In the realm of basketry, 2021 marked a significant milestone for me as I had the privilege of securing the second place in the esteemed "Basket of the Year" award. This prestigious competition, annually organised by the Basket Makers Association in collaboration with the Worshipful Company of Basket Makers, it attracts talent from both the UK and across the globe. The 2021 winner hailed from Denmark - the gifted basket maker, Anne Mette Hjørnholm.

It was a memorable evening in London. As a part of this award my wife and I received a special invitation to London, where the Worshipful Company of Basket Makers hosted their annual banquet at Mansion House. It was an unforgettable experience, a night of celebration and recognition that will remain with me for a long time.

My Award Winning Creation: The basket that clinched my second-place victory was a cedar bark quiver. The inner bark of the Western Red cedar tree, known scientifically as Thuja plicata, served as the primary material. I personally harvested this bark during the spring when the sap flows generously, making the extraction process effortless. The outer bark was swiftly removed to prevent drying. Subsequently, the inner bark was rolled and left to dry thoroughly.

Before weaving with the bark, it underwent a soak in water to restore its suppleness. Next, I meticulously cut it into strips of the desired size. Each strip was split along its thickness to produce two thinner strips, enhancing flexibility and ensuring a tight weave for the basket.

The Crafting Techniques: The basket's construction involved a blend of techniques. A three-strand twining method was employed at the base and intermittently along the quiver, while the remainder of the quiver was intricately plaited. To imbue the quiver with its unique pattern, I dyed portions of the bark using iron vinegar, a concoction of water infused with rusty metal. Over time, this process turned the bark into a striking black hue.

The pattern itself drew inspiration from my observations of a weaving technique utilized in First Nation Canadian mats, a design uniquely my own.

To complete the basket, a traditional cedar bark basketry border was employed, secured with resilient cedar roots. This added strength and durability to the quiver's top, ensuring it could endure the rigors of practical use.

The Basket of the Year 2021 award: not only recognises craftsmanship but also celebrates the spirit of innovation and tradition in the world of basketry. This accolade serves as a testament to the timeless art of basketry and the boundless possibilities it offers.