Charles Crampton

Cane Work Charles Crampton

Publisher Marketing: INTRODUCTION HERE are many books on Basket Making, but with the exception of that by Mr. T. Okey on Willow Work, none so far as we are aware, are by practical basket makers who have had workshop experience, or, as it is termed in the trade, Who have been on the plank. The writer of this book is not only a basket maker of long standing, but comes from a basket-making family. He has also had considerable experience in teaching and his object is to explain simply and practically the elements of basket-making through the various articles selected. Undoubtedly the best way to learn any craft is in the workshop where people earn their living by it, or to have lessons from a man who has had workshop experience, as it is difficult to explain in print the right way of holding the cane, etc., in the various stages of working. Where, however, this is not possible much help can be obtained from a practical book. If the instructions here given are carefully followed the amateur should be able to make good progress. All the articles described are made with pulp cane, as it is the most easily managed material for the amateur, being pliable to work when damp and obtainable in long lengths. Willow, though a beautiful material is much more difficult, as it is hard and brittle and in short lengths which taper off at one end. It is of a woody nature and quickly dries during the working and is liable to crack. Cane, like all natural products, varies very considerably in quality. Pulp cane, for instance, if cut from poor quality material is hard and liable to splinter, or is rough and brittle. This means that when weaving much time and material are wasted, and the article made will be bad in shape and rough at every bend. The beginner finds enough difficulties in his way and should be warned as there is always plenty of poor material offered at low prices to tempt the unwary. The good craftsman will gladly pay double the price for good quality cane, because it will not only save time but produce a superior and more saleable article...