Friday, June 14, 2013

Not a painting

Pine Needle "Sconce"
7" tall x 5" wide at largest points
Opening is 3" deep by 4" wide at top
Hanger is reinforced with wire

So the secret is now out.   You thought I was only a painter.  Nope.  I do this in my spare time.  Ha!  Believe it or not, I actually, have all my basket making supplies right beside all my painting things.  It sort of breaks things up for me - especially when perhaps a painting is not really going the direction I want, or if I just get burned out, or whatever the case may be.  For some people, this would be torture I know - they have told me so.  But for me, it has a therapeutic quality. 

I had always been interested in pine needle basketry, and it seemed a logical choice considering we live in the woods where pine needles are plentiful. . . .and free.  My grandmother's generation made things from pine needles, and I've been told that at one point the skill was even taught in school.

I met a wonderful lady at an art festival several years ago who makes amazing baskets.  She also gives lessons, so I signed up, and that was the beginning.   I sometimes go for months without making anything, but I have recently picked it back up, partly because I didn't want to forget what I already knew.

I will post more as I complete them.  They are verrrrryyyy time consuming.   My best guess would be that this little guy probably took about 10 - 12 hours to complete - could be more.  I really don't keep track.