Where would one go to look for a beginner's kit in basket weaving/cane/reed weaving... whatever it is you'd call it.

My mom had mentioned she was interested in it as a kid, and I thought it would make a nice Christmas gift. I've tried the craft stores, I'll pop into the art stores this afternoon, I realize there are a few kits available online, but $16 shipping (+ GST + Duty + maybe brokerage fees at the border) on a $10ish dollar project just doesn't seem that cost-effective.

Anyone (or anyone's wife/mother/aunt/weird cousin that sits in the backyard and eats rocks) know anything about this?

Bren R.

You might try a Michael's art store, we have them here in Calgary and they carry alot of craft supplies. They are a pretty big store size wise, not a little dinky mall store.

My wife went there to get some stuff for our wedding.

Edit: To make it easy for you, here is the link to the stores they have in Winnipeg.

Bren, you could try here Ebay Canada

Here's a Canadian site for you. http://www.wicker-restoration.on.ca/specials.htm

No idea if it's any good. My only experience with non-manly hobbies was with rug hooking

Thanks guys, Hutzal - Happy Birthday, and I tried the Michaels' here... no such luck... that was my one lead here too, I'm not exactly a scrapbooking and lace kind of guy but knew about them.

I'll look through the other ideas... seems a bit weird to give as a gift, but if the poor woman doesn't quit knitting slippers, I may never see my childhood bedroom floor again.

Bren R.

I have a friend who made a basket out of twigs - very kewl. She didn't use a book, though - she took a one-night course. You know the kind, $40 gets you two hours of instruction and materials and some cookies too. Is there anything like that in your area?

Bren, if Michael's doesn't have any leads then you may have to look to the local 'evening' courses offered by various community institutions. If you could at least find the name of an instructor, your question would be answered.

My wife's cousin runs the SNAC. If we see her in the next couple of weeks, i'll try to remember to ask if she knows anyone.

>>I'm not exactly a scrapbooking and lace kind of guy but knew about them. (Michaels)

If anyone asks, you know about Michaels because that's where you get the special paints for DIY projector screens. Very manly.