The woven bird basket that you are about to see (and hopefully recreate) is from the work of Jonathan Ridgeon at Jon’s Bushcraft. Because basket weaving requires few tools, making it simple to get started. It’s relatively easy to learn when given the right instruction (or access to a course/instructor). And it’s a great way to keep your hardworking hands busy offline.

The first time we wove a bird basket, we didn’t have any tools other than a pair of pruners, a garden knife and a homemade bodkin. The latter was merely a sharpened branch that needed to be replaced each time it broke. Toss in some birdseed and they may find a safe place to dine. Or maybe people will gawk and comment on that strange thing hanging from a branch. If that’s all you have, you can make do with what you’ve got. You don’t need fancy tools to weave baskets. But, it doesn’t hurt if you do. The general rule of thumb for soaking branches says to submerge the branches one day for every foot of length. Bend the branches any which way you want. Just be sure to keep it natural and without glue, metal ties or plastic twine.If you’d like to weave a bird feeder that is easier and less time consuming, you can sample some pretty and practical projects here: Willow Craft 10 Bird Feeder Projects

Grab 6 pieces of branches, all similarly large in girth, and cut them to 11″ (28 cm) in length. These will form the base of the hanging basket. Now, that the base of your bird basket looks like a multi-legged spider, it is time to add 3 more branches, spaced evenly, to the mix.Creeks work too, so long as you make sure to tie up the bundle in case of rain. They can float away if not restrained.