 |
| A Crow's Nest of a Basket! |
Ever since M pruned some of the branches of the bottlebrush tree, I've been itching to try my hand at making a twig basket. Unfortunately, one needs pliable material, either freshly cut twigs or ones have have been soaked in water. Twigs that have been out in 95F heat for nearly a week are not the best material to use to make a basket. Did that deter me from attempting to make a basket? Of course not! LOL!
I started out with eight fairly straight long twigs laid out in a cross shape and started weaving the bottom and experienced problems almost immediately as the rather brittle twigs began to break! But, I persevered and managed to find some twigs that did not break as long as I didn't try to bend them too much. Which meant the weave couldn't be as close as I wanted. Then, at some point, I got tired of trying to strip all the leaves so I left them in place! They helped to fill in the gaps! LOL. But, I admit that it would have looked a bit neater without the leaves! Maybe I'll trim them off, tomorrow!
The resulting basket is rather flat, like a trug. I was able to bend two of the branches, without breaking them, to make sort of handles, although they'll probably come out of the weave at the slightest tug! Then, I "decorated" it with some of the seedheads stuck near one of the handles!
I've no idea what I'll do with this basket which looks a bit like a crow's nest and I don't mean the type that is high on the mast of an old sailing ship! Maybe I'll ask M to buy me some coconut fiber or something to line it and grow something in it! Maybe I'll just toss it in the compost pile!
Maybe I should have just made a wreath base with the twigs! But, I already have a wreath that I made with some grapevines and don't really need another wreath! Maybe I should have used strips of fabric to weave, instead of twigs.
However, I spent a lovely afternoon outside, on a sunny, but, cooler day, doing a fun project and enjoying myself. That's what retirement life is supposed to be all about, isn't it?
Maybe I will try again, when M cuts down a few more branches, and do so while the branches are still fresh and pliant!
Dancer is much better, today, although he still had a bit of an accident in the bathroom and I had to wash my bathroom mats. Thank goodness for washing machines!
Today, I am grateful for:
- A sunny, cooler day
- A lovely afternoon spent outside
- A fun and frugal project
- M pruning the bottlebrush tree branches
- Leisure time!
Today's joyful activity was trying my hand at basketry!
I do like your basket! What a fun and creative way to spend the day. You could hang it on a wall as decor! I'm glad Dancer is doing better.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Celie. I truly had fun and I think I will give basket making another try with some more pliable material! Yes, Dancer is doing better, now, thank you. :)
DeleteOh that looks like it was a fun experiment though. I watched a YouTube video about making "a serving platter". It was about 15" long, 8“wide and pointed at both ends. The finished article was displayed holding small fruits. I have absolutely nothing in this garden I could use for weaving. But I am going to a wreath making workshop soon!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun, Angela, and I enjoyed myself. Maybe you can find some willow twigs or something on one of your walks along the country side and make a basket. Enjoy your wreath making workshop! You'll probably find plenty of things with which to make wreaths on your walks, too.
DeleteYes, retirement is for doing what pleases you and you had fun.Your basket looks nice and you should make another with fresher twigs and see if they make a difference. I'm glad Dancer is feeling better.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Eileen. Yes, Dancer is feeling much better, now. :)
DeleteI probably should have soaked the twigs before I tried to make the basket, but I didn't think about it before I started. But, yes, I shall try again with fresher twigs. And I'll take the time to strip the branches properly!
That was a fun project and a lovely way to spend the afternoon.
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun project, June, and I enjoyed myself! I will try again with some freshly cut branches. :)
DeleteThanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI have seriously been thinking about trying my hand at weaving baskets from the kudzu that is prolific in the south. I might wait until spring when the vines are new, but I could probably cut some right now and it might be pliable enough for weaving.__anne in the kitchen
Kudzu would be a good vine to use for basket weaving. If it is not pliable enough, maybe soak in some water before weaving.
DeleteWhat fun! It looks nice and rustic and I like the handles. I've often thought it would be fun to try making a basket with some of the willow shrub that keeps popping up unwanted. I guess if I ever try I will have to soak the branches now that you mention your experience. Good luck with your next attempt now you have Mark 1 finished.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bushlady; it does look very rustic, doesn't it? LOL. A willow basket would be a nice project! Yes, you might have to soak them a little bit first. I will definitely try, again! :)
DeleteI think it's cute! Perhaps Mama Cat will use it as a bed to sleep in. X
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jules; maybe I'll leave it on the ground for Mama Cat to discover - currently, the squash plants seem to be her preferred sleeping spot! She has abandoned her bucket in favor of the squash plants!
DeleteI think it is beautiful! Really lovely. In this form, I would hang it as a wreath on your back wall above your little table :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debra. I might do as you suggest and hang it up on the wall! :D
Delete