Beautiful, Simple Baskets Course and Kit

We followed all the prep instructions and the reeds lost pliability incredibly quickly. The videos offered absolutely no guidance on what to do if anything goes wrong as it goes: what to do if a reed breaks, how to tighten things up of the weaving is too loose, even things as simple as how wide we're weaving as we go. There were 2 of us working together; my friend gave up completely and I made what is essentially a little tray. We're both very proficient crafters and were exceptionally disappointed

The handle is thinner then I would have expected even after doubling the number of branches. But other wise the instructions were easy to follow and rewatch as needed.

I had originally thought this would be such a great way to spend time with my 13yo granddaughter. I planned it out so the reeds would be ready for Easter week and presented her Easter basket filled with necessary items. She is a crafter so I knew this was a win! She opened it up and got right to it. Frustration was almost immediate. Pausing the video constantly, looking for the right tools in my junk drawer, rewatching video over and over to try to see what to do…she gave up and walked away☹️. She was not interested in giving it a second try the entire visit. The gift was left behind. I decided to tackle it myself before the reeds went moldy…some were starting to turn. The house was quiet, no interruptions , I was excited to give it a try. I watched the whole video first, then started it again from the start, slowly, carefully, concentrating, watching every move, REALLY TRYING! PS…I consider myself an artist…so I do have skills…just never tried weaving…I WANTED TO TRY SOMETHING NEW…I was enthusiastic to get this done! I am SO SORRY to report, I had the same frustration as my granddaughter! I struggled for what seemed like hours (most of the afternoon) , restarted twice, ruined many reeds, and gave up. The reeds are sitting on my porch in a pile of started and quit attempts…makes me angry every time I go out there. The only thing I got out of the whole experience is that basket making is an art/science/skill…and not everyone can master it. Now I appreciate even more the beauty in almost every basket my eyes lay on! Maybe I’ll try to resoak the leftover reeds and start again at a later time but I don’t think so. Wish there was something clever I could do with the unused ones😂. You need a video for the tried and failed group! All in all, it was a great learning experience, just not for everyone.