Rustic willow Open swing handled wicker basket. The body of this basket is made from rustic green willow, while the rim and handle are in double steamed full buff willow wicker. Such a lovely shape and with a pretty plaited rim there is a multitude of uses for this basket. The basket has swing handles for easy access and is available unlined or with a removable natural or cottage rose lining. Perfect for a baby basket, craft basket or picnic basket. We also stock this basket with a washed finish with either the natural or cottage rose lining. And a larger basket with either the washed finish or an Antique wash finish. And we have a range of matching rustic willow baskets for shopping, picnics and logs.  Willow baskets are very versatile.  These are much hardier than many other natural materials, and can be used outside as they will survive in all weathers.  Usually a stronger weave, they are very sturdy and solid.  Grown in fields and by river banks as willow, the branches are stripped of their outer layer and usually treated before weaving.  The end product is well suited to carrying weight although the baskets themselves are lightweight. Buff Willow is cropped mainly in November, but sometimes not until December. It is the most popular and is obtained by boiling the willows to release the natural colourant tannin from  the bark into the wood. The bark is then stripped from the willow revealing the characteristic golden colour. The wicker is steamed twice to gain the darker chestnut colour. The name green willow comes from the willow being used in its natural state, having gone through no treatment process, not necessarily the colour.
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