I line a wicker basket with a single layer of a large plastic garbage bag. I put a 2 inch layer of tufa on the bottom (remember to make holes for drainage), then work up the sides. Then place a smaller box (wrapped in plastic) in the center (leaving a 2 inch space) and pack tufa in the space. The plastic protects the wicker basket, so that you can re-use it again and again. It is light-weight enough that the tufa pushes against the wicker for a good imprint. The few creases it makes just adds 'character' to your finished product. I made two last year, intending to sell them; but they were so nice I had to keep them for my own deck!

Use spandex. It's a great release and it stretches down into the basket. I use spandex bags as forms.

Use spandex. It's a great release and it stretches down into the basket. I use spandex bags as forms.