Artist Lewis Prosser, who calls himself an "absurdist basket-maker," has created costumes for a project named Making Merrie. This project delves into the material culture of folk theatre, drawing inspiration from mummers' plays and masked traditions. These plays, with over 500 years of history, are characterized by humor and community celebration. Making Merrie merges craft, performance, and language to examine cultural heritage and exchange. The project features substantial wicker costumes meticulously crafted using local willow basketry methods. These handmade creations emphasize basketry as a fundamental human skill. Prosser's work highlights the potential loss of this ability, which he suggests signifies a diminishment of our humanity. The performances are rooted in the secular, carnivalesque spirit of mummers' plays, distinct from religious mystery plays. Making Merrie aims to preserve and reflect upon these enduring cultural practices. The project serves as a testament to the rich history and artistic potential of traditional crafts.