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This basket was
created after wind blew a limb from a backyard Bradford pear. The
bark stripped so nicely, it seemed a shame to waste it. Unlike black
willow or cedar, Bradford pear bark will tear cross grain, but can be
effectively used in non-functional basketry. The weavers
are twined honeysuckle vines. |
| Two materials
foraged from the flowerbeds formed this twined basket. Daylily
leaves were used for both the framework and weavers, while Peruvian
daffodil flower stalks form the accent "bows" and rim. |
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For many years I
carved miniature furniture, so it seemed quite logical to weave miniature
baskets, as well. The godseye lashing is split and twisted daylily
leaves, the rim and handle cherry sapwood, the tiny weavers are the tip
ends of honeysuckle vines. This was made about eight years ago. I'm
not sure I'd attempt it again. |
| Dried Siberian
iris leaves are thin but tough, even after over-wintering on the plant.
I discovered this while cleaning up the garden a few years ago. This
lidded basket was done during a demo, which may account for the fact that
it's slightly lopsided. My mind and mouth and hands don't function
well at the same time. |
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Heavy, twisted
honeysuckle vines form the framework for this basket. While lovely,
they're downright obstreperous and truly have a mind of their own.
The best the basketmaker can do is encourage, but not try to dictate
shape. Strips of chamois form the warp for this basket, while
smaller, natural walnut dyed honeysuckle vines are the weavers. |
| Though I learned
weaving with reed, I seldom use it now. However, this basket could
not have been created without the uniformity and flexibility offered by
the round reed. The weavers are giant bulrush leaves woven in an
over three under two pattern around the basket. The weaving is
secured at the top with two rows of twined red waxed linen. |
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A few weeks ago a
friend from Oregon sent western red cedar bark. Although she sent it
for papermaking purposes (it does make a lovely sheet), I couldn't resist
creating a basket from it, as well. It's an interesting material
with which to work, similar to black willow bark, but with a bit more
body. Still, both work a bit like wet leather, flopping around,
sometimes uncontrollably. |
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