I teach beginner classes at the Carrboro Recreation and Parks department and the Seymour Senior Center; consequently, I end up with a lot of sample and demo baskets.
I’ve found that using Chip Wood Strips from Royalwood Ltd. works well for rims on beginner baskets. It is very malleable and has a nice wood grain. No scarfing needed.
I lashed with paper covered wire, I like the look, but it was difficult to work with.
Next challenges: figure out how to get the basket level at the top, and start thinning the overlap reeds so I don’t get those pesky bumps.
HeartsongBaskets 