WILLOW BASKETS
I made this large basket in 2002. It's 2 ft wide and 3 ft tall. The handle is grapevine and the frame is willow. The reed was dyed with walnut hulls.
I scraped bark off the willow tree and wove it in to give it character. The bark almost looks like leather! This is the basket that I store my lap quilts in. When I get cold while watching TV, I can reach for one to keep me warm.
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POTATO BASKET
I love this basket. The frame is made entirely of willow with handles on the side.
It is woven with reed and scraped willow bark. I use it in the bathroom to hold my bath towels. This basket is 2 ft x 2ft and is large enough a small child could fit in it!
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WALL BASKET
This cute 9 1/2" by 10" basket is hanging in the master bathroom to hold wash clothes.
It's frame is made of willow and woven with dyed reed. I tied 3 small stones with holes in them on the front, but have lost one.
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I have really slacked off this winter with sewing. Work has been busy and a bit stressful but staring to slow down a bit now. I tell everyone I'm in my pre-retirement period and getting ready to downgrade to a less busy job, something that I don't have 10 balls juggling in the air. I'm looking for a simple cubical that has my name on it for a few short years or something with the local schools, that I can have the summers off. Will start looking this summer. I will miss my senior patients, but its time to move on.
I have a vintage quilt on the frame and am working of a vintage Sunbonnet Sue I started in the 1970's. So hopefully, I will have some sewing to show you soon.
Thanks for visiting,
Cinder
I really admire your work! It's amazing to me how you can take these materials and make such grand baskets. Also it's wonderful how you use them in your home.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'm very functional! I like using everything I have and put it to work.
DeleteI love your beautiful baskets Cinders. Mine with the "kickstand" has a special place in the cabin. I know you are working toward slowing the pace down, you will get there!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I just don't handle "busy" like I use to. A slower pace is ok with me.
DeleteWell, there's one thing for sure - you aren't afraid of taking on BIG projects! I love your BIG willow baskets. We must be kindred spirits! And, I am sure your senior patients will miss you, too. Hopefully, you find the perfect job so you can have summers off, and, perhaps, even have time to make another willow basket.
ReplyDeleteOne of my first beginner baskets was very large. It never dawned on me to create small! My friend and basket teacher makes very small baskets and I liked the large. It worked out well. And yes, I would like to make a basket. I even have deer antlers and would love to start there. The fun is in the planning.
DeleteBaskets are wonderful! Good luck on finding a less stress filled job and look forward to seeing your quilt!
ReplyDeletethanks, I've always like baskets. You can do so much with them. Also boxes. If I could I'd have 100 different boxes around the house, using them all. I'm a bit nervous about the "new" way of job hunting, all on the computer. No face to face. Weird.
DeleteThank you so much. I look forward to working and doing something different. I do dream of being retired. Just think of all the things I can sew and work on! Ahhh...
ReplyDeleteYou are so creative! Those baskets are beautiful! I hope you find the job of your dreams! best wishes!
ReplyDelete