an Old Country Girl I know a thing or two about a switch. I know it's weird but that is just one of the questions I have that I'd love to ask Ms. Crisp.
She is amazing and her work is spectacular. It really makes me think of all the hard work that goes into those handmade baskets and mats that are hand woven we see inside the craft stores and what not. She grows her willows, soak, and trim them to make her designs. It's really great.
She is amazing and her work is spectacular. It really makes me think of all the hard work that goes into those handmade baskets and mats that are hand woven we see inside the craft stores and what not. She grows her willows, soak, and trim them to make her designs. It's really great.
November 3, 2018
This book is more for those who want to take the time to really work with willow. It does have templates/projects on how to work with and make something with this material. From reading this book, the reader and maker does have to have the time and space to make these projects and more if interested in working with this.
October 29, 2018
Thank you Quatro Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
Willow is a lovely, comprehensive and easy to understand book with gorgeous illustrations. The book takes the reader through the initial processes of identifying different types of willow, how to grow and harvest it, through to templates for creating many beautiful pieces from napkins rings, bread baskets, shopping baskets, stools to outdoor screens.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and learn from this incredible craft form. It took me back to fond memories of making baskets as a child and has given lots of food for thought.
Willow is a lovely, comprehensive and easy to understand book with gorgeous illustrations. The book takes the reader through the initial processes of identifying different types of willow, how to grow and harvest it, through to templates for creating many beautiful pieces from napkins rings, bread baskets, shopping baskets, stools to outdoor screens.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and learn from this incredible craft form. It took me back to fond memories of making baskets as a child and has given lots of food for thought.
October 31, 2018
I have three large weeping willow trees in my garden, with their whippy branches I always wonder if I could make baskets with them. It turns out that I probably need a stronger or purpose grown type of willow to make these baskets. Having said that, this book is an excellent book on both growing, planting and harvesting willow. The instructions on making the baskets are fabulous and include flat weave, natural weave, spiral weave, round weave and lastly square weave. Each technique has a number of project to make for the home or garden and are well explained and illustrated.
A very informative book.
A very informative book.
November 10, 2018
Plenty of photos accompany this book which makes it so much easier to follow. The short history of the use of willow is interesting. There are four main sections to the book: Working with Willow; Key techniques; Projects, and Resources. Each section is well explained and I thought the projects were really attractive and useful. I think you would need quite a bit of space to grow and harvest the willow, but otherwise I think most people could give it a go with this book to hand. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
November 29, 2018
Comprehensive book about growing and harvesting willow, preparing it for weaving and details steps on weaving some crafts projects. It includes Flat weave(star, fish, scree), Natural Weave (Bread tray, fruit basket, gathering basket), Spiral weave (Napkin ring, bird feeder, egg basket, garlic holder), Round weave (wreath, Lampshade, Cloche, Coracle seat, Waste paper bin) and Square weave (Trivet, Breakfast tray, Jardinière, Lunch Bag , Laundry Basket)
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
December 31, 2018
Let’s face it, crafts and trades are no longer a thing of the past, it’s becoming more and more popular for younger generations to learn the specific skills whether as a hobby or something more involved like buying, selling or bartering. If anything, you’ll always have a gift ready and available for last minute celebrations and we all know people love handmade.
Jenny provides an easy to approach instruction manual teaching you all the ins and outs of basket making. This may be an ancient technique but with Jenny explaining it feels like an easy DIY project anyone could tackle. Plus, it’s not just basket weaving, you’ll learn how to grow, harvest and prepare the Willow for any project!
Jenny provides an easy to approach instruction manual teaching you all the ins and outs of basket making. This may be an ancient technique but with Jenny explaining it feels like an easy DIY project anyone could tackle. Plus, it’s not just basket weaving, you’ll learn how to grow, harvest and prepare the Willow for any project!
February 6, 2019
Basket weaving is an art that takes considerable skill, plus lots of patience to insure quality results. I took a beginner's class when we lived in Alaska and thoroughly enjoyed the process but since I had not kept up I had forgotten most of what I learned. This book has beautiful pictures with clear guidance to achieve something that could almost look like Jenny Crisp's efforts! My friends and I had a good time making some of the items and are determined to complete more. Keep practicing and you'll have memories and mementos to share.
May 14, 2019
This book tells you how to get started in woven projects. All from the very start to growing your own willow, harvesting it, and crafting a finished project. In this book, you will find a total of 20 woven projects. Baskets, ornaments, serving-ware, and even napkin holders.
I’ll be honest, I really don’t think I will grow my own willow. Not until retirement at least. But it was such an interesting topic to read and learn about!
Now, about the weaving projects, I can truly see myself experimenting with them. I love all kinds of crafts, and this just looks like so much fun, and the finished objects are always a treat to have.
A very informative book. And although it focuses on the usage of willow as the only material, I can imagine myself practicing with rolled newspapers like I used to do in art class. Besides being a cheaper material, will be easier and softer to practice, before trying to come by some willow.
The woven laundry basket is by far my favorite project. I know I am not going to be making it until I have some good practice under my belt, but is definitely going to the bucket list!
At least I am confident I can do the wreath. The wreath project looks simple enough, quick and doesn’t require a lot of material. It can also be ornamented with extra stuff, maybe some flowers (real or faux).
I couldn’t expect more from a book! You get the history and introduction to the craft, how to grow and harvest the material yourself, different weaving techniques and 20 projects to start making and using those techniques. I’m sure it could even mean an extra source of income if you become good enough. These projects are precious and lovely, so selling them should be easy I think.
I’ll be honest, I really don’t think I will grow my own willow. Not until retirement at least. But it was such an interesting topic to read and learn about!
Now, about the weaving projects, I can truly see myself experimenting with them. I love all kinds of crafts, and this just looks like so much fun, and the finished objects are always a treat to have.
A very informative book. And although it focuses on the usage of willow as the only material, I can imagine myself practicing with rolled newspapers like I used to do in art class. Besides being a cheaper material, will be easier and softer to practice, before trying to come by some willow.
The woven laundry basket is by far my favorite project. I know I am not going to be making it until I have some good practice under my belt, but is definitely going to the bucket list!
At least I am confident I can do the wreath. The wreath project looks simple enough, quick and doesn’t require a lot of material. It can also be ornamented with extra stuff, maybe some flowers (real or faux).
I couldn’t expect more from a book! You get the history and introduction to the craft, how to grow and harvest the material yourself, different weaving techniques and 20 projects to start making and using those techniques. I’m sure it could even mean an extra source of income if you become good enough. These projects are precious and lovely, so selling them should be easy I think.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews