The Allure of Wild Basketry

Wild basketry is the art of weaving baskets from natural, foraged materials—vines, bark, grasses, roots—collected directly from the land around you. It’s an eco-friendly, deeply satisfying craft that connects you to nature while producing functional and decorative works of art.
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Whether you’re drawn to the sustainability of foraging, the meditative rhythm of weaving, or the beauty of organic materials, wild basketry offers something for everyone. And best of all? You don’t need expensive tools or supplies—nature provides the raw materials.

​Each basket you make tells a story—not just of your creativity, but of the place and season it was born from. The curve of a vine, the color of a strip of bark, the texture of a dried grass stalk—these natural variations ensure that no two baskets are ever alike. That’s part of the magic of wild basketry: you’re not just crafting an object, you’re collaborating with nature to create something truly one‑of‑a‑kind.

What is wild basketry and Why it's growing in popularity

Basket weaving is one of the oldest crafts in human history, with evidence dating back more than 10,000 years. Across cultures, people have used reeds, rushes, grasses, and vines to create baskets for carrying, storing, and even cooking.

In recent years, wild basketry has surged in popularity among artists, homesteaders, and eco-conscious makers. The appeal is clear:
  • Sustainable, locally sourced materials
  • Minimal carbon footprint
  • Unique, one-of-a-kind designs impossible to replicate with store-bought supplies
  • A deep connection to traditional craftsmanship

Benefits of Learning wild Basketry

Wild basketry isn’t just about making something with your hands—it’s a rewarding craft that blends creativity, sustainability, and personal fulfillment in ways few other hobbies can match.
  • Eco-Friendly Creativity – Transform invasive plants into useful objects. Kudzu, honeysuckle, and grapevine can be woven into beautiful baskets instead of discarded.
  • Cost-Effective – Your materials are free if you know where to look.
  • Therapeutic Process – The repetitive, rhythmic motion of weaving is calming and meditative.
  • Functional Art – Baskets can be practical storage solutions or statement décor pieces.

Materials for Wild Basketry

​The materials you choose will determine the texture, color, and strength of your finished basket. Common foraged materials include:
  • Willow: Flexible and strong, ideal for structural weaving.
  • Grapevine: Natural twists and curves create organic designs.
  • Honeysuckle: Light, pliable, and abundant in many areas.
  • Kudzu: Excellent for rustic, textured baskets.
  • Cattails & Rushes: Great for coiling and decorative finishes.
  • Bark Strips: Inner bark from plants like tulip poplar or cedar can be stripped and woven into unique patterns.

Essential Wild Basketry Techniques

Mastering a few core techniques is the key to transforming raw, foraged materials into strong, beautiful baskets that will last for years.
  • Twining: Two weavers cross over and under spokes for strength.
  • Plaiting (Checker Weave): Over-under weaving, ideal for flat bases or walls.
  • Twill: A method of weaving that is based on using tension and skipping over stakes as you weave using a pattern.
  • Coiling: Bundled fibers stitched in a spiral with cordage.
  • Random Weave: A more sculptural, freeform technique perfect for artistic expression.
  • Rib Basketry: Creating a structure with "ribs" and then weaving on top of it.

​Each technique offers different strengths and aesthetic possibilities. Beginners often start with plaiting or simple twining before moving to advanced methods. (I've got a great article here that explains more.)

The Wild Basketry Process: From Foraging to Finished Basket

  • Scout Your Area – Look for vines, grasses, or bark in areas you have permission to forage.
  • Harvest Responsibly – Take only what you need, avoiding overharvesting.
  • Prepare Materials – Strip bark, coil vines, and soak brittle fibers for flexibility.
  • Build the Base – Arrange spokes in a star pattern and start your weave.
  • Weave the Walls – Maintain even tension and spacing for strength and symmetry.
  • Finish the Rim – Trim ends and secure with a final locking weave.

Tools you may need

There are a number of tools that I recommend for getting started with wild basketry. The good news is, none of them are expensive or hard to find. Some of my basket go-to tools for wild basketry include:
  • Hand pruners or secateurs
  • A sharp knife for bark stripping
  • A water bucket or trough for soaking materials
  • Clothespins or small clamps for holding weaves in place
  • Basketry needles for coiling work
  • Awl

Wild Basketry for Beginners: Why online courses can save you time

Learning on your own can be rewarding—but also frustrating without guidance. Endless trial and error, wasting materials and time can make your basketry journey seem like a never-ending struggle. Thankfully, it doesn't have to be that way for beginning or experienced weavers interested in wild basketry.

Online basketry courses can:
  • Teach correct technique from the start
  • Help you avoid common mistakes
  • Introduce new design ideas
  • Offer tips for material preparation and storage

That’s why we’ve created our Wild Basketry Online Courses—a complete learning path from beginner to advanced.

Enroll today and save

Accelerate your journey as you learn basket weaving by getting all three of my on-demand basket weaving classes for a significant discount. And remember, you get lifetime access to the courses via our website, so there's no rush!
​Normally, these classes are $197 each - which is a great value considering the hours and hours of value students receive. However, when you purchase all 3 courses together at one time, we give you a huge discount! It's almost like getting one course free! 

What's included in each wild basketry course

Each of my online basket weaving classes below includes hours of up-close video instruction perfect for beginners or seasoned weavers. Whether this is your first time exploring natural basketry or you've been weaving baskets with vines, bark, and foliage for years, I promise you'll get a lot out of these online basket weaving classes.

"Matt's classes are comprehensive and the bonus videos alone are worth taking them... best of all - his classes are fun!  I have a good time watching them and making the style of baskets he teaches.  So dive right in and enjoy yourself!" - Alison, a recent student

Inside Twining with Soft Natural Materials I'll show you exactly how to:
  • Harvest materials like foliage, bark and vines from your garden or local forest
  • Prepare and store the natural materials you collect
  • Weave baskets using a simple, ancient technique called twining.

Inside Bark Basketry Basics, I'll show you exactly how to:
  • Harvest, prepare and store bark
  • Use a variety of simple hand tools to make the process easier and faster
  • Weave bark using simple techniques like plaiting, twill and twining. 

Inside Rib Basketry Basics, I'll show you how to:
  • Harvest and prepare materials for weaving
  • Create 4 baskets, including the Egg Basket, Oriole Basket, Hen Basket, and Harvest Basket.
  • Weave beautiful lashings, including the God's Eye, 1/2 God's Eye, and 3-point lashing.
  • Insert Ribs to create unique and interesting shapes
  • Add whimsey and interest to your baskets with vines
  • And much more...
Ready to start your wild basketry journey? We offer two great options:
  • Use code: NewSubscriber75 for 75% off any individual course.
  • Use code: NewSubscriber63 for a big discount on our 3-course bundle.

Why Learn Wild Basketry from Matt Tommey

I’ve been working as a professional artist for over 30 years, and during that time I’ve developed my own style of basketry that blends traditional weaving techniques with a more contemporary, sculptural approach. My work has been collected by clients all over the country and has found its way into galleries, exhibitions, and luxury homes.
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Wild basketry is my passion. I love taking natural, foraged materials—like vines, bark, and grasses—and turning them into one‑of‑a‑kind pieces. Over the years, I’ve refined simple, repeatable methods that help my students:
  • Master techniques quickly with step‑by‑step instruction
  • Work with what’s local—using everything from invasive vines to seasonal bark
  • Create durable, beautiful baskets that will stand the test of time
  • Build creative confidence while exploring new forms and materials
I’ve taught thousands of students how to weave, and I’ve seen time and again that you don’t need expensive tools or years of training to create something beautiful—you just need clear instruction, encouragement, and a willingness to experiment. My goal is to help you skip the trial‑and‑error stage, gain the skills you need, and start creating baskets you can be proud of right away.

Inspirational Wild basketry Work from Matt Tommey

Wild basketry is more than just a craft—it’s a creative skill that brings beauty, functionality, and sustainability into your life. Whether you’re making your first simple basket or exploring advanced sculptural forms, our online courses give you the tools and confidence to succeed. Use code NewSubscriber75 or NewSubscriber63 and start today.