Patchwork Basket

Prangley blends traditional basketry making with wire-working techniques and adds paper in the process to create wire and paper baskets. The base is woven from fine-gauge annealed steel wire, and the sides are constructed of heavy-gauge annealed steel wire that's both concealed within the paper color shapes that comprise the patchwork pieces, and also visibly weaves around the basket in an irregular grid/patchwork pattern.

The wire used in the grid has a very fine thread-gauge wire wrapped around it for added texture. Color patches are made with many layers of papers that are "painted" with a special glue onto their fiberboard underlayment shape to create color, texture, and strength. Unryu rag papers from Asia, tissue papers, and pages from antique books are the primary types of papers used. The color patches are sealed with a gel medium that helps protect the basket during handling/use and from ultra-violet light.

The resulting wire and paper basket is solid, strong, and functional. The basket rim is finished off in a wire-wrapping technique and the base is completed with a centerpiece of vintage buttons. Use a soft cloth to clean/wipe down, and do not place in direct full sunlight. Because of the handmade nature of the work, no two "Patchwork Baskets" are exactly alike.