Basket weaving finally gets some respect in library workshop

Unfortunately, people have joked about this arts-and-craft skill for decades, but you can appreciate the results with a class at Madison Public Library.

The library will host the “Weave a Round Basket” class on Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anyone who is at least 14 years old can attend. The supply fee is $8.

Crystal Kitchens, who frequently volunteers for library sessions, will be the instructor for this class.

In this workshop, participants will learn how to handle basket reed, how to start a round basket and how to shape a basket, adult services librarian Rachel Hooper said.

The finished baskets will be about six inches tall with a five-inch diameter base. “You can use colored reed and beads to decorate your baskets,” Hooper said. No basket making experience or other arts-and-crafts skill is required.

“For those who know how to make a basket, you have two options: weave a basket over a quart jar to use as a flower vase that will hold water or weave a double-walled basket,” she said.

If time allows, both groups can weave another basket and start the process with a wooden base. “Basket making is wet work, so wear old clothes and bring a towel. The leader will bring all the tools and other supplies that you’ll need to use during the workshop,” Hooper said.

The workshop will last for six hours, so Hooper recommends that participants bring a sack lunch.

Registration is required, and the registration deadline is Jan. 24. To sign up, visit hmcpl.org/adultcrafts.

Madison Public Library is located at 130 Plaza Blvd. For more information, call Hooper at 256-461-0046 or email to rhooper@hmcpl.org.