Make adornments and accessories with this mouldable material is an easy task to learn,
and a hobby that can over time become an occupation given the current popularity of wickerwork.

Before starting to work with this material, it is important to learn its characteristics.
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Wicker branches are categorised into different types, classes or levels of quality, according to the following characteristics:
- Branches: These are 80 centimetre long wicker branches with or without bark and always without leaves or smaller branches.
- Huira: A longitudinal section of a wicker branch that is created when the branch breaks
or splinters.
- Raw wicker: Barkless, dried material with the characteristic colour of wicker.
- Cooked wicker: Cooked, debarked and dried wicker of a uniform brown colour.
- Dyed wicker: White wicker that has been dyed different colours.

Wicker is sold in tied-up branches known as metres, because the bases measure one metre. The dimensions and qualities of these metres are heterogeneous and depend on the works that will be made from them. Normally the wicker craftsmen themselves supply the local craft market via specialised shops.

Making a basket
One of the most characteristic objects to make from wicker is a basket. There is in fact a whole industry based around this one article: basket weaving.

Two types of wicker are employed: entire branches to make the structure and huiras to make the texture and body of the basket.

The structure of the bag is made with thick and resistant wicker branches, while the body
is made with long, straight huiras without any knots.

When the material to be used has been chosen, the branches should be split into three, four and five parts depending on its thickness, and the branches paired according to their width and length. When this has been done, you can begin weaving the basket. The basic steps are:
� Wet the wicker to prevent breakage and splintering.
� Cut into the thick wicker branches and slip through the thinner branches.
� Reinforce the structure with false wicker branches.
� Use the four sides of the cross as a base for the basket and start to weave in a circular manner around the guide or support in the form of a cross.

Functional items
There is a whole range of functional items that can be made from wicker: baskets, frames, trays, screens, jars, chairs or jewellery, among others.

If it becomes more than just a hobby, there is the option of selling your creations in traditional craft fairs, exhibitions or specialised wicker shops.

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