NAIDOC Week & Reconciliation

Celebrate indigenous culture with our NAIDOC Week craft ideas.

Natural Basket Weaving

Learn about local traditions this NAIDOC Week. Research the patterns and colours used in Aboriginal weaving and create your own design based on your findings.

Search terms: inspired, indigenous, Australia, Australian, woven.

CleverPatch™ recommends educators, teachers and event organisers work in consultation with their local Aboriginal Communities (start locally and extend out geographically) when planning activities & learning experiences. Any creative or art making activity that mirrors or replicates Aboriginal cultural experiences should always be undertaken in consultation with the appropriate owners of that cultural property.

Some materials and products may contain terms that reflect authors' views, both current or past. These views may not be considered appropriate today and are provided in a historical context. These views are not necessarily the views of CleverPatch.

  • Step 1Begin by giving your basket a coat of brown paint. Allow to dry.
  • Step 2Tape the end of the raffia to the inside centre of the cardboard basket and begin weaving the raffia in and out of the cardboard panels. As you weave, you will form the walls of the basket.
  • Step 3Continue weaving all the way up the walls of your basket.Once you reach the top, trim the raffia, so you have approximately 40cm remaining.
  • Step 4Thread the remaining length of raffia through the holes along the top of your basket. Tape the loose end to secure.
  • Step 5To create a handle, cut a few long lengths of raffia and thread this through one of the holes along the top of the basket. Tie a knot to secure in place.
  • Step 6Twist or braid the raffia and then loop the loose end through a hole on the opposite side of the basket. Tie to secure.

Materials used in this activity

Round Paint Brushes - Assorted - Pack of 30
Optional
Product Code: 10708
EACH $38.49 (inc GST) $34.99 (ex GST)
5 or more $30.79 (inc GST) $27.99 (ex GST)          
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Student Scissors - Pack of 20
Optional
Product Code: 10897
EACH $43.99 (inc GST) $39.99 (ex GST)
3 or more $32.99 (inc GST) $29.99 (ex GST)          
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Product Code: 12386
EACH $5.49 (inc GST) $4.99 (ex GST)
Increase value Decrease value
Product Code: 15798
EACH $10.99 (inc GST) $9.99 (ex GST)
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Clear Sticky Tape - 18mm x 66m
Optional
Product Code: 17769
EACH $2.19 (inc GST) $1.99 (ex GST)
12 or more $1.53 (inc GST) $1.39 (ex GST)          
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Cardboard Weaving Baskets - White - Pack of 20
Optional
Product Code: 17771
EACH $16.49 (inc GST) $14.99 (ex GST)
5 or more $10.71 (inc GST) $9.74 (ex GST)          
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