Willow, rattan, and sharp secateurs: Tamar Guse and her beautiful baskets

North Canterbury basket weaver and sculptor Tamar Guse has explored various art forms over the years, but found her passion in fibre art – specifically basket weaving, which she loves for its endless possibilities of form and texture. As well as hand-dying rattan to achieve the distinctive depth and variety of colour in her work, Tamar incorporates other natural elements into many of her pieces, including driftwood and antlers.

What do you make?

I make hand-woven contemporary baskets and sculptures. I’ve made shopping baskets, trays, bassinets, wall hangings, tunnels, huts, and sculptural animals.

How did you get into your craft?

I have always been an artist and maker, experimenting with everything from painting to pottery, macramé to sewing, and graphic design. Whenever I saw something beautiful, I felt a strong desire to learn how it was made. A pivotal moment for me came in 2014 when my first son was born, and suddenly, I found myself lacking time for anything personal. I desperately needed a creative outlet that was separate from my role as a mother. 

My neighbour was taking a basket weaving class every week, and I admired her beautiful baskets for a long time before deciding to join the class myself. After just a couple of sessions, I was hooked. I loved the beautiful shapes I could weave, the functionality of the baskets, and the mental therapy that weaving provided.

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?

Just those first few months of workshops and then mostly self-taught from books. I would love one day to apply for a grant to study with the master basket weavers in Europe though!

Your favourite materials, tools, and processes?

I love a good sharp pair of secateurs. There’s nothing worse than a blunt pair! I mostly work with rattan because it’s easy to prepare; I just soak it in water for a few minutes before I can start weaving. This is essential since I’m always short on time with my three kids! I also work with willow, especially for my sculptures, and nothing beats the smell of it!

Tell us about some of the techniques involved in producing one of your pieces

My process begins well before I start weaving. When working on a rattan piece, I first hand-dye the material. If I’m using willow, I need to soak it for several days or even weeks, depending on the weather conditions.

Once my weaving materials are sufficiently soaked and flexible enough to weave with, I can start. I cut the spokes/ribs to the length I need them for the project. If I’m incorporating a branch/antler/driftwood I have to drill holes to plug the ribs in. I utilise various weaving techniques to create diverse textures, patterns, and borders in my baskets and sculptures.

What inspires you?

Other weavers around the world inspire me; I love seeing their incredible work and the endless ways you can express yourself through weaving – where the only limit is your imagination!

What has been a highlight of your maker journey so far?

I loved making a life-sized red stag out of willow for an exhibition, it was the biggest piece I’d made by far and I hope to do more like it. My dream is to do large public installations in the future.

Describe your workspace:

I love my studio and would live in it if I could. About five years ago, while preparing for an exhibition, every surface in our house was covered in my weavings; we literally couldn’t sit down! Following that, my wonderful husband and a good friend converted our shed and attached carport into a studio for me. It has since become my sanctuary, where my dreams can run wild.

Your favourite feedback from a customer:

One of my favourite bits of feedback I’ve received is from my wonderful students. After teaching basket weaving workshops for about seven years, I’ve heard them say time and again how patient I am. It always makes me smile. The funny part is that my family never seems to believe me when I share that!

What are you currently listening to?

I love all sorts of music but recently I’ve been hooked on contemporary music played classically by the Vitamin String Quartet. I find it very emotionally powerful. 

What are you reading at the moment?

I recently read The Women by Krisitin Hannah. I cried at least a dozen times as I was reading it. I strongly recommend this to anyone who enjoys stories about women’s experiences that are seldom shared.

A favourite quote:

I’m not sure where this quote is from, but I think “No one is you, and that is your power” resonates with me.

Tell us about your pets:

We have a Vizsla named Nala. She’s our ginger ninja, full of energy and love. Her favourite place is on top of us, and she would love to be a lap dog if she weren’t so big!

Why do you think it’s important to buy handmade and/or locally made goods?

When you buy handmade goods, it is unique, one-of-a-kind, that can’t be replicated anywhere else. There is a story behind it and the person that made it. It has meaning that a mass-produced good can never attain.

We should think about what our culture would be like without art and craft. Buying handmade items helps keep these art forms alive. It also supports the skills and knowledge needed to make them. Many traditional crafts have disappeared, but some are becoming popular again as we see how important it is to protect our cultural heritage.

What does it mean to you when someone buys your creations?

I love seeing the joy on their faces when they share what one of my creations means to them or how it makes them feel. I believe that bringing beauty into other people’s lives is a significant part of why I create.

What was the last handmade item you bought and what attracted you to it? 

I bought some beautiful Merino onesies and leggings for my youngest from Felt shop Littlies. I loved the beautiful colours and the softness of the clothing. It’s since been passed on to my nephew and still going strong, a testament to the quality of handmade!

If you were a crafty superhero, what would your name and superpower be? 

Not sure about the name, but I’ve always thought my “superpower” was my imagination and to be able to look at things from a different perspective. I think that’s where I get my creative ideas from.

What would your advice be for those starting out in a crafty business?

Be prepared to fail and learn from your mistakes. Nobody gets it right the first time or sometimes even the hundredth time. I think the best things come when you give yourself the grace and time to experiment and grow.

What’s in store for the rest of 2025?

I’m excited to have some fun collaborations in the works this year. I’m teaming up with Seonaid Burnie from the Clothworks to create eco-dyed harvest baskets, which I can’t wait to bring to life. I’m also collaborating with Kathy Thorpe to make beautiful sculptural ceramic art featuring woven elements. I can’t wait to see how they turn out!

I’m going to be exhibiting at the Christchurch Art Show this year in April so that’s a huge undertaking for me and I’m super excited and nervous for that!

Visit Tamar Guse Fibre Art to see more »