Tools

• Some of the tools used to make the basket need to be sharp, such as the scissors, shears, awls, wire cutters and knives used to cut reeds or wire. When you are not using these items, keep them in leather or cloth sheaths to keep from getting cut as you select a tool. You also can store these items in containers that have separate compartments. Rust on any of the metal tools should be removed to reduce the risk of tetanus if you cut yourself. When using sharp tools, cut away from you whenever possible.
  
  

Hand Protection

• Reed edges easily can act like wooden blades and slice open skin. To protect your hands, wear a thin pair of gloves. You also can wrap your hands with safety tape. If you use the tape, make sure it is not wrapped too tightly.
  
  

Glue

• Glue is effective at holding seams and joints of baskets together, but it can damage your skin if you accidentally stick two fingers together as you're applying the glue to the basket. Keep a travel-size bottle of nail-polish remover and a few cotton swabs with your basket-making supplies.
  
  Put some of the nail-polish remover on a cotton swab and rub it gently on the glue and skin. The acetone in the polish remover breaks down the glue and lets your fingers come apart without injury. If you use a hot glue gun, place it away from you so that it is not overturned by your elbow or reeds.
  
  

Coloring

• When adding color to your basket by dying the reeds, make sure the dye is non-toxic. Use natural-based, organic dye if possible. When you are done with the dye and if plan to store it for another use, make sure the container is sealed tightly; even if the ingredients are non-toxic, a dye spill makes a floor slippery.